Ep. 593 — DeMar DeRozan
Digest
This podcast episode features an interview with NBA star DeMar DeRozan, hosted by David Axelrod. DeRozan candidly discusses his upbringing in Compton, California, where he witnessed violence and loss at a young age. He describes how basketball became his escape from the harsh realities of his environment, channeling his anger and aggression into the sport. DeRozan also opens up about his struggles with depression, emphasizing the importance of breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health in athletes. He shares the profound support he received from his coach, Gregg Popovich, during a difficult time following the loss of his father. DeRozan highlights the importance of team camaraderie and the bond he shared with his teammates in Toronto. He expresses his enthusiasm for the growing popularity of women's basketball, highlighting the talent and skill of female players. DeRozan discusses the polarizing figure of Caitlin Clark and the importance of embracing talent, even when it comes with controversy. He believes that Clark's talent and personality can help elevate the women's game. DeRozan concludes by emphasizing the importance of acknowledging that athletes are human beings with emotions and vulnerabilities, encouraging them to share their struggles to help break down the stigma surrounding mental health.
Outlines
DeMar DeRozan's Journey: From Compton to NBA Stardom
DeMar DeRozan shares his journey from a challenging childhood in Compton to becoming an NBA star, highlighting the impact of violence, mental health struggles, and the importance of team camaraderie and supporting women's basketball.
Growing Up in Compton
DeRozan shares his experiences growing up in Compton, California, describing his large, loving family and the stark contrast between his family life and the violence and hardship prevalent in the community.
The Impact of Violence and Loss
DeRozan discusses the profound impact of witnessing violence and loss at a young age, including the death of his uncle and close friends. He describes how these experiences shaped his worldview and his fear of loss.
Basketball as an Escape
DeRozan explains how basketball became his escape from the harsh realities of his environment, channeling his anger and aggression into the sport. He credits his father for pushing him hard and teaching him to use his aggression constructively.
Transition to Professional Basketball
DeRozan recounts his transition from college to the NBA, being drafted by the Toronto Raptors. He describes the challenges of being in a new country, away from his family, and learning to navigate the business side of professional sports.
Mental Health and the Burden of Success
DeRozan discusses the emotional toll of success and the pressure he felt to live up to expectations. He shares his experience with depression and the importance of seeking help, highlighting the need to break down the stigma surrounding mental health in athletes.
Loss and Support
DeRozan shares the heartbreaking story of his father's passing during the pandemic and the profound support he received from his coach, Gregg Popovich, who showed empathy and compassion during a difficult time.
Team Camaraderie and the Importance of Support
DeRozan emphasizes the importance of team camaraderie and the bond he shared with his teammates in Toronto. He believes that the strength of a team comes from the individual players supporting and caring for each other.
The Rise of Women's Basketball
DeRozan expresses his enthusiasm for the growing popularity of women's basketball, highlighting the talent and skill of female players. He shares his own experiences with his daughters and their love for the sport.
Embracing Talent and Breaking Down Stereotypes
DeRozan discusses the polarizing figure of Caitlin Clark and the importance of embracing talent, even when it comes with controversy. He believes that Clark's talent and personality can help elevate the women's game. He also emphasizes the importance of acknowledging that athletes are human beings with emotions and vulnerabilities, encouraging them to share their struggles to help break down the stigma surrounding mental health.
Keywords
Compton
A city in Los Angeles County, California, known for its high crime rate and gang activity. DeRozan grew up in Compton and experienced firsthand the challenges of living in a disadvantaged community.
Gang Violence
Violence perpetrated by organized criminal groups, often involving firearms and drug trafficking. DeRozan witnessed gang violence in Compton and lost several loved ones to it.
Mental Health
A state of well-being in which an individual realizes their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community. DeRozan's open discussion of his struggles with depression has helped to raise awareness about mental health issues in athletes.
PTSD
A mental health condition that can develop after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. DeRozan's experiences with violence and loss in Compton likely contributed to his development of PTSD.
Tough Love
A parenting style characterized by strict discipline and high expectations. DeRozan's father used tough love to guide him and prepare him for the challenges of life.
Vulnerability
The quality of being susceptible to emotional or physical harm. DeRozan's willingness to be vulnerable and share his struggles has inspired others to do the same.
Therapy
A form of treatment for mental health conditions that involves talking to a therapist. DeRozan's experience with therapy has helped him to manage his mental health and cope with the challenges of his life.
Gregg Popovich
A legendary NBA coach known for his success and his leadership style. DeRozan played for Popovich with the San Antonio Spurs and received significant support from him during a difficult time.
Team Camaraderie
The sense of unity and mutual support that exists among members of a team. DeRozan emphasizes the importance of team camaraderie and the bond he shared with his teammates in Toronto.
Women's Basketball
A professional and amateur sport played by women. DeRozan is a strong supporter of women's basketball and believes that female players deserve more recognition for their talent and skill.
Q&A
How did DeMar DeRozan's childhood in Compton shape his worldview and his approach to life?
DeRozan's childhood in Compton exposed him to violence and hardship, shaping his worldview and instilling in him a deep fear of loss. He learned to navigate a dangerous environment and developed a strong sense of resilience.
What role did basketball play in DeRozan's life, and how did it help him cope with the challenges he faced?
Basketball became DeRozan's escape from the harsh realities of his environment, providing an outlet for his anger and aggression. It also gave him a sense of purpose and a path to a better life.
How did DeRozan's experience with depression and his decision to share his struggles impact the sports world and beyond?
DeRozan's open discussion of his depression helped to break down the stigma surrounding mental health in athletes and inspired others to seek help. His vulnerability and courage have made a significant impact on the conversation about mental health.
What is the significance of DeRozan's relationship with Gregg Popovich, and what does it reveal about leadership?
Popovich's empathy and compassion for DeRozan during a difficult time highlight the importance of leadership that goes beyond the game. Popovich's ability to connect with his players on a personal level and show genuine care is a testament to his greatness as a leader.
What is DeRozan's perspective on the rise of women's basketball, and what does he believe is important for the future of the sport?
DeRozan is a strong supporter of women's basketball and believes that female players deserve more recognition for their talent and skill. He believes that the growing popularity of the sport is exciting and that it's important to embrace the talent and personalities of players like Caitlin Clark.
How does DeRozan's story challenge the perception of athletes as superhuman and indestructible?
DeRozan's story highlights the importance of acknowledging that athletes are human beings with emotions and vulnerabilities. He believes that athletes should feel comfortable sharing their struggles to help break down the stigma surrounding mental health and show that even the most successful athletes are not immune to challenges.
Show Notes
DeMar DeRozan is a six-time NBA All Star and an Olympic gold medalist. But perhaps the defining legacy of his career will be his decision to speak out about his struggles with depression and mental health. He joined David to talk about growing up in Compton, California, surrounded by both gang violence and a strong, loving family; basketball as an escape; his drive to excel; the importance of speaking out about mental health; and his new book, “Above the Noise: My Story of Chasing Calm.”
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