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The move to Denver follows a two-year stint with the Sacramento Kings, where DeRozan averaged 18.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists during the 2025-26 season. While the departure from Sacramento was difficult, the recruitment efforts of Nuggets stars Nikola Jokić, Aaron Gordon, and Jamal Murray played a significant role in his decision to join the team. Now 37, DeRozan views this new chapter as an opportunity to step out of his comfort zone, acknowledging that while he still feels like a rookie in some respects, he is acutely aware of the physical and emotional demands of his longevity in the league.
A Commitment to Mental Health Advocacy
Beyond his contributions on the hardwood, DeRozan is increasingly focused on transforming the mental health conversation into tangible action. Since first speaking openly about his own struggles with depression in 2018, he has become a leading voice in professional sports, aiming to dismantle the stigma surrounding emotional vulnerability. Through his YouTube series, "Dinners with DeMar," and his memoir, "Above the Noise: My Story of Chasing Calm," he has provided a platform for honest dialogue, often hearing from fans who credit his transparency with saving their lives.
DeRozan’s advocacy is rooted in a desire to reach young men, a demographic that faces significant challenges regarding emotional isolation and suicide. Citing sobering statistics—including that men account for nearly 80 percent of suicide deaths—he is actively seeking ways to move beyond conversation and into policy-driven initiatives. He has explored potential collaborations with government officials to support programs for struggling youth and intends to continue this work within the Colorado community. Brett Rapkin, creator of "Dinners with DeMar," notes that DeRozan’s authenticity is a powerful tool in redefining traditional concepts of strength.
Looking Toward Life After Basketball
As he navigates his final years in the NBA, DeRozan is also exploring creative avenues for his post-basketball career. He has expressed a strong interest in film and visual storytelling as a medium to share mental health narratives, believing that these stories can serve as a source of inspiration for others. This creative drive is a reflection of his own journey, one that began in Compton and was shaped by early challenges that taught him to persevere in the face of doubt.
Ultimately, DeRozan’s message remains one of empathy and inclusion. Despite his status as a decorated athlete, he remains candid about his own ongoing process, emphasizing that even the most successful individuals face difficult days. By continuing to share his story, he hopes to ensure that young people understand they are not alone in their struggles. As he settles into life in Denver, his focus remains clear: to give everything he has to his new team while continuing to advocate for the importance of mental well-being.
