"Escape from reality" - DeMar DeRozan references Michael Jordan’s Space Jam intro to explain his early obsession with basketball
Ahead of his book release, newly signed Sacramento Kings star forward DeMar DeRozan recently spoke about how basketball transformed his life. The six-time All-Star harkened back to his childhood in Compton, California, citing the influence of Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan's iconic 1996 film "Space Jam."
DeRozan, 35, is gearing up for his 16th season and first with Sacramento after joining the franchise in free agency. Amid the latter stages of his career, he is set to release his memoir titled "Above the Noise: My Story of Chasing Calm" on Tuesday.
The book reportedly chronicles DeRozan's "very public struggle with depression," so he can help others avoid "suffering alone." A day before his memoir's release, he joined "Podcast P with Paul George," touching on his difficulties completing the book. He later recounted how basketball has been therapeutic throughout his life.
DeRozan referenced "Space Jam" as one of his earliest inspirations, recalling the movie's opening scene with a young Jordan shooting hoops outside his house. According to the star forward, seeing the film's transition to the six-time NBA champion in his prime motivated him to make it to the league.
"You know how 'Space Jam' first starts?" DeRozan said. "... When Jordan was a kid, he was playing outside and dribbling. He made a move, he was going to the court, and it transitioned to him playing with the Bulls, and the music started playing.
"That's how I envisioned basketball when I was a kid, having that type of imagination that gave me an escape from reality."
DeRozan added that he became hooked on basketball, with the game serving as a constant distraction from his problems.
"When it was time to go home, I used to cry because you could just be on the court all day just shooting, playing, working on stuff," DeRozan said. "Even if you just make the craziest shot one time, it gives you a rush that nothing else could give you.
"I think when you have a love for the game, you chase that adrenaline rush all the time, and I think that's what sets us free when we go to the gym and go shoot at night."
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DeMar DeRozan has long since fulfilled his childhood dream, now being one of the NBA's oldest stars. On top of making six All-Star teams, he has garnered three All-NBA selections, establishing himself as one of the league's premier midrange shooters and late-game shot-makers.
Also Read: "He was incredible on a bad knee" - DeMar DeRozan reveals taking inspiration from Michael Jordan's Wizards era
DeMar DeRozan on when he will be ready to "walk away from the game"
During his "Podcast P with Paul George" appearance, DeMar DeRozan added that his passion for basketball will likely dictate how long his career spans.
According to the Kings star, he will try to play until he loses his child-like admiration for the game.
"Basketball was such a universal emotion that you could tap into, to where I always told myself, if I ever lost that element of feeling that, that's how I know I'm ready to walk away from the game," DeRozan said.
DeRozan is set to team up with Sacramento stars Domantas Sabonis and De'Aaron Fox this upcoming season, forming an offensive-minded Big 3. The trio will attempt to guide the Kings to their second playoff appearance in three years.
Also Read: "F**k all this s**t" - DeMar DeRozan shares biggest challenge after departing from Chicago Bulls