DeMar DeRozan wears the number 10 jersey as a profound homage to Kobe Bryant, specifically inspired by Bryant’s performance with the 2008 USA Olympic “Redeem Team”.
Growing up in Compton, California, DeRozan idolized the Lakers legend and adopted the number during his collegiate career at USC to honor him. The number is also central to his “Comp10” branding, a clever wordplay on his hometown and jersey number.
Aside from a three-year stint in Chicago where the number was retired for Bob Love, DeRozan has worn 10 throughout his professional journey with the Raptors, Spurs, and Kings.
The Influence of Kobe Bryant’s Olympic Legacy
The connection between DeMar DeRozan and the number 10 begins with a specific moment in basketball history that reshaped the international game.
While Kobe Bryant is most famously associated with the numbers 8 and 24 in the NBA, his appearance on the global stage in 2008 left a lasting impression on a young DeRozan.
The 2008 Beijing Olympics Spark
DeRozan’s decision to pivot toward the number 10 was solidified after watching Kobe Bryant lead Team USA to a gold medal in the Beijing Olympics.
In that tournament, Bryant donned the number 10 for the “Redeem Team,” a squad tasked with restoring American dominance in basketball.
Seeing his idol dominate on an international level while wearing that specific jersey inspired DeRozan to adopt it as his own signature look.
He transitioned to the number 10 during his lone season playing for the USC Trojans, immediately following that Olympic summer.
Modeling the Mamba Mentality
For DeRozan, wearing the number is not just about the aesthetic; it is about the mindset associated with his hero. As a native of Compton, DeRozan grew up in the shadow of the Staples Center, witnessing Bryant’s greatness firsthand.
Fans and analysts often point out that DeRozan possesses one of the most extensive collections of Kobe Bryant’s signature shoes in the world, often wearing player-exclusive versions during games.
This deep-seated respect for Bryant’s legacy has made the number 10 a non-negotiable part of his identity whenever the situation allows.
What is the Meaning of the “Comp10” Brand?
Beyond the tribute to a legendary mentor, the number 10 serves as a cornerstone for DeRozan’s personal brand and community identity. It bridges the gap between his professional success and his humble beginnings in Southern California.
A Tribute to Compton Roots
The moniker “Comp10” is a strategic play on words that blends the name of his hometown, Compton, with his jersey number.
Pronounced “Compton,” this branding serves as a constant visual and linguistic reminder of where he came from every time he steps onto the court.
This connection is so strong that fans and residents of the area often refer to him as a “hood correspondent” for his consistency in representing the community throughout his career.
Merging Personal Identity with Professional Image
The “Comp10” brand has followed DeRozan through multiple franchises, becoming a recognizable entity in NBA marketing and fan circles.
By integrating the number 10 into the very name of his hometown, DeRozan ensures that his roots are never forgotten, regardless of which city he is currently playing in.
It acts as a badge of honor that signifies his journey from the streets of Compton to becoming one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the league.
A Chronological History of DeRozan’s Jersey Numbers
Throughout his extensive career, DeRozan has been remarkably consistent with his jersey selection.
While most players change numbers for a fresh start or a marketing pivot, DeRozan has only deviated from the number 10 when forced by the weight of franchise history.
| Team | Years Active | Jersey Number | Key Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| USC Trojans | 2008–2009 | No. 10 | Adopted in honor of Kobe’s 2008 Olympic run; jersey retired in 2020. |
| Toronto Raptors | 2009–2018 | No. 10 | Wore it for nine seasons, becoming the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. |
| San Antonio Spurs | 2018–2021 | No. 10 | Maintained the number after the high-profile trade to Texas. |
| Chicago Bulls | 2021–2024 | No. 11 | Switched to 11 because 10 was retired for Bob Love. |
| Sacramento Kings | 2024–Present | No. 10 | Reclaimed the number after a teammate voluntarily switched. |
Why Was DeRozan Forced to Wear 11 in Chicago?
When DeRozan signed with the Chicago Bulls in 2021, many fans expected him to continue wearing his signature number 10. However, the history of the Bulls organization made this impossible, leading to the only significant break in his jersey history.
