On eve of return to Toronto, former Raptors star DeRozan says he’s “moved on” with Spurs
TORONTO — DeMar DeRozan has found closure.
When the player once fondly known as “Mr. I am Toronto” was unceremoniously jettisoned from the Raptors last summer in the blockbuster deal to acquire Kawhi Leonard, the hurt lingered long. But the 29-year-old insists he’s moved on.
“Last summer was a whirlwind for me,” DeRozan said. “I was just trying to get things in order and understanding what to do next. I haven’t had a chance to really sit down and reflect on it . . . .
“It’s just part of life and you have to find a way to let that be some sort of challenge to be better in whatever way possible.”
DeRozan was back in Toronto with his San Antonio Spurs on the eve of his muchanticipated game against the Raptors, a game that’s been circled on many a calendar — including his — since that shocking day last summer.
While DeRozan, who played nine years in Toronto, has said his relationship with Raptors president Masai Ujiri was done the day he was traded, Ujiri told media on Wednesday that “time heals.”
“Time does heal everything,” DeRozan responded. “That doesn’t mean it’s going to go back to the same way that it was. I’ve moved on, I’m happy where I’m at. Still talk to most of the (Raptors players). That part will never change, but we’ve all moved on.”
DeRozan certainly looked like he’d moved on Thursday. Almost like he’s been spoiled by the Texas sunshine, he showed up to Thursday night’s press conference at a swish Yorkville hotel wearing a fur aviator hat pulled down over his ears.
Asked if he had plans to head out into the city, he laughed and said “It’s too cold.” (It was 1 C, almost balmy for a Toronto winter night.)
What did he have planned for the evening?
“Hopefully Kyle (Lowry) comes and brings me something to eat.”
How’s he liking the San Antonio weather?
“I love it.”
He joked that he “didn’t miss the construction” in Canada’s largest city.
DeRozan, who saw himself as a lifetime Raptor before the trade, has tried to envision what tonight’s return to Scotiabank Arena will be like.
One of the most popular Raptors ever — if not the most popular — will undoubtedly receive a hero’s welcome.
“If it’s one of them long standing ovations, it’s definitely going to be overwhelming,” said DeRozan. “I’m looking forward to it, to feeling the love.”
DeRozan was feeling it last month when the Spurs hosted the Raptors, recording the first triple double of his career with 21 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists on a night that saw San Antonio’s crowd serenade Leonard with jeers.
DeRozan and the Spurs routed the Raptors 125-107 in that Jan. 3 encounter.