Kings are making a DeMar DeRozan realization Spurs fans are well aware of

DeMar DeRozan, or "Deebo," is one of the most likable players in the NBA. He's honest, he plays hard, and he plays a style of basketball that is becoming extinct, but hoops fans romanticize it because it's aesthetically pleasing to watch. It's awesome to watch players show off an array of moves, leading to a pull-up mid-range shot that barely tickles the net on its way through the basket.

The athleticism of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant wowed you, while their mastery of the mid-range mesmerized you. Carmelo Anthony was one of the most versatile scorers in the league, and he was primarily a mid-range guy. His fan base is deep because so many enjoyed his playing style. Unfortunately, that style doesn't get you as far as it used to in today's NBA.

DeMar DeRozan won't make you an elite team

By the time DeRozan had made his way to the Spurs, the league had already pivoted to more 3-point shooting. He's never been a great range shooter, and his refusal to adjust his game is a detriment to winning. Not to mention, he's not a great defender.

The Sacramento Kings made the playoffs two seasons ago, but just barely missed the cut last year. When they traded for Deebo, they assumed he could elevate their roster and help them get back to the postseason. Over a quarter of the way through, they have the same record as San Antonio (13-13).

You would think that a team with De'Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and DeMar DeRozan could hold their heads above the waters of a .500 record, but here we are. The truth is that the Compton native is not a game-changer and hasn't been for a long time.

Spurs fans love DeMar. He played his heart out every night and wore it on his sleeve. DeRozan embraced San Antonio despite strong feelings of disdain for how Toronto handled his trade to Alamo City. But when you look at his time in the Silver and Black, the team took a massive step back after that trade and is still working to recover.

Everyone remembers when Kawhi Leonard was hurt in game one of the Conference Finals in 2017. The Spurs won 61 games that season. They only won 47 games the following year and then won 48 games the next season, which was DeRozan's first year on the team.

That would be considered an improvement if not for the fact that Leonard only played nine games during the 47-win season. The Spurs won 32 and 33 games in the next two years.

Sure, the team traded Danny Green away along with the Klaw, but you got 77 games of DeRozan after only nine of Leonard, and it only amounted to one more win. They made the playoffs that year, lost in the first round, and haven't been back since. DeRozan also only went to the playoffs once with the Bulls. Like in San Antonio, it was in the first season with the team, and they didn't return after.

There's an argument to be made that DeRozan is such a talented player that he should be able to work if you put him in the perfect situation, but that situation has yet to materialize. He'll play hard in Sacramento, and they'll love him for it. But they won't win.