DeMar DeRozan is one of the most recognizable American basketball players of his generation. The six-time NBA All-Star has built a long career around scoring, mid-range shooting, athleticism and consistency
After spending the last two seasons with the Sacramento Kings, DeRozan entered a new chapter in 2026 by joining the Denver Nuggets.
His move to Denver has brought renewed attention to his career and his role in the NBA.
The Nuggets signed DeRozan to a one-year contract in September 2026.
He enters the 2026-27 season as a 17-year NBA veteran with more than 26,000 career points. He is also among the league’s highest all-time scorers.
DeRozan’s career has already taken him through four NBA teams before Denver.
He began with the Toronto Raptors after being selected ninth overall in the 2009 NBA Draft.
He later played for the San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings.
At 37 years old, DeRozan is no longer the young high-flying prospect who entered the NBA in 2009.
However, his scoring ability and experience continue to make him an important veteran presence.
His move to Denver also places him alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray as the Nuggets prepare for another NBA season.
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Table of Contents
Who is DeMar DeRozan?
DeMar DeRozan is a professional basketball player who currently plays for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA. He was born on August 7, 1989, in Compton, California.1
He played college basketball at the University of Southern California before entering the NBA. DeRozan was selected by the Toronto Raptors with the ninth overall pick in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft.
He quickly became an important part of Toronto’s roster and eventually developed into one of the team’s leading scorers.
The NBA lists DeRozan at 6 feet 6 inches and 220 pounds. He primarily plays as a guard-forward and has spent much of his career operating as a scoring wing.
His game has traditionally been built around attacking the basket, creating his own shot and making difficult mid-range jumpers. While the modern NBA has placed a greater emphasis on three-point shooting, DeRozan has remained known for his ability to score inside the arc.
He has also developed into a reliable passer. As his career progressed, he became more comfortable handling the ball and creating opportunities for teammates.
🫡 @TiffanyHaddish
Watch my Dinners With DeMar episode with Tiffany on my YouTube https://t.co/hIdHABjebN pic.twitter.com/ehvcf639zI
— DeMar DeRozan (@DeMar_DeRozan) September 24, 2026
Early Life
DeRozan grew up in Compton, California. Basketball became a major part of his life at an early age.
His athletic ability was already obvious during his high school years. He attended Compton High School and became one of the most highly regarded high school basketball players in the country.
During his senior season, he averaged 29.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 3.0 steals per game.
His high school career included several major honors. He was selected as a McDonald’s All-American and was also recognized as a Parade All-American.
DeRozan also showcased his athleticism in the McDonald’s All-America Game, where he won the Slam Dunk Contest. His combination of size, speed and jumping ability helped establish him as a major prospect.
He eventually chose USC and played one season of college basketball for the Trojans.
Stats Table
| Category | DeMar DeRozan |
|---|---|
| Full name | DeMar Darnell DeRozan |
| Date of birth | August 7, 1989 |
| Birthplace | Compton, California |
| Height | 6’6″ |
| Weight | 220 lb |
| Position | Guard-Forward |
| College | USC |
| NBA Draft | 2009, Round 1, Pick 9 |
| NBA debut | October 28, 2009 |
| NBA experience | 17 years |
| NBA teams | Toronto, San Antonio, Chicago, Sacramento, Denver |
| NBA All-Star selections | 6 |
| All-NBA selections | 3 |
| Olympic gold medals | 1 |
| 2025-26 points per game | 18.4 |
| 2025-26 rebounds per game | 2.9 |
| 2025-26 assists per game | 4.1 |
| 2025-26 field-goal percentage | 49.7% |
| 2025-26 three-point percentage | 32.0% |
| 2025-26 free-throw percentage | 86.8% |
| Career points | 26,711 |
DeMar DeRozan’s College Career at USC
DeRozan played for the USC Trojans during the 2008-09 season. His college career lasted only one year because he decided to enter the NBA Draft afterward.2
USC described him as an athletic forward with a quick first step and strong scoring ability. His freshman season helped establish him as one of the most promising young players in college basketball.
His decision to enter the NBA after one season proved successful. Toronto selected him with the ninth pick in the 2009 NBA Draft.
That selection began a professional career that would eventually include more than 1,200 regular-season games and six All-Star selections.
