NBA games of the week: Rockets can’t lose

Friday, Mar. 9: Houston at Toronto, 7:30 p.m. ET

One of these weeks, I have to give Toronto their due. No more should they be the second team in a games of the week. They deserve better. I’m sorry, Raps.

Over the Rockets’ win streak, the Raptors are 12-3. They have the third best offensive rating and second-best defensive rating. The Rockets suffered one loss over a stretch of 20 games in November. The team that beat them was Toronto. Dwane Casey deserves Coach of the Year consideration for adjusting his coaching philosophy, and Masai Ujiri deserves Executive of the Year consideration for the team he constructed.

But before we move on, allow me this aside, because DeMar DeRozan’s admission to his suffering from depression transcended basketball. DeRozan isn’t the first to do with it, or even the first to be diagnosed, but his opening up on the mental and emotional trauma that affects people across the world is a huge step toward ending the stigma of men opening up. DeRozan admitted to suppressing his feelings because of it.

Transparency in the world of social media and Instagram filters has ascended to new importance among peers and people we interact with daily. But to me, transparency among the most successful is one of the healthiest things that can be done. DeRozan is in the top half-a-percent of humans in terms of makeup, ability and money. Even he struggles mentally. There’s importance in knowing that for the rest of us who want to be DeRozan-like.

I’m an aspiring writer. I believe I can make it, but who knows, right? Many writers, and people in general, embrace their success without always acknowledging their failures. It makes sense, of course. Why would I want to relive those feelings of rejection when I finally have done something good in a field I care about? I get it. But transparency isn’t just about the individual. It’s about reaching out to others and letting them know it’s OK. You’re going to fail. Transparency is a guide. When I see writers like Shea Serrano be so accepting of their failures, I realize the road to success isn’t a straight line of checkpoints and great stops. It’s awful at times and unforgiving.

I was diagnosed with depression at 20. A successful athlete like DeRozan struggling with the same issues as me is bonding, even if we never meet. It’s inspiring. He should be commended for his courage. If you’re struggling with depression or anything else, please reach out to someone.