Raptors’ DeMar DeRozan speaks with media for the first time since his injury

Prior to last night’s loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Toronto Raptors’ DeMar DeRozan and Assistant Coach/Director of Sports Science, Alex McKechnie, spoke with the media for the first time since DeRozan tore his left adductor longus tendon (left groin tendon).

True to Raptors head coach Dwane Casey’s word:

DC says he wants DeMar to stay involved and join coaches meetings while

he’s out.

— Holly MacKenzie (@stackmack) December 1, 2014

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DeRozan also confirmed that he’s now working with the coaching staff giving feedback after the games on things he saw that the team can improve on, and that he will soon be sitting in on coaches meetings as well. He also said that Los Angeles Lakers & NBA superstar, Kobe Bryant, gave him words of encouragement and insight as he continues along the road to recovery. There is still no official timeframe for DeRozan’s return to on court activities, but he has noted daily improvement with regards to his healing.

The Toronto Raptors are currently 15-5 on the season, and are still in first place in the NBA’s Eastern Conference, but have lost 3 of their last 5 games. The team will continue to work on rotations & their game plans with DeRozan out of the lineup indefinitely. Since the injury, Greivis Vasquez has stepped in and has been the starter.