DeMar DeRozan’s Free-Throw Drop Sparks Concerns About Age and Kings’ Offense
DeMar DeRozan stands as a towering figure in the annals of NBA scoring. With 25,555 points to his name, he ranks 25th in league history, a testament to his remarkable 17-year career. Renowned for his signature mid-range game, DeRozan has consistently been a force, averaging over 20 points per game for an impressive 12 consecutive seasons. Yet, a troubling trend has emerged this season that raises eyebrows and invites scrutiny.
Declining Free-Throw Attempts
Historically, DeRozan has excelled at drawing fouls and capitalizing on free-throw opportunities. Throughout his career, he has averaged 6.5 free throws per game, a stat that highlights his ability to create contact and convert those chances into points. However, this season has brought a stark contrast to that trend, with DeRozan averaging just 4.4 free-throw attempts per game. This figure not only falls short of last season’s average of 5.7 but also marks the lowest rate since his rookie year in 2009-10, when he recorded only 2.5 attempts while playing 21.6 minutes per game.
The question that looms large is: why the sudden dip in free-throw opportunities?
Potential Contributors to the Decline
One angle to consider is the Sacramento Kings’ struggling offense, which currently ranks 25th in the league. A lack of offensive rhythm can stifle a player’s ability to generate fouls, as teams may not be creating the same opportunities for drives and contact that facilitate free-throw shooting. DeRozan’s role in a faltering offensive system might be a significant factor in his decreased trips to the line.
Alternatively, there’s the undeniable fact that DeRozan is now in his age-36 season. As athletes age, their explosiveness and ability to draw fouls often decline, raising concerns about whether DeRozan still possesses the same agility and quickness that defined his earlier years. The combination of these elements could be contributing to his current predicament at the charity stripe.
As the season unfolds, the basketball community will be watching closely to see if DeRozan can regain his footing at the line and what that means for both his individual performance and the Kings’ overall offensive effectiveness. In a league where scoring efficiency is paramount, these developments might be pivotal for DeRozan and his team moving forward.
