Kings' DeMar DeRozan Reveals 'Cheat Code' to Elite Mid-Range Game, Citing Kobe Bryant and Other Legends

Sacramento Kings star DeMar DeRozan has unveiled the strategy behind his elite mid-range game, which accounted for 34.3 percent of his 22.2 points per game in the 2024-25 season. During an appearance on Carmelo Anthony's '7 PM in Brooklyn' podcast, DeRozan shared that he gained his foundational knowledge by working with his idol, Kobe Bryant, at 16 and 17 years old, learning to operate in tight spaces and master small movements. He further enriched his game by studying and incorporating techniques from other NBA legends, including Sam Cassell's bump-shot fake fadeaway, Cuttino Mobley's one-dribble pull-up, Andre Miller's hesitation moves, and Alex English's unblockable pull-up jumper, describing himself as a dedicated 'student' of the game.