Honoring the Legacy of Bob Love
The Chicago Bulls had long ago retired the number 10 to honor franchise legend Bob Love. Love was a three-time All-Star and a defensive powerhouse who played for the Bulls during the late 1960s and 1970s.
Because the number hung in the rafters of the United Center, it was unavailable for any active player to use.
Out of respect for the team’s history and Bob Love’s contributions to the game, DeRozan did not seek a special exemption or ask for the number to be “un-retired” for his tenure.
Making the Temporary Switch
During his three seasons in the Windy City, DeRozan opted to wear the number 11. While he was still a dominant force on the court—frequently appearing in the MVP conversation and leading the league in fourth-quarter scoring—the number 11 always felt like a temporary placeholder for the “Comp10” brand.
Despite the change in digit, his playing style remained a tribute to the mid-range mastery he learned from studying Bryant, ensuring the spirit of his original number remained even if the jersey reflected a different digit.
How DeRozan Reclaimed Number 10 in Sacramento
In the summer of 2024, DeRozan’s move to the Sacramento Kings via a sign-and-trade deal provided a unique opportunity for him to return to his roots. The process of reclaiming the number 10 involved a display of professional respect from one of the team’s current stars.
The Generosity of Domantas Sabonis
Upon DeRozan’s arrival in Sacramento, the number 10 was already being worn by the incumbent All-Star center, Domantas Sabonis.
In a rare move of camaraderie and respect for an incoming veteran, Sabonis graciously decided to vacate the number 10 so that DeRozan could return to his preferred look.
Sabonis chose to switch to the number 11, a number that held deep personal significance for him as it was the number worn by his father, the legendary Arvydas Sabonis.
This swap allowed both players to wear numbers with profound family and personal connections.
Returning to the “Comp10” Persona
Reclaiming the number 10 was more than just a logistical change; it was a return to form for DeRozan’s public image. Being back in California while wearing the number 10 allows the “Comp10” moniker to resonate even more clearly with the local fan base.
The return to his signature digit coincided with DeRozan continuing his climb up the NBA’s all-time scoring ladder.
Recently, he surpassed legends like Paul Pierce and John Havlicek to sit 20th on the all-time scoring list, achieving much of this historic success while wearing the number 10.
Frequently Asked Questions About DeRozan’s Jersey
Did DeRozan ever wear a number other than 10 or 11?
In his professional and collegiate career documented in the records, he has only worn the numbers 10 and 11. His time at USC and his tenures with the Raptors, Spurs, and Kings have all featured the number 10, while his stint with the Bulls required the switch to 11.
Why did Sabonis give up the number 10 for DeRozan?
Domantas Sabonis viewed the arrival of DeRozan as a significant moment for the Sacramento Kings. By switching to the number 11, Sabonis was able to honor his father while simultaneously allowing DeRozan to maintain his “Comp10” brand identity.
Is DeRozan’s number 10 retired anywhere?
Yes, the University of Southern California (USC) officially retired DeRozan’s number 10 jersey in 2020 to honor his impact on the program during his freshman season and his subsequent success in the NBA.
The Enduring Legacy of Number 10
DeMar DeRozan’s insistence on wearing the number 10 is a testament to the power of influence and the importance of home.
What started as a teenager’s admiration for Kobe Bryant’s Olympic performance has evolved into a global brand that represents resilience, scoring precision, and community pride.
Whether he is attacking the rim in transition—where nearly one-third of his attempts result in a foul—or sinking a contested mid-range jumper, the number 10 remains the visual signature of a player who has never forgotten where he came from.
As DeRozan continues to cement his place among the greatest scorers in basketball history, the “Comp10” moniker will remain a symbol of excellence.
It serves as a bridge between the playgrounds of Compton and the bright lights of the NBA, proving that a simple jersey number can carry the weight of a player’s entire history and the legacy of the legends who came before him.
For those looking to dive deeper into the man behind the jersey, personal interviews and discussions on platforms like “Podcast P” offer even more insight into how DeRozan views his journey and his dedication to the game.
