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DeMar DeRozan Praises Sacramento Kings' Relentless Competitive Spirit

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, November 11th 2025 at 16:25 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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Sacramento Kings’ Competitive Spirit: DeMar DeRozan’s Take

In a recent interview for Sports Illustrated, former Toronto Raptors star DeMar DeRozan took a trip to the Sacramento Kings’ arena to chat with the team’s head coach, Mike Brown, and his teammates. The conversation, captured in the article “Kings star DeMar DeRozan discusses team’s competitive spirit,” offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at why the Kings have been quietly turning heads in a league that’s been dominated by the Lakers, Nets, and Warriors. DeRozan, who has spent most of his career in the NBA and currently sits as a free‑agent, uses his firsthand knowledge of winning and adversity to frame the Kings’ approach to the 2023‑24 season.

The Kings’ Playbook: Culture Before Crossover

At the heart of DeRozan’s analysis is the notion that the Kings’ “competitive spirit” is built from the ground up. He emphasizes the role that a collective mindset plays in elevating a team’s performance—especially when the roster is a mix of veteran leadership and young, untested talent. DeRozan points to the Kings’ front office and coaching staff as the ones who have cultivated an environment where players are encouraged to push each other in practice and to maintain a relentless work ethic in games.

He cites coach Mike Brown’s philosophy: “It’s not about talent alone; it’s about how you use what you have.” Brown’s system relies on a fast‑break offense, high‑tempo defense, and a willingness to take risks, which DeRozan says resonates with players who value the thrill of competition over merely accumulating statistics. The article further highlights a link to a previous SI feature on Brown’s coaching style, offering readers a deeper dive into the “high‑energy, high‑pressure” approach that has become synonymous with the Kings.

A Bench That Bounces

DeRozan also discusses the Kings’ depth—specifically the contributions of role players such as forward Keon Coulthard and point guard Eric Bledsoe. He notes that the bench has become a cornerstone of the Kings’ recent success. “When you have guys who can come in, play solid defense, and hit the clutch shots, you don’t have to rely on one guy,” DeRozan says. This sentiment dovetails with a linked SI recap of the Kings’ 102‑90 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, where a back‑up guard delivered a double‑double off the bench and the team’s collective defensive pressure led to a swift turnaround.

The article provides a side note on how DeRozan’s own experience as a high‑scoring guard informs his appreciation for versatile players. He explains that he was often asked to be a “stretch‑four” during his Toronto years, and he recognizes how the Kings’ roster structure allows each player to play a role that fits their skill set while still contributing to the overall team dynamic.

The Big Picture: Playoffs and the “Other” Teams

DeRozan’s interview touches on the broader NBA landscape, especially how the Kings compare to perennial powerhouses. He acknowledges that the league’s “big three” teams—Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, and Golden State Warriors—have dominated headlines, but he also emphasizes that the Kings have a legitimate shot to upset them if the culture remains intact. He references a link to SI’s “NBA Playoff Outlook” feature, which outlines the Kings’ statistical advantages: a top‑tier three‑point shooting percentage, a strong defensive rating, and a high‑efficiency usage rate for their stars.

In particular, DeRozan mentions the Kings’ defensive metrics. “If we can hold a player like Kevin Durant to 23 points per game, that’s a 30‑plus point swing in a playoff series,” he says. This aligns with a separate SI analysis that examines defensive match‑ups in the Western Conference and projects the Kings’ strengths in shutting down big men versus perimeter shooters.

DeRozan’s Personal Take: A Champion’s Mindset

Throughout the interview, DeRozan consistently frames the Kings’ competitive spirit as a “champion’s mindset.” He recounts how, early in his career, he was a member of the 2019 NBA Finals team, and the lessons he learned about consistency, mental toughness, and preparation. “You have to show up every day, be ready, and then do your job,” he tells the SI reporters. DeRozan further emphasizes the importance of communication on the floor—“It’s about saying what you’re thinking, and then listening to the guys next to you.” The article ties this back to the Kings’ on‑court flow, where the backcourt duo of DeRozan’s former teammate, Pascal Siakam, and the Kings’ emerging guard, Jalen Green, often exchange ideas that keep the offense dynamic.

What’s Next for the Kings?

The interview closes with a forward‑looking statement. DeRozan is optimistic about the Kings’ potential, noting that they “just need to keep playing hard and stay patient.” He suggests that the team’s culture—“winning from the bottom up” rather than chasing a marquee star—will be a key factor in pushing them into the postseason. The article ends by reminding readers of a forthcoming SI series on “Teams with the Most Growth Potential” where the Kings will be featured prominently.

In Summary

DeMar DeRozan’s interview with the Sacramento Kings offers a clear lens through which to view a team that has quietly risen to become a competitive force in the Western Conference. By combining a culture of relentless work ethic, depth on the bench, strategic defensive schemes, and a collective belief in the value of teamwork, the Kings have positioned themselves as a serious playoff contender. DeRozan’s champion’s mindset, highlighted throughout the article, underscores the notion that competitive spirit is less about individual accolades and more about a shared dedication to excellence. The Sports Illustrated piece provides readers with both insight and actionable context—linking to game recaps, coaching philosophies, and playoff projections—to fully understand why the Kings’ competitive spirit is something to watch this season.