DeMar DeRozan is expected to carry a tremendous chip on his shoulder after being blindsided in a trade to the San Antonio Spurs, as his former team of nine years, the Toronto Raptors, made him expendable by swapping him with Kawhi Leonard.
Rudy Gay, his longtime friend, warned he is not the only one on the Spurs' roster with something to prove, according to Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News.
“That's the thing about this whole team – everybody has a chip on his shoulder,” Gay said.
“His is just more publicized. But, look, I'm healthy (and have something to prove), LaMarcus (Aldridge) always finds some way to have a chip on his shoulder. Jakob (Poeltl) wants to prove he can be a great player. DJ (Dejounte Murray) has a chip on his shoulder because he wants to be known as one of the best at his position.”
While none of the aforementioned have the burning anger of feeling ousted from a potential legacy as “Mr. Toronto,” many of the Spurs are still looking to prove they can contend without a top-five talent on the roster. They made it happen last season, though they made a quick exit in the first round of the playoffs.
DeRozan will have to learn a new system, but also play alongside some friendly faces and for one of the teams that has been known for its loyalty over the years.
“It's a new way for him to (forge) a legacy, and I also explained to him he doesn't have to go through customs every time he goes through the airport,” Gay said.
If the Spurs can crack the playoff picture once again, it will be the 22nd straight season in which their name has been in the postseason since the 1996-97 season.
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