The Sacramento Kings are off to a mixed start in the 2024-25 season, posting a 2-2 record in their first four games. Head Coach Mike Brown’s team is clearly still finding its rhythm, but there’s already a bright spot: the seamless scoring from newly acquired DeMar DeRozan. The veteran guard is quickly showing he can be a force for Sacramento, racking up four straight 20+ point games to kick off his Kings career.
DeRozan’s scoring streak has already put him in elite company. Only Kings legends Oscar Robertson and Chris Webber have recorded longer 20-point streaks to begin their tenure with the franchise, with Robertson logging six games in 1960 and Webber seven in 1999. DeRozan’s consistent contributions have been vital as the Kings work to integrate him into their offensive system, which remains a work in progress.
Through these four games, DeRozan has averaged 23 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals while shooting an impressive 55% from the floor. As expected, his three-point shooting has lagged, going just 2-for-7 from deep for a 28.6% mark. But Kings fans—and management—knew what they were getting in DeRozan: a mid-range maestro who has long excelled at creating his own shot in high-pressure moments.
The Kings’ main challenge will be balancing DeRozan’s mid-range-heavy game with the team’s need for perimeter spacing. With DeRozan’s history as a slasher and mid-range threat, the Kings will need to keep him surrounded by floor spacers to open up the lane. Additionally, at this stage in his career, his contributions on the defensive end will be worth monitoring as the Kings look to stay competitive in a loaded Western Conference.
So far, DeRozan’s tenure in Sacramento has been a promising start. While his fit in Brown’s system will evolve over time, his early performance has Kings fans hopeful that the team’s gamble on the former Chicago Bulls star could pay off.
