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DeMar DeRozan Shows Off Unreleased Kobe Sneakers

DeMar DeRozan's debuted new sneakers from Kobe Bryant's signature Nike line.

Pat Benson

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The list of fans and supporters of the late-great Kobe Bryant is too long to count. However, when it comes to Bryant's acolytes in the NBA and sneaker world, one name rises to the top of every conversation - DeMar DeRozan.

The Chicago Bulls wing's admiration for Bryant is well-documented. Everyone knows DeRozan, a Southern California hoops legend and Nike-sponsored athlete is Bryant's most notable acolyte. Look no further than his shoes or devastating midrange game.

While DeRozan can easily receive unreleased player-exclusive colorways of models from the Nike Kobe line, the 33-year-old often prefers hooping in general release colorways.

However, DeRozan scored 19 points last night against the Orlando Magic in a never-before-seen colorway of the Nike Kobe 6 Protro. The shoes featured a gradient design on the scaly upper that faded from blue to orange to black around the heel. 

Nike Kobe 6 Protro

View of black and orange Nike Kobe shoes.
A detailed look at DeMar DeRozan's shoes / © Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Hopefully, DeRozan's 'Sunset' (or 'Sunrise') player-exclusive colorway is a sign of things to come for the Nike Kobe line. The legendary performance basketball shoe line has been dormant since the 'Mambacita - Sweet 16' colorway was released in limited quantities last May.

It has been a long nine months for athletes and sneakerheads who love Bryant's shoes, but there is a reason for optimism. Several shoes from the Nike Kobe line are scheduled to be released in 2023.

The Nike Kobe 4 Protro and the Nike Kobe 6 Protro have both been confirmed to release in new colorways. Additionally, the Nike Kobe 8 Protro is launching later this year. With DeRozan showing off an unreleased colorway, we are hopeful it is a sign of the rebirth of the Nike Kobe line.

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Published
Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Previously, he has reported on the NBA, authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)," and interviewed some of the biggest names in the sports world. You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.

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