There remains a level of defiance to DeMar DeRozan, something that an astronomical contract can’t break, something that a second child can’t lessen, something a shiny Olympic gold medal can’t diminish. When the Raptors get together Monday to begin the long training camp grind, DeRozan knows that the entire team will be in the league’s crosshairs. “The East’s gotten a lot better. A couple of teams that didn’t make the playoffs got a lot better and they’ll be trying to make a playoff run. Now, coming off 56 wins, two seven-game playoff series leading up to a six-game conference final with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and with that summer contract as a reward, DeRozan’s ready to be his old self.

Source: thestar September 24, 2016 20:15 UTC