DeMar DeRozan set for historic feat in San Antonio

Deebo will reach a monumental milestone in his NBA career on Friday.

© David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

In San Antonio on Friday night, DeMar DeRozan will achieve a feat that not many have accomplished in the history of the NBA. 

The Bulls forward will become just the 54th player in NBA/ABA history to score 20,000 points. Just seven points away from the milestone, it's likely that DeRozan will celebrate the achievement in front of what was once his home court at the AT&T Center.

The 20K Club

DeRozan has been one of the most consistent scorers in the NBA over the past few seasons, averaging over 20 points per game in each of the last nine years. That incredible scoring ability has led the Compton native to the footstep of some of the game's all-time greats. 

Only 53 players before DeRozan have eclipsed the 20,000-point barrier, and when he scores his seven points on Friday night, he'll join some genuinely elite company. He'll be in the same class as Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, Wilt Chamberlain, and Karl Malone.

The feat will be even more special because he'll get to do it in a place with so much significance — San Antonio. DeRozan played for Gregg Popovich and the Spurs for three seasons after he was traded there from Toronto.

"I wanted to save it for Pop. Going back to a place that I spent some time, learned so much from, a place that embraced me, wasn't nothing but love. And it was definitely a learning curve for me in my career at a critical time in my career — and Pop really helped me a lot in my career. I think it'll be cool to be able to do it there," said DeRozan.

Back on track. pic.twitter.com/3PbBaHeirt

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 25, 2022

DeRozan is expecting Popovich to pull something off to try and stop him from achieving the milestone — be it a box-and-one or some crazy defensive scheme.

"You know what's crazy? That's something he would definitely do. That's why, if it happens, it'd be special against Pop. Soon as I get seven points I'm gonna go thank Pop," DeRozan said.

Respect from his peers

DeRozan's impending achievement is not lost on his teammates, especially his fellow All-Star wingman, Zach LaVine.

"There's only so many (20,000 point scorers) in NBA history. And he's going to get a lot more in his career," shared LaVine.

"I've said this enough: I think DeMar DeRozan is a Hall of Fame player. He's someone a lot of guys looked up to. I remember coming into the league and looking up to him as well. Just seeing how he has progressed his game, how good he is. Twenty-thousand, you have to take your hat off and give him his flowers. I can't wait until he gets it," the Bulls star added.