Diar DeRozan became a viral sensation for screaming as the Raptors missed free throw after free throw. What she accomplished was worth millions.
Diar DeRozan, the daughter of Bulls’ guard DeMar DeRozan became a sensation Wednesday night with her ear-piercing screams ringing out every time the Raptors attempted a free throw. The Raptors finished the night 18-of-36 from the free throw line, more than enough to account for the difference in a tight 109-105 win for the Bulls.
Opponent free-throw shooting is one area where a defense has absolutely no control. But if Diar really could replicate that effect it would be of enormous value. To figure out exactly how valuable, we have to turn to the enterprising scientists of NBA Reddit:
“First, let’s see how many points this is worth on a per-100-possessions basis. The average NBA team this season took 23.6 free throws per 100 at 74.9%. With Diar shrieking, they will make only 50%. Therefore, Diar’s defensive presence is worth 5.87 points per 100 (23.6 * .749 – 23.6 * .5).”
From there, aptly named NBA Redditor u/adammorrisongoat used calculations from John Hollinger to estimate that defensive impact would be worth roughly $88 million across a full season of 82 games, at 48 minutes per game. Even a supermax contract would be underpaying at that level.
In case you were wondering, her father made $27.3 million this season and ESPN’s Real Plus-Minus estimated his production to be worth 2.6 points per 100 possessions, less than half as much as his shrieking daughter.
Availability would be the biggest question mark for Diar DeRozan and a big contract
As a nine-year-old with school responsibilities, availability could significantly reduce her value. Traveling for 41 road games a year could be untenable, although a supermax contract could certainly pay for top-notch tutors. However, selling her parents on that might be a challenge. DeMar has already said Diar won’t be at the game Friday night in Miami as the Bulls play for their playoff lives — because she has school.
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