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Report considers DeMar DeRozan a near-lock for the Hall of Fame
As the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame welcomed its new members, an analyst decided to take a look at which active players are likely to enter the hallowed halls in the future. One of the players mentioned was Chicago Bulls wingman DeMar DeRozan, who has proven himself as an all-time great throughout his long and decorated career. According to The Athletic's Mike Vorkunov, DeRozan is a "near lock" for an eventual induction into the Hall of Fame.
Fascinating case
The Compton native has built a compelling case for his inclusion into the Hall of Fame once he decides to finally hang up his Kobes. He's a six-time All-Star and a three-time All-NBA team member. He's also considered one of the league's elite shotmakers and clutch players. However, Vorkunov writes that his resume remains lacking.
"But, and here is the big but here, the big-time bona fides are just not there. Again, he hasn't stacked up All-NBA teams. He has never finished top five in MVP voting. He's a six-time All-Star, but it's hard to say he's ever been thought of as one of the league's truly elite players," Vorkunov wrote.
He'll likely make it
Chances are DeRozan will eventually make it to the Hall of Fame. The former USC standout is already 39th on the all-time scoring list, and he's far from done when it comes to getting buckets.
"It would be hard to make a strong Hall of Fame case for him except for one big point in his favor. DeRozan now sits 39th on the NBA's all-time scoring list, right behind Chris Paul and Stephen Curry. Everyone in the top 47 in scoring has or will make the Hall," Vorkunov added. “He scored 1,816 points last season; if he does that again, he could finish as high as 30th at the end of this upcoming season depending on how many points Paul and Curry score. He also has averaged 20 or more points per game in 10 seasons; just 34 others have done that in NBA history, and they are all in the Hall or likely headed there.”
Of course, achieving some significant team success before the end of his career could also be a huge boost for Deebo's potential enshrinement in the Hall.
