DeRozan took exception to Pascal Siakam attempting a 3-point shot with 3 seconds left and the Raptors leading by 12 points when Siakam could’ve dribbled out the clock. DeRozan angrily chastised the Raptors bench and coach Darko Rajakovic, who told coach Billy Donovan that Siakam attempted the shot because point differential matters for In-Season Tournament ramifications.
The Raptors actually had been eliminated from In-Season Tournament advancement before the game, but apparently, word didn’t get to Rajakovic and Siakam.
“I don’t care about no In-Season Tournament points, none of that. Just respect for the game,” DeRozan said. “If the roles was flip-flopped and I had the ball, hold it. It is what it is.”
Yes, both things are true. He’s more of a purist, but also a guy everyone likes and respects for his game.
I remember when he lost the dunk contest he was disappointed because it seemed like the dunks that got the most praise were the ones with costumes and props, and not the more traditional acrobatics and body control. Just a guy who has strong feelings about how the game should be played.