VIDEO: DeMar DeRozan Describes Himself as 'Sacrificial Lamb' for Raptors Finals Run

The Toronto Raptors are in the midst of their first trip to the NBA Finals in franchise history, and longtime franchise star DeMar DeRozan is notably absent. The four-time NBA All-Star has had to watch his former team compete for immortality in his first season away from Toronto, but DDR says he harbors no ill will as he continues to root for best friend Kyle Lowry. He understands that none of this would have been possible if he hadn't laid the groundwork for the city and the fans of Toronto, casting himself as the "sacrificial lamb" in light of his trade to San Antonio in the deal headlined by Kawhi Leonard.

Team President Masai Ujiri made sure to thank DeRozan last week for his contributions to the organization along the way, as their current success wouldn't be possible without his past accomplishments.

DeMar spent the first nine seasons of his career as a Raptor, and gave the team everything he had. That team was like a family to him; one day, he'll receive his due as an all-time Toronto player-- and may even see his jersey raised to the rafters at Scotiabank Arena.