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Kyle Lowry Sends Powerful Message on DeMar DeRozan’s No. 10 Jersey Going to the Rafters
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- Kyle Lowry Sends Powerful Message on DeMar DeRozan’s No. 10 Jersey Going to the Rafters
Former All-Star Kyle Lowry officially retired at the end of the 2025-26 season, bringing his 20-year tenure in the league to a close. On Sunday, the Toronto Raptors honored Lowry by unveiling a Raptor statue with his No. 7 jersey. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow also gave the former player the Key to the City. The franchise also confirmed its plan to retire his jersey.
It was a special moment to honor the former franchise player. He spent nine seasons in Toronto and helped bring the organization's first title in 2019. During the celebration, Lowry used the chance to honor another former player. He told the crowd that he's looking forward to seeing the Raptors retire DeMar DeRozan 's No. 10 jersey and that it should hang next to his.
Apr 28, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Kyle Lowry (7) dribbles the ball against the New York Knicks during the first half of game four of the first round in the 2024 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
"Hopefully we're doing this all over again when that #10 goes up in the rafters," he said.
DeRozan was present and didn't want to miss Kyle Lowry 's event.
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The six-time All-Star had some of his best years in Toronto and formed a dynamic duo with Lowry. Like his close friend, DeRozan spent nine seasons with the Raptors before the organization traded him to the San Antonio Spurs in 2018. Despite his departure, his legacy remains intact as one of the finest players ever.
During an interview on the "Off the Roster Podcast," DeRozan said he hopes to have his jersey retired by the Raptors.
"I hope so," he said.
Unlike Lowry, DeRozan is still playing, and he will suit up for the Denver Nuggets for his 18th NBA season.
Toronto's Mayor Dubbed Kyle Lowry as the Greatest Raptor of All Time
Kyle Lowry is a fan favorite in Toronto for leading the team to success. Before Mayor Olivia Chow gave the former star the Key to the City, she released a statement and called him the greatest player in franchise history.
"Kyle Lowry gave Toronto more than unforgettable moments on the court, he gave our city his heart," the politician stated . "His leadership, determination and generosity reflect the very best of Toronto. Kyle will always be a champion, a proud Torontonian and the Greatest Raptor of All Time. It is an honour to present him with the Key to the City."
After the NBA schedules were released, the Raptors announced they will retire Lowry's jersey on Jan. 10 against his hometown team, the Philadelphia 76ers.
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