Leading with tools forged as a Raptor

One-on-one with DeRozan and new book are reminders of Toronto's role in journey

- DOUG SMITH

Sit across from DeMar DeRozan for any length of time, in any kind of circumstance, and one of the initial thoughts that comes to mind is: Man, this is what Toronto did for this young man.

There’s insight and stories and reminiscences and laughs. A fully confident man more than willing and able to discuss matters of depth that the vast majority of athletes avoid like a slump.

It’s pointed out that he’s come so far, been so different, and the 35-year-old NBA all-star laughs at the idea of his teenage self.

“I didn’t talk, I didn’t do nothing, not at all,” he recalls of his arrival in Toronto as a Raptors rookie in 2009. “I always look back on a lot of those times when the beauty of being naïve is a special thing.

“That’s the beauty of life and going through a journey, is where it’s going to take you if you’re willing to take that journey. And that’s what my book’s about: me going on that journey, going through so many obstacles and going back in time trying to figure out a lot of things that affected me when I’m older.”

His book — “Above The Noise,” written with Canadian author Dave Zarum — is an introspective chronicle of his upbringing in the Compton neighbourhood of Los Angeles and the challenges, losses and obstacles that dotted the journey to a still-counting 16-year NBA career.