Kyle Lowry has reignited the debate over retiring DeMar DeRozan's No. 10 with the Toronto Raptors, stating his former teammate's jersey belongs in the rafters.
DeMar DeRozan's legacy with the Raptors is a complex one. He is the franchise's all-time leading scorer and made four All-Star appearances during his nine seasons. His best individual year was 2017, when he averaged 27.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, earning an All-NBA selection and finishing 11th in MVP voting.
That team, however, was famously swept by LeBron James and the Cavaliers in the playoffs. The offseason trade that sent DeRozan to San Antonio for Kawhi Leonard directly led to Toronto's 2019 NBA title.
Lowry, whose own No. 7 is being retired by the team this offseason, publicly argued for DeRozan's number to receive the same honor. "He should have his number retired," Lowry said, emphasizing DeRozan's commitment to the city and his foundational role. While Leonard's legendary 2019 playoff run delivered the championship, he departed in free agency after just one season.
This contrast has led many fans to appreciate DeRozan's loyalty more with time. He chose to stay through multiple playoff disappointments, becoming the face of the franchise's most beloved era before its ultimate success. No Raptor has worn No. 10 since his departure, a quiet sign of his enduring impact.
The current Raptors are writing their own chapter, with recent games against Cleveland echoing past playoff battles.
That 114-102 loss to end their season on May 3rd is a reminder of how difficult closing out a series can be. It's the kind of postseason hurdle DeRozan's teams often faced. His shortcomings in critical playoff moments were a repeated storyline, preventing those Raptors squads from reaching the Finals.
The front office now holds the decision. Retiring a jersey is the highest honor a franchise can bestow, and the criteria aren't always clear. Is it purely about championships, or does longevity, statistical dominance, and cultural impact count for more? DeRozan checks every box except the ring he helped set the stage for.
For now, the debate continues among fans and within the organization. DeRozan remains one of the greatest Raptors ever, a scoring machine who helped define an era. Whether that era's defining player sees his number raised alongside Lowry's is a question only time will answer. The discussion itself proves his lasting significance to Toronto basketball.
