Kings star DeMar DeRozan led NBA rotation players in midrange scoring during the 2024-25 season, with 34.3% of his 22.2 points per game coming from midrange shots. This comes as no surprise to those who have followed his 16-year career.
DeRozan shared how he mastered the midrange game during an appearance on the "Brooklyn at 7pm" podcast, hosted by NBA legend and fellow midrange expert Carmelo Anthony, who recently retired.
"It began with me being a dedicated student," DeRozan explained. "At 16 or 17, I had the opportunity to work with Kobe Bryant. I focused deeply, absorbing every detail, learning how to navigate tight spaces and perfect my shot."
Hailing from Compton, Los Angeles County, DeRozan honed his midrange skills by studying legendary players who inspired many young basketball hopefuls. His playing style, marked by precise footwork and composure in tight situations, clearly mirrors the finesse of past greats.
But Kobe wasn’t the only influence. DeRozan admired other NBA veterans for their ability to create space and execute shots. "I remember at 15, talking to Sam Cassell," DeRozan recalled. "He showed me moves like the bump and shot fake that helped me improve my right shoulder game. I absorbed everything."
He paid close attention to these mentors and incorporated their techniques into his own style. "Now, I have a bit of a cheat code. I just ask, ‘How do you do this?’ and learn moves like the one-dribble pull-up." Names like Cassell, Mobley, and English also shaped his approach.
DeRozan appreciates the early mentorship from Kobe Bryant, who laid the groundwork for his midrange skill mastery. "I’m a student who’s lucky to learn from idols, so I focus on the details," he said.
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Fan Take: DeRozan’s dedication to mastering the midrange shot underscores a vital aspect of basketball often overlooked in today’s three-point-heavy era. His story reminds fans that skill, footwork, and basketball IQ remain timeless ingredients for success, inspiring the next generation of players to value the complete game.
