DeMar DeRozan and the Kings are hosting a Play-In game tonight, but it isn't the first time that DeRozan appeared in the tournament.
This will actually be the third straight year that DeRozan appears in the tournament, but his most viral moment came two years ago. While DeRozan's Bulls beat the Raptors in the East's No. 9 vs. No. 10 matchup, it was DeRozan's daughter who stole the show that night.
Chicago ultimately lost in the next game to the Heat, but not before a memorable moment in Toronto with a little help from Diar DeRozan. Here is a look back at how DeRozan's daughter became a league-wide story in the 2023 Play-In Tournament.
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DeMar DeRozan's daughter at the 2023 Play-In Tournament
In 2023, the No. 10-seeded Bulls traveled to Toronto to play the No. 9-seeded Raptors with their season on the line. At the time, DeRozan was one of Chicago's key players, and he brought his daughter, Diar, to the game for support.
Little did he know that she would become the story of the game. Diar DeRozan screamed at Raptors players whenever they were at the free throw line, and it was noticeable in a pro-Toronto crowd that was quiet during those moments.
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The Raptors struggled from the line, missing half of their attempts, and every point was important in Chicago's four-point victory.
After the game, DeMar broke down what he thought when he realized his daughter was the one screaming.
"I haven't let it soak in yet," DeRozan said. "I kept hearing something during the game...and I looked back and I was like 'Damn, that's my daughter screaming?'"
Diar DeRozan went viral for screaming during Raptors free throws tonight.
— NBA (@NBA) April 13, 2023
Listen to her dad's reaction 🤣 pic.twitter.com/BirwCtLe30
The next game, the Bulls traveled to Miami to play the Heat, but Diar didn't make the trip. Nonetheless, the Heat were prepared for her just in case.
Diar DeRozan will not be in Miami tonight, but the Heat were prepared for her anyway 😅
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 14, 2023
(via @JamalCollier) pic.twitter.com/Xx2ZTArxAT
Where is DeMar DeRozan's daughter now?
Diar DeRozan is now 11. It's unclear if she will be at DeRozan's Play-In game on Wednesday night, as she missed last year's tournament when DeRozan was still in Chicago. However, with the Kings playing at home, Diar's screams would blend in with the rest of the crowd.
Demar Derozan children
DeRozan has four children with his wife, Kiara Morrison, but only two have made their way to the public.
Diar DeRozan
Derozan's eldest daughter is also his most famous, as Diar gained fame when screamed at Raptors players during the Bulls Play-In game in 2023. She was born in 2013 and is set to turn 12 later this year.
Mari DeRozan
Mari is Derozan's second-oldest daughter, as she was born in 2016. Derozan has kept his other two children away from the public.