DeMar DeRozan was selected ninth overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors and nearly one year after he was drafted he made a huge promise to Raptors fans.
 

Fast track to the 2017-18 NBA season and the 28-year-old has been living up to his promise. The Raptors have made playoff appearances the past four seasons, including a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, and now he’s preparing for his fourth NBA All-Star Game, which he’ll start in this Sunday night in his hometown.
 

 

For the 2nd straight year, #DeMarDeRozan will start in the #NBAAllStar game

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On Saturday, DeRozan met with the media and went over many things with Rod Black, including what’s led the Raptors’ success this season, how he wants to continue to get better, how special it is to be starting in the All-Star Game down the street from where he grew up and much more.

DeRozan on career-best season: 'I'm never satisfied'

The Compton, California native is currently averaging 23.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game through 57 games this season and is one of the main reasons why the Raptors sit atop of the Eastern Conference standings at the All-Star break with a 41-16 record.

Kyle Lowry also caught up with Rod Black on Saturday afternoon and discussed what he’s looking forward to this weekend, especially since his kids are with him, and much more.

Lowry happy to create lasting memories during All-Star weekend

The 31-year-old point guard is also playing in his fourth NBA All-Star Game this year and is averaging 16.6 points, 6.5 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in 54 games this season.