DeMar DeRozan etched his name deeper into NBA history by passing Vince Carter for 23rd place on the league’s all-time scoring list.
DeMar DeRozan continues to build one of the most quietly dominant scoring careers the NBA has seen, reaching another milestone that cements his place among the game’s elite. At 35 years old, DeRozan surpassed Vince Carter to move into 23rd place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, a moment that reflects consistency, longevity, and relentless craft.
The achievement did not arrive with spectacle or exaggeration. It came the same way most of DeRozan’s points have arrived over the years — through balance, footwork, patience, and an unmatched command of the midrange. In an era obsessed with pace and three-point volume, DeRozan has carved his own lane.
Passing Carter carries symbolic weight. Carter’s career spanned 22 seasons, defined by athleticism, highlight finishes, and generational influence. DeRozan’s climb past him underscores a different kind of greatness, one built on durability and nightly production rather than explosive moments alone.
DeRozan entered the league in 2009 and has since accumulated points across more than 1,100 regular-season appearances, delivering scoring output with remarkable steadiness. Year after year, he has adjusted his game to changing teammates, systems, and expectations without sacrificing efficiency.
What separates DeRozan from many of his peers is his refusal to fade as trends shift. While the league leaned further toward spacing and perimeter shooting, he doubled down on fundamentals. His footwork in the post, ability to draw fouls, and command of tempo have kept him effective well into his thirties.
Now with the Sacramento Kings, DeRozan has added veteran poise to a roster seeking consistency and playoff stability. His presence has already reshaped late-game possessions, where calm execution often outweighs raw athleticism. That influence mirrors the traits that lifted him into the top tier of all-time scorers.
Milestones like this also reshape perception. DeRozan’s career rarely dominates headline debates, yet the numbers demand recognition. Ranking among the top scorers in NBA history places him alongside names that defined entire eras, a testament to sustained excellence rather than fleeting dominance.
The scoring list does not reward style points. It rewards availability, discipline, and the ability to produce against every type of defense across multiple generations. DeRozan’s rise through the rankings reflects a player who stayed healthy, evolved mentally, and embraced responsibility regardless of circumstance.
Surpassing Carter also highlights the depth of Canadian basketball influence in the NBA. Both players became global ambassadors for the game, inspiring new generations while writing their own chapters in league history. Their paths differed, but their impact converges on the same ledger.
As DeRozan continues to climb, more names will fall behind him. Each step upward reframes his legacy from respected scorer to undeniable historical figure. The climb is not finished, and neither is his relevance.
In a league that often rushes to crown the next star, DeMar DeRozan stands as proof that greatness can arrive through patience, repetition, and unwavering belief in one’s craft.