Toronto Raptors: End Of Year Report Cards

Kyle Lowry

It has been said hundreds of times but we will say it again. Kyle Lowry is the heart and soul of the Toronto Raptors.

This year Lowry was forced to change his game due to the arrival of Kawhi Leonard. For the first time in a long time, he was not a primary scoring option. Despite his drop in scoring Lowry was still instrumental in the Raptors’ success.

The criticism surrounding Lowry’s offensive production was often unfair. In years past Lowry had to be a scorer for the Raptors to win games. However, this year he had Kawhi Leonard and a much improved Pascal Siakam.

Toronto’s success this year did not hinge on Lowry’s offensive production. It used to be the “Lowry and DeRozan show.” However, Coach Nurse developed a more balanced scoring approach.

To be fair, Lowry did average a modest 14.2 points per game. He became better a picking his spots. At a moments notice, Lowry could “flip the switch” and unleash an offensive explosion.

Lowry scored 20 or more points on 21 separate occasions. That total includes regular and postseason games.

Taking a step back in the scoring department helped Lowry develop as a point guard. He averaged a career-high 8.7 assists per game in the regular season.  This total ranked second in the league.

In the postseason Lowry averaged 6.6 assists per game. He also increased his scoring to 15 points per game.

At 33-years of age, many players would conserve their bodies. However, Kyle Lowry is not one of those players.

In the regular season, he drew 23 charges. Lowry led the postseason with 16 charges drawn. Draymond Green ranked second with 8 charges drawn.

You would not be able to pay many players to put their body on the line the way Lowry does. This is just a testament of what he will do to ensure a victory for his team.

It seems as though Lowry has been one of the most scrutinized players in the NBA. He has been labeled as “not being able to get over the hump” or “overpaid.” Everything he does is micro-analyzed.

Being able to guide his team to a championship should classify Lowry as an “elite” point guard. He may not have the flashy numbers but he now holds the NBA’s ultimate prize.

Kyle Lowry is a pitbull. He plays with a huge chip on his shoulder and that is what makes him dangerous. He does not care whether you think he can’t get over the hump, is overrated, or overpaid.

The 33-year old will come out every night and leave everything on the court. It does not always work out for the Raptors. But when it does, the critics and naysayers get a little quieter.

Maybe Lowry is just misunderstood. Maybe it is because he was a “late bloomer” as a star. Whatever the reason, he has handled his doubters phenomenally over the years.

At 33-years of age, he does not plan on slowing down anytime soon. Only time will tell how long Lowry will be able to maintain this level of play. However, there is one thing that is certain.

After getting blocked at the rim in 2014. After being on the receiving end of many sweeps at the handful of the mighty Cavaliers. Seeing Kyle Lowry thrust the Larry O’Brien trophy over his head was a tear-jerking moment seven years in the making.

Satisfying expectations: 10/10 

Production relative to contract: 8.5/10 

Overall output: 9.5/10 

Total score: 28/30 

Letter Grade: A+