DeMar DeRozan’s NBA Career
Toronto Raptors
DeRozan spent the first nine seasons of his NBA career with the Toronto Raptors.
He entered the league as a young athletic prospect but gradually developed into a primary scorer. His role increased as he gained experience, and he became one of the faces of the Raptors franchise.
DeRozan earned his first NBA All-Star selection in 2014-15. He went on to make four consecutive All-Star teams from 2014-15 through 2017-18.
His Toronto years also included several playoff appearances. He became closely associated with the Raptors during the period when the franchise was establishing itself as a consistent Eastern Conference contender.
In 2018, Toronto traded DeRozan to the San Antonio Spurs in a deal that brought Kawhi Leonard to Toronto.
San Antonio Spurs
DeRozan joined the Spurs in 2018 and spent three seasons with the franchise.
The move represented a major change in his career. Instead of playing in Toronto’s Eastern Conference system, he became part of a San Antonio team led by veteran coach Gregg Popovich.
DeRozan continued to be a major scoring option. He also expanded his playmaking responsibilities during his time in San Antonio.
His passing became a more visible part of his game. Rather than simply looking for his own shot, he increasingly created opportunities for teammates.
DeRozan left San Antonio after the 2020-21 season.
Chicago Bulls
In 2021, DeRozan signed with the Chicago Bulls.
His first season in Chicago became one of the strongest individual campaigns of his career. He averaged more than 27 points per game during the 2021-22 regular season and earned another All-Star selection.
He was also selected to the All-NBA Second Team that season.
One of the defining moments of his Chicago career came during the 2021-22 season when he produced back-to-back buzzer-beating game winners against the Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards on consecutive days.
His ability to create shots late in games strengthened his reputation as a clutch scorer. DeRozan spent three seasons with Chicago before moving to Sacramento.
Sacramento Kings
DeRozan joined the Sacramento Kings in 2024.
The move gave Sacramento another experienced scoring option and placed him alongside players such as Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox during his early period with the team.
In his first season with the Kings, DeRozan averaged 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game across 77 games.
He followed that with 18.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game in 2025-26.
Although DeRozan remained productive, Sacramento struggled as a team during the 2025-26 season. The Kings finished with a 22-60 record and missed the playoffs.
Sacramento released DeRozan in July 2026, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Denver Nuggets
DeRozan’s next destination was Denver. The Nuggets signed him to a one-year contract in September 2026.
The move gives Denver another experienced offensive player as the team prepares for the 2026-27 campaign. Denver already has Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon as major pieces.
DeRozan adds another veteran scorer to that group. His exact role will be one of the storylines to follow.
NBA.com’s 2026-27 Nuggets season preview notes that DeRozan could fit into a sixth-man role while the team works out its rotation. At this stage of his career, DeRozan brings something different from a young prospect.
He has played 17 NBA seasons and has experienced regular-season pressure, playoff basketball and international competition.
DeMar DeRozan’s Playing Style
DeRozan has one of the most recognizable offensive styles among veteran NBA players.3
He is particularly known for his mid-range game. He can use his size and footwork to create space before taking a pull-up jumper.
He is also effective around the basket. DeRozan has the strength to attack defenders and the athleticism to finish through contact.
Free throws have also been an important part of his scoring. His ability to draw fouls allows him to remain productive even when his jump shot is not falling.
Another important part of his game is his passing. Over time, DeRozan became more than a pure scorer.
He can initiate offense, run pick-and-roll actions and find teammates when defenses collapse on him. His three-point shooting has never been the defining feature of his game.
Instead, his value has traditionally come from his ability to create shots from the mid-range and attack the rim.
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Why is DeMar DeRozan Trending in 2026?
DeRozan’s renewed visibility in U.S. searches is closely connected to his career transition. The biggest development is his move from Sacramento to Denver.
The Nuggets confirmed his one-year agreement in September 2026. That gives fans a new reason to search his name as the new NBA season approaches.
His age is another part of the conversation. DeRozan is entering his 18th NBA season after making his professional debut in 2009.
That longevity makes him one of the more experienced active players in the league. His career scoring milestone also adds to the interest.
He finished the 2025-26 season with 26,711 regular-season points, placing him 16th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list at the time of his move to Denver.
