Why is DeMar DeRozan known for mental health advocacy?

DeMar DeRozan, born in Compton in 1989, is a six-time NBA All-Star and the Toronto Raptors' all-time leading scorer. In 2018 he spoke publicly about his depression, which helped change how professional sports talk about mental health.

Born in Compton in 1989. Played at Compton High School and at USC before the Toronto Raptors drafted him in 2009.

TORONTO'S OWN

Highlights.

Six-time NBA All-Star

Toronto Raptors all-time leading scorer

Olympic gold medal, Rio 2016

Spoke publicly about depression in 2018

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§ QUESTIONS PEOPLE ASK

Where did DeMar DeRozan go to high school?: Compton High School, then USC.
Why is DeMar DeRozan known for mental health advocacy?: In 2018 he spoke publicly about living with depression while he was an All-Star, which helped open the conversation across professional sports.
What team drafted DeMar DeRozan?: The Toronto Raptors, ninth overall in 2009.

§ WHERE NEXT

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THE RECORD AND THE SCHOOL

LEBRON JAMES

THE ARTS · KNECTOCTOBER 10, 2026

He became the Raptors' all-time leading scorer and a six-time All-Star, and he won Olympic gold with the United States in 2016. A kid from Compton became the face of a Canadian franchise.

SAYING IT OUT LOUD

In 2018 he spoke publicly about his depression, at the height of his career, and the conversation about mental health in professional sports changed. The league expanded its mental health requirements soon after.