In an interesting story for The Athletic, Myrin Fader take a closer look DeMar DeRozan“Fierce interest in mental health issues” and how he’s trying to “transform this topic from conversation to action, from podcasts to policy, to reach more people — particularly young boys and men — who struggle with mental health issues and emotional isolation.”
DeRozan, 37, signed a one-year minimum salary contract Nuggets this summer after the Kings voided his partially guaranteed contract in July. According to Fader, DeRozan often repeats the mantra “it’s almost over” to remind himself to appreciate the final stages of his playing career.
“This is not a negative thing“, DeRozan said.”It is a beautiful thing. You can’t do this forever, but while you’re at it, give it your all so that when it’s time to leave, you’ll be fine.”
DeRozan confirmed to Fader that he had received a recruiting call Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray before he agreed to sign with Denver. He is looking forward to playing with those seasoned veterans who won the title together in 2023.
“When I came into the league, I never thought I would play this long” DeRozan told The Athletic. “And when you enter, you don’t understand how fast and how much time passes. … It’s a blessing to play for so long.”
Fader’s story on DeRozan is worth reading in its entirety. The link above is not paid.
Here’s more on the Nuggets:
- During a brief question-and-answer session with reporters at his youth basketball camp last week, Gordon gave a simple and “no-nonsense” answer when asked about the team’s offseason moves, writes Bennett Durando of The Denver Post. “Let’s see” Gordon responded. The veteran forward, who has been plagued by soft-tissue injuries for the past two years, has been a “constant presence” at the Nuggets practice facility this summer, team sources told Durando.
- Gordon, who also talked about departure Peyton Watson and hosted a team minicamp in Puerto Rico, said he was impressed with the 2026 runoff election Trevon Brazile and Bryce Hopkinshow Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette relay. “Yes, beginners are goodsaid Gordon.Bryce is really nice. Tuberculosis is really good. They can play. I’m not entirely sure where they’re going to fit in, but they can go.”
- Chris Dempsey of Demps and Circumstance lists five burning questions for the Nuggets heading into training camp, the first of which is: “How hungry will the Nuggets be to get back to the top of the NBA?As Dempsey points out, the answer to that question hasn’t been hungry enough the last couple of seasons.
- Kroenke Sports and Entertainment — the parent company of the Nuggets — announced plans Friday for a $135 million renovation of Ball Arena for Jessica Alvarado Gomez of The Denver Post. Construction on the upgrade/addition, which will be privately funded, will begin next summer. “When we acquired the Nuggets, Avalanche and Arena, we committed to building winning teams and supporting the city of Denver” said the founder, owner and chairman of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment E. Stanley Kroenke. “The renovated Ball Arena and the subsequent renovation of the surrounding grounds allow us to continue both for another 25 years and beyond.”
