© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
How DeMar DeRozan continues to make a living at the free-throw line despite defenses knowing what he does
While DeMar DeRozan can still explode to the rim, he mostly operates efficiently. No energy is wasted as he uses his body and handles to get into positions that draw defenders' attention. This is where his mastery of the free-throw line comes into play.
Despite knowing exactly what DeRozan is going to do, defenders still struggle to stop him from getting to the free-throw line. DeRozan has spent years honing and perfecting his craft, making him almost unstoppable in this aspect of the game.
A unique feel for the game
As a 15-year veteran, DeRozan has developed a unique feel for the game, something that cannot be taught but rather gained through experience. He has an instinctual understanding of where to place the ball to keep his defender guessing, reaching, and at times, even jumping at his patented pump fake.
“I just read the game, I have a feel for the game,” DeRozan said.
“Whether it’s using pump fakes or understanding when a guy is gonna reach. You know, I try to, you know, play the right way. Not necessarily manipulating to where I’m just flailing. Just trying to use guys physicality to my advantage.”
Developing new ways to catch the defense off guard
Since the All-Star break, DeRozan has shot 9.4 free throws per game, a considerable increase from the 7.2 he averaged in the previous 53 games. Deebo explained that he’s constantly reading his defender, waiting for them to drop their guard or focus. When that happens, DeRozan is ready to attack and draw contact.
“I think the low pick up (is working better) now because it’s just a natural habit to reach and play with your hands,” DeRozan shared.
“I think when you get your your angles right. It’s all about how aggressive you be going downhill and reading it. Knowing how to time it up perfectly. It just feel. I’ve been doing it so long.”
DeRozan’s arsenal of moves is already frustrating to defend, but his innate ability to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line makes him an even bigger threat on the court.
“I’ve definitely been a victim before,” Denver Nugget Peyton Watson said.
“It’s just one of those things, you know he’s gonna do it and it’s still hard to guard like. It’s just so believable. He’s a mid-range assassin and if you don’t get a good contest, or time it up to where you get your hand up, right when he’s gonna release, he’s gonna make it.”
