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

How he fits in

Last year, the Raptors’ game plan was to allow fellow backcourt mate DeMar DeRozan to handle the ball alongside Lowry. The plan worked out for DeRozan as he set a career high in assists (5.2) along with a 29.6 usage rate, the third-highest of his career. Not so much for Lowry.

Enter Kawhi Leonard.

The replacement of Leonard for DeRozan will not only elevate the Lowry’s usage but capitalize on the limited-usage efficiency of both the guard and Leonard.

Last season, Lowry posted numbers that were near his Raptors’ career lows. His scoring average of 16.2 was his lowest since his first year with the franchise. His defensive numbers also dipped some as his steals (1.1) were tied for the third-lowest of his 12-year career.

Under the new system instituted by Nurse, Lowry is slated to see his numbers heighten back to his career averages, if not higher.

The performance of Leonard is another bonus for Lowry. At his peak, Leonard has far-outperformed DeRozan, with multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards to prove it.

The addition of Danny Green outside and impending breakout of Pascal Siakam will only further the weapons on the Raptors’ roster.

The Raptors have set Lowry up to succeed further this year, with help on the defensive end from Leonard and Green to boot. The guard will once again run the offense as a scorer and facilitator, with Nurse elevating his game once more.