Paul George featured Demar Derozan on his podcast. The six-time All-Star exited the Chicago Bulls as a free agent. Thus, Paul inquired about Demar’s offseason plans. Also, Demar revealed his intentions which involved the Philadelphia 76ers. What were the 35-year-old intentions?
Demar DeRozan’s Offseason Intentions?
Demar Derozan was close to being a Philadelphia 76ers player. The six-time All-Star expressed his desires on Paul George’s podcast. However, the Sixers and Demar link-up didn’t work out. Also, he signed with the Sacramento Kings on a three-year contract.
Paul George asked Demar what influenced his move to the Kings. Then, Demar replied that he was waiting for Paul’s decision. Also, he searched for an opportunity to win on a higher level. Thus, after assessing the Kings’ team, it was a yes. Then, why wait for Paul’s move?
Paul George was a free agent from the Los Angeles Clippers. Also, the Clippers team was on Demar’s list. Aside from the Clippers, the Sixers were on DeRozan’s radar. Therefore, the 35-year-old guard would have been a Philly if Paul extended with the Clippers.
Was Demar A Better Fit For Philly?
Demar Derozan played for the Bulls before moving to the Kings. In the 2024-24 season, he averaged 24 points with 48% from the field and 33.3% from deep. Also, he dished 5.3 assists and claimed 4.3 boards. On the offensive court, he is one of the best mid-range shooters. Defensively he is decent with 1.1 steals per game. So how would he fit in the Big-Three team?
The 35-year-old guard would make the Big Three team imbalance. Philly’s Big Three consists of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George. Joel plays the center position, Tyrese plays guard, and Paul plays forward. Demar in the mix could mean less play time for their up-and-coming star, Maxey. Also, the Sixers’ frontcourt needs more depth. Therefore, bringing Demar doesn’t add to that depth.
Compared to Paul George, Demar’s defensive play and three-point average aren’t better. In the 2023-24 season, Paul George averaged 22.6 points with 47.1% in the field and 41.3% from downtown. Also, the six-time All-NBA claimed 5.2 boards and 1.5 steals per game. Paul is a good, supportive 3-and-D player for the Sixers. Though Demar is a clutch player, he needs to improve his three-point percentage.
In the Eastern Conference, teams want to mirror the Boston Celtics. Also, one of the features of the defending champions is their balanced 3-and-D performance. For the Sixers to compete at this level, they need good 3-and-D players. Thus, Demar Derozan isn’t an option to balance the team.
Final Thoughts
The upside of having Demar Derozan on the Philadelphia 76ers team is that it would be cost-effective. The Sixers franchise entered the offseason with an enormous cap size. Thus, if they signed the 35-year-old, it allowed the team to add other top talents.
Also, the six-time All-Star isn’t injury-prone like Paul George. Two-thirds of the Big Three team intrigues the question of health and player availability. Yet, if Demar was a Philly, it would calm the worries of having a healthy Big Three team. Therefore, Paul George in the Sixers team is a gamble that should pay off.
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