Following the Sacramento Kings’ loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night, veteran DeMar DeRozan shared candid thoughts on the challenges the team has faced this season.
With the Kings officially eliminated from playoff contention and holding a 16-51 record—the worst in the Western Conference and tied for the league’s worst with Indiana—DeRozan emphasized perspective, professionalism, and a love for the game above all else.
“Yeah, this sucks, but I’ll take this over a lot of stuff that I went through in my life,” DeRozan said following the loss, Sacramento’s 21st over their past 25 games.
“I mean, I’m pretty sure anybody who has a job wishes every day you go to work, and everything is just great, but it doesn’t work like that. You’re going to go through your ups and downs, and when things are great, you enjoy it. But you’re really tested and see who you are when things are tough.”
DeRozan poured in a season-high 39 points on an incredible 17-of-22 (77%) shooting performance, but the Kings fell short to the up-and-coming Hornets in crunch time.
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Despite this season’s disappointing results, the 36-year-old stressed the importance of maintaining professionalism and passion as the offseason approaches.
“Nobody wants to be in the position we’re in, but since we are, you still have to be professional at the end of the day. That’s what it comes down to. Have love for the game, be professional. If you play long enough, you’re not going to have great years every year. Like I said, it goes back to loving the game. I just love hooping.”
DeRozan, a 16-year veteran known for his scoring and leadership during a storied career that saw him pass Tim Duncan for 18th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, reflected on his approach to basketball, highlighting that his passion has remained unwavering even amid a tough season for Sacramento.
“Anybody who knows me sees me playing in the Drew League for free in the summertime or at open runs. I just love the game, and I try to find enjoyment and happiness within it even when things are tough. I always try to put things in perspective with life and where I come from.”
This season has tested the Sacramento Kings in multiple ways, but DeRozan’s comments underscore a commitment to focus on what he can control—effort, attitude, and love for the game.
While Sacramento’s playoff hopes are gone and their record reflects ongoing challenges, DeMar DeRozan’s perspective serves as a reminder that even in adversity, professionalism and passion can provide a sense of purpose.
We’ll see if that sense translates into more wins in 2026-27, but for now, DeRozan and the Kings will play out the final weeks of a lost season as they look towards what they hope will be a brighter future.
DeRozan, who has a partially guaranteed deal for the 2026-27 season, may not stick around to see if those bright days arrive next year, but his professionalism will always stick out the most when we look back on and reflect on his time as a King.
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When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
The Sacramento Kings will make a brief one-game road trip to Los Angeles for a matchup against the red-hot Clippers.
Los Angeles is 2-0 against the Kings this season, including a 114-111 win over Sacramento in the most recent meeting between these two Pacific Division foes on February 6th.
Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Clippers action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 6:00 PM PT on Game Night before a 7:30 pm PT tip-off from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Saturday, March 14th @ Los Angeles Clippers – 7:30 PM PT
Sunday, March 15th vs. Utah Jazz – 7:00 PM PT
Tuesday, March 17th vs. San Antonio Spurs – 7:00 PM PT
Thursday, March 19th vs. Philadelphia 76ers – 7:00 PM PT
Sunday, March 22nd vs. Brooklyn Nets – 3:00 PM PT
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