DeMar DeRozan has never touched alcohol in his life. The veteran NBA star recently revealed on the Time Out with Dwyane Wade podcast, that he’s always steered clear of drinking, not out of judgment, but out of discipline.
“I don’t drink. Never had a drink in my life. Not saying nothing wrong with it, but I’ve never had a drink in my life. I just always kind of looked at it from the standpoint of like, my whole goal of hooping was like, I want to be able to play as long as I can.”
“And when I came in the league, I used to make fun of all the old heads, like, man, why you putting ice on? And it’s like, well, I’m telling you, you better start putting ice on before you start to need it.”
“And I’m like, all right, f**k it. I’m putting ice on. Nothing hurting. You know what I mean? Ice tub? All right. I’m going to start ice tubbing just because. But it became such a routine. It’s something that was a necessity for me to have.”
“So it just led me down the tunnel like, what all can I do to prolong whatever it is that I want to do? You know what I mean? If it’s eating healthy, taking care of myself, you know, all right, sleep. I just try to find every avenue to try to prolong whatever it is.”
For DeRozan, it’s never just been about the box score. It’s been about creating a life that allows him to perform at his peak year after year. At 34, DeRozan is still an elite scorer, a mid-range master, and a valued leader in the locker room.
The former Compton High School star has come a long way from the gritty streets of Southern California. Growing up amid gang violence, DeRozan developed a toughness that’s been evident throughout his 15-year career. He wasn’t supposed to last this long, not by the odds, not by the neighborhood he came from, and certainly not by the style of game he plays in a league that has largely moved away from the midrange.
But DeRozan thrives in going against the grain.
He was selected ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2009 NBA Draft and quickly became the face of the franchise. DeRozan helped lead Toronto back to relevance, becoming the leading scorer in team history.
But his loyalty was tested when he was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in the blockbuster Kawhi Leonard deal. It hurt. He didn’t hide it. Yet, as always, he adjusted.
In San Antonio, he reshaped his game into more of a playmaking wing. Then came Chicago, where he posted a career-high 27.9 points per game in 2021–22 and made back-to-back All-Star appearances in 2022 and 2023. Now with the Sacramento Kings, DeRozan continues to evolve.
His numbers, footwork, and ability to control the pace of a game remain elite, and his leadership presence is arguably more valuable than ever.
What separates DeRozan isn’t just his ability to score or defend, it’s his maturity. He was one of the first NBA players to publicly open up about mental health, breaking barriers and giving younger players permission to speak freely.
His legacy will go far beyond the points he scored or the teams he played for. He made it okay to be human in a sport that too often demands silence behind a smile.
In an era where distractions and indulgences are everywhere, DeRozan’s path is rare. He’s never had a drink, never chased trends, and never compromised his vision for himself. All in the name of playing as long as he can. And if his play in recent years is any indication, he’s still got plenty left in the tank.
