DeMar DeRozan Criticizes Young NBA Stars for Phone Use and Sensitivity to Public Opinion During Games

DeMar DeRozan, the veteran forward for the Sacramento Kings, openly criticized the younger generation of NBA players for their frequent use of phones and sensitivity to public opinion during games. Speaking in an interview on Carmelo Anthony’s ‘7 PM in Brooklyn’ podcast, DeRozan expressed his frustration with how players are distracted by social media even during halftime, impacting their focus and competitive spirit.

DeRozan’s concerns came up during a discussion about a story shared by Chauncey Billups, who recalled an NBA player posting highlight clips on social media while his team, the Portland Trail Blazers, trailed by 18 points at halftime. DeRozan reacted strongly to this behavior, questioning how players became so preoccupied with social media that they search their own names on Twitter during games.

DeRozan’s Frustration with Modern Players’ Focus on Social Media

In his interview, DeRozan expressed disbelief and disappointment over how modern players prioritize checking their phones over their performance on the court. He said,

“Mo****f***ers getting on their phone, so worried about what’s on their phone, what somebody says. To even this point, I’ve seen a mo****f***er put his name in the Twitter search to see what they were saying somebody… and I’m like this to the point we at? You know what I mean? Like that was never a thought. Yeah. You know what I mean?”

—DeMar DeRozan.

He further explained that this tendency to focus on external criticism drains the energy needed to compete effectively. DeRozan added,

“But to that point, it’s that like mo****f***ers always ask me like, Man, you can play another four or five years? But it’s that part of the game that sucks the energy out of you.”

—DeMar DeRozan.

DeRozan also lamented how players have shifted their attention away from the fundamentals of the game, such as competing and winning, towards superficial concerns like appearance and public perception. He said,

“Everybody is so worried about everything else now instead of what it was built on, like your game, competing, winning, going out there, you know, giving everything you got. It’s like everybody’s so caught up in all the sh** that doesn’t matter anymore. You know what I mean? What I’m wearing, Mo****f***ers in the mirror fixing this, doing that, exfoliating and all this sh**.”

—DeMar DeRozan.

The Contrast Between Traditional Basketball Culture and Today’s Media Environment

The NBA’s evolution has brought a more modern playing style with innovations like floor spacing and isolation plays, which many players appreciate. However, DeRozan and other veterans find that the modern media landscape, dominated by social media and critical press interactions, has affected the game‘s culture negatively. This clash reveals a divide between the old-school focus on in-game performance and the new generation’s engagement with digital platforms.

DeRozan, a six-time All-Star entering his 17th NBA season, has experienced basketball‘s changing culture firsthand through his time with four different teams. His career averages of 21.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game mark him as one of the league’s consistent performers. His concern that the overall culture of the NBA might be deteriorating reflects a worry among longtime fans and players about the direction in which the league is heading.

The New Generation’s Expression Through Social Media and Style Choices

Younger players such as Jared McCain, Jalen Green, and Jalen Williams openly engage with social media during and outside games, often accompanied by visible self-expression, like wearing nail polish or other accessories. This level of openness is quite distinct from the reserved image upheld in previous eras, leading to visible generational tensions among players and fans.

Yet, DeRozan’s critique raises important questions: does this new culture risk creating players with thinner skin regarding public opinion, possibly weakening their competitive edge? And could this shift deter more serious and traditionally minded players from joining certain teams? These issues signal debates about the balance between personal expression and professional discipline in the NBA.

Balancing Self-Expression and Competitive Focus in the NBA

While some may view the blend of makeup, social media, and other personal expressions as a negative influence on the game, these elements are not entirely new. Past players like Dennis Rodman have long embraced a liberal approach to self-expression. The NBA has always allowed room for individuality—however, the concerns arise when players become overly consumed by public criticism.

DeRozan’s observations echo with cases such as Ben Simmons, whose performance and career were evidently affected by external pressures and public perception during his time with the Philadelphia 76ers. Maintaining discipline during game time, especially in resisting the pull of social media and public opinion, appears vital for protecting a player‘s focus and potential.

Finding the right balance between self-expression and professional focus will be a key challenge as the NBA continues to evolve, with veterans like DeRozan highlighting the need to reclaim the intense competitive spirit that originally defined the league.