DeMar DeRozan is returning to the place all of it started, and he’s doing it with nothing however love for the town of Toronto.
The Sacramento Kings star will face his former group when the 2025 preseason suggestions off in opposition to the Raptors on Wednesday.
Regardless of being caught up within the now-infamous Drake–Kendrick Lamar feud earlier this yr, DeRozan says there’s no bitterness towards the town he as soon as carried on his again.
“That’s residence,” DeRozan informed reporters Tuesday, through NBC Sports activities Bay Space. “That’s the place my entire profession began. That’s the place I turned the participant I’m at this time. The Raptors group undoubtedly at all times going to carry a particular place, regardless. 10 years, 20 years, 30 years from now, there’s nothing that may ever exchange that feeling that I had in my years there. It’s at all times cool to see acquainted faces which can be nonetheless there.”
Born and raised in Compton, California, the identical hometown as Kendrick Lamar, DeRozan spent 9 seasons in Toronto, turning into one of many franchise’s most beloved gamers.
And whereas his identify was dragged into final season’s rap beef between Drake and Lamar, he made it clear no diss monitor may tarnish his bond with the town.
“I don’t care, what I did there, I put my life on the road each single evening that I stepped on that courtroom,” DeRozan mentioned. “Nothing and no one may ever take that away. I don’t get caught up in shenanigans, all that comes with it. On the finish of the day, I hoop, I am going on the market, each true fan and each one who is aware of me there is aware of I signify that place greater than anyone who ever got here by way of there.”
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