The fact that the US media is melting down about this tells me this was the right move. We're like the "heel" in WWE to the American media. They love hating on us. I think they are legit scared either he stays here, and we become the best team in the East, or that we win it all with him this year. It's almost like they are trying to turn everyone around him listening (including Kawaii) against us. I trust though, that the more time Kawaii spends with our guys, in our city, his tone will change. We are the perfect place for him to shine. Plus who knows what the US will look like in 12 months based on the way Trump is moving the country into chaos. Living and working in Canada vs. LA might be appealing to an african-american in 2019.
In terms of the trade, I couldn't believe that we didn't have to give up OG/Siakam/Wright. And getting that pick protected was masterwork on Masai's part. As for Derozan, I have always felt like he was the one player that was holding us back in the playoffs. As hard as he worked to develop and grow (I've never seen a player work as hard to change and improve in any sport ever), there is one thing that he is missing, and that is his own self-doubt. Trust me, I've suffered from anxiety and depression for most of my life (I'm 41 now), and as functional and great as I've been able to make my life, there is no way I could handle the pressure of being the main star of an NBA franchise. No amount of effort, medication, therapy, money, security, family support would matter. I know my limitations. This might sound callous, but when he came out and bravely admitted that he suffered from mental health issues, his struggles in the playoffs made SO much sense to me. People will tell you all your life that "anyone can do anything". Having depression is a disability, just as serious and debilitating as any physical one. As much as we love overcoming adversity, disabilities can be managed and improved immensely, but they limit us to what we can achieve. I don't think it's a coincidence that a guy like Kevin Love also has struggled in the playoffs. You can have all the talent in the the world with your body, all the will power in the world, you have limits. We all do.
All that being said, I love DD. He has been my favourite basketball player of all time as a person and role model. He just has a ceiling to where he can take us, so if we wanted to move past that point, we either had to get someone better than him to take the pressure off, or move on from him, and we didn't have the space or ability to get that guy. He's perfect as a number three option on a championship team. An outstanding high volume scorer who ultimately doesn't need to take that final shot.