The Nuggets are also a major reason for the attention. DeRozan is joining a team built around Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
Fans naturally want to know how his scoring style will work within Denver’s offense. Another factor is his long history in the NBA.
DeRozan has played for five franchises and has experienced several different roles.
His career provides a story that stretches from the Raptors of the early 2010s to a veteran role with a championship-contending Denver team.
DeMar DeRozan and His Legacy
DeRozan’s legacy is built around durability and scoring consistency.
He has played more than 1,200 regular-season games and has remained a significant offensive player for much of his career.
His six All-Star selections show the level he reached during his prime. His three All-NBA selections also reflect his status as one of the league’s notable players during the 2010s and early 2020s.
His scoring record is another important part of his legacy. Passing 26,000 career points is a significant achievement because only a relatively small number of NBA players have reached that mark.
DeRozan has also represented the United States internationally. He won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA.
While his career has included different teams and changing roles, his offensive identity has remained remarkably consistent.
DeMar DeRozan’s Personal Life
DeRozan has generally kept much of his personal life away from the center of his basketball career.
He is the son of Frank and Diane DeRozan and grew up in Compton, California. His upbringing and connection to Southern California have remained important parts of his story.
His relationship with his hometown has also influenced his public identity. He has spoken publicly about growing up in Compton and the role basketball played in his development.
Rather than being known primarily for celebrity appearances, DeRozan has generally built his public profile around basketball, family and his professional career.
What Makes DeMar DeRozan Different?
DeRozan has maintained a distinctive offensive identity during an era when NBA basketball has become increasingly focused on three-point shooting.
His mid-range game has remained central to his scoring. He is comfortable taking shots from areas that many modern offenses use less frequently.
His footwork and ability to change pace are also important. DeRozan does not always rely on explosive speed. Instead, he uses hesitation, body control and positioning to create space.
His experience is another major asset. After 17 NBA seasons, he understands how defenses change during a game and how to manage difficult stretches.
That experience could be particularly useful for Denver as the team adds another veteran voice to its rotation.
What Can Fans Expect From DeRozan in Denver?
The biggest question is how much responsibility DeRozan will receive.
Denver has an established offensive hierarchy. Nikola Jokic remains the central figure, while Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon also have major roles.
DeRozan therefore may not need to carry the same scoring burden he handled earlier in his career. Instead, his ability to create offense when the main lineup needs another scorer could become important.
He can also provide experience to a team that has championship ambitions. His veteran presence gives Denver another player who has spent years dealing with pressure and high expectations.
The Nuggets’ 2026-27 season preview specifically identifies DeRozan’s role as one of the team’s preseason storylines.
His first season in Denver will therefore be closely watched not only because of his statistics but also because of how his style fits into the team’s existing structure.
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FAQ’s
Who is DeMar DeRozan?
DeMar DeRozan is a professional American basketball player who currently plays for the Denver Nuggets. He was selected ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2009 NBA Draft and has been an NBA All-Star six times.
How old is DeMar DeRozan in 2026?
DeMar DeRozan is 37 years old in 2026. He was born on August 7, 1989.
What team does DeMar DeRozan play for in 2026?
DeRozan plays for the Denver Nuggets. Denver signed him to a one-year contract in September 2026 after he was released by the Sacramento Kings.
How many NBA All-Star selections does DeMar DeRozan have?
DeRozan has been selected to six NBA All-Star teams.
How many points has DeMar DeRozan scored in his NBA career?
DeRozan entered the 2026-27 season with 26,711 regular-season points. That total placed him 16th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
Conclusion
DeMar DeRozan’s 2026 move to the Denver Nuggets has given one of the NBA’s longest-serving stars another important chapter.
From Compton High School to USC and then to Toronto, San Antonio, Chicago and Sacramento, DeRozan has built a career that spans more than a decade and a half.
His career is a reminder that NBA success can take many forms. DeRozan’s game has evolved without losing the mid-range scoring ability that made him famous.
As he begins another season in Denver, fans will be watching to see how the veteran scorer fits into his latest team and what he can add to the Nuggets.
For readers searching for DeMar DeRozan in 2026, the most important update is simple: he is still in the NBA, still producing and now wearing a Denver Nuggets uniform. His latest chapter is just beginning.
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