Toronto Raptors: Kyle Lowry will be vital to team’s success in new role

Weaknesses

It is not all positive for Lowry though.

Closer to 33 years old than 32, Lowry is beginning to enter the perceived twilight of his career. A former college standout, Lowry is entering his 13th season in the league, the highest total outside of C.J. Miles on the Raptors’ roster.

Along with age, Lowry has dealt with multiple injuries in his career. A 34.5 minute per game tally with the Raptors has played a role. In the last three years, Lowry has averaged the second-most minutes in the league twice.

The wear and tear has started to show its effects with Lowry missing an average of 10 games a year. The total reached its peak in 2016 for the Raptors when the guard missed 22 games. The absence was due to a broken wrist.

The good news is bone breaks tend to be less recurring than muscle or ligament injuries. The fractures are also less likely and a product of coincidence rather than habit in most cases.

The Raptors figure to be in a position to rest players periodically throughout the year, giving Lowry much-needed rest as the season draws on. Lowering his minutes to a more manageable 31-32 per game with the upcoming Fred VanVleet to back him up seems likely as well.

If his body can maintain pace, the sky is the limit.