DeMar DeRozan's offseason isn't going the way he expected it to. According to Chris Haynes of ESPN, the San Antonio Spurs star will not be partaking in Basketball Without Borders and the NBA Africa game.
Basketball Without Borders is a program run by FIBA and the NBA. BWB focuses on global development and community outreach. The program is playing its third game in Africa on August 4 in Pretoria, South Africa.
DeRozan is taking the time off to get acclimated to his new surroundings. His transition from the Toronto Raptors to San Antonio was completely unexpected and it's thrown his offseason plans into disarray. For what it's worth, one of the main persons involved in this project is Masai Ujiri, whom DeRozan believes lied to him about his security with the Raptors.
It's unfortunate that DeRozan won't be able to attend, but his main focus is on the San Antonio Spurs. He's joining a playoff team and one of the best coaches in basketball. DeRozan has long been criticized for his disappearances in the playoffs. But if anyone can help DeRozan figure out his playoff struggles, it's Popovich.
His situation isn't perfect, but he could turn a negative into a positive if he plays his cards right. The Toronto Raptors may have hit a ceiling with DeRozan so this move could be a positive for both sides.
He has two more years on his deal and a player option in 2021. The Spurs were put into a difficult spot by Kawhi Leonard, but they are still in position to contend next season. DeRozan is an All-Star player and the Spurs advanced to the playoffs without Kawhi in 2018.
DeRozan's focus is solely on the San Antonio Spurs.
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