X-Factor #3: DeMar DeRozan’s Impact

It’s rare to see a team go from one All-Star to another over the course of two seasons, but that’s the predicament that the San Antonio Spurs find themselves in. Kawhi Leonard was the centerpiece of the franchise for the past few years, and his emergence into one of the best players in basketball kept the Spurs as perennial championship contenders. Leonard won a title and a Finals MVP in 2014, nearly won the MVP in 2017-18, and was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, all while wearing a Spurs uniform.

It’s not a stretch to consider him one of the best players in franchise history, even for a franchise as storied and legendary as the Spurs. But, as we all know, that era is over and Kawhi is now a member of the Toronto Raptors. So where do the Spurs go from here?

The answer largely lies in the man that the Spurs acquired in exchange for Kawhi Leonard, DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan may not have the numbers or accolades that Leonard does, but he brings an impressive resume to San Antonio. DeRozan is a four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA player. He’s averaged over 20 points for each of the last five seasons, making him one of the most consistent scorers in the NBA. He has yet to live up to his regular season standard in the playoffs, but he has the opportunity to change that this season.

With all due respect to Dwayne Casey and the Raptors, this is the first time in DeRozan’s career that he’s played with a truly elite coach and organization. The San Antonio Spurs can bring the best out of DeRozan, and with Kawhi Leonard no longer on the team and the West becoming even tougher, they may have to.