For the first time in his 9 1/2 years in the NBA, DeMar DeRozan played inside Scotiabank Arena in Toronto wearing a San Antonio Spurs jersey. DeRozan was traded by the Raptors to the Spurs last summer in exchange for Kawhi Leonard. It was a move that the former All-Star didn't see coming as he was promised by the team's front office that he will remain in Toronto.
DeMar made it known that he felt betrayed and was obviously hurt by what the Raptors did. Eventually, he moved on and became the leader of the Spurs.
Still, DeRozan needed something; closure, and after the Spurs' 120-117 loss against the Raptors, he told Toronto beat writer Josh Lewenberg that after this game, he can completely move forward with his career.
“I think tonight was just that last little piece of closure for me – to be able to come back here, see familiar faces and get that burden off my shoulders. So it was cool.”
DeRozan also said that he felt good about the reaction he got from the fans.
“It's an honour. I spent practically my whole career here and to come back and get a reception like that is definitely humbling, beyond gratifying. I appreciate it.”
For months, it was obvious that DeRozan was still hurt by the fact that the Raptors traded him, eventhough he gave everything he could for the city, but after seeing the reaction he got from the fanbase he once played for, he can definitely say that he's still loved in Toronto, and that the fans would want nothing but the best for their former franchise player.
Follow Us
Subscribe