Fri Nov 21 02:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text about DeMar DeRozan’s declining free throw attempts, and its potential impact on the Sacramento Kings:
DeRozan’s Free Throw Woes: Is the NBA Legend Losing His Edge, Hurting the Kings?
SACRAMENTO, CA – DeMar DeRozan, a prolific scorer and surefire Hall of Famer currently ranked 25th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, is experiencing an unusual decline in one of his most reliable offensive weapons: drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line. The Sacramento Kings guard, known for his mid-range mastery and ability to create contact, is averaging just 4.4 free throw attempts per game this season, a significant drop from his career average of 6.5 and the lowest since his rookie year.
The drop in free throw attempts raises concerns about DeRozan’s ability to consistently generate offense. Over the Kings’ recent six-game losing streak, DeRozan has only taken 11 total free throws, averaging just 1.8 attempts per game.
While DeRozan is coming off a 27-point game against the San Antonio Spurs, he only had two free throw attempts, which is low for a player who has exceeded that number in a single game 199 times.
The reasons behind this decline are unclear. Will Zimmerle of Sacramento Kings On SI suggests a few possibilities. It could be a consequence of the Kings’ struggling offense, which currently ranks 25th in the league. It could also be a sign of reduced explosiveness from the 36-year-old veteran. This trend began last year, as DeRozan’s free throw attempts dipped significantly during his final season with the Chicago Bulls.
For the Kings, who are currently struggling with a 3-11 record, this development is concerning. More consistent scoring from their guards is vital, and DeRozan getting to the line just a few more times per game could significantly improve their offensive output. While it may not be a season-altering fix, it could be a crucial step towards climbing out of the Western Conference standings basement.
The Kings will need to address this issue if they hope to turn their season around and fully utilize DeRozan’s offensive talents.