Toronto Raptors: Statistical projections for 2019 starters

Point Guard: Kyle Lowry

2019 Statistical Projections: 13 PPG, 10 APG, 3 RPG, 1.5 SPG  54% EFG

If there was one word that could be used to describe Kyle Lowry, it would be consistent. He has been the constant at the point guard spot for the Toronto Raptors the last seven seasons. Coming into his eighth year with the team, it is there’s little reason to expect anything other than his prior, consistent level of play. 

As he continues to age, and with Pascal Siakam becoming the go-to option on the offensive end, Lowry’s point production should dip slightly. For Lowry, it’s not about total points, but instead having those points come at the right moment, whether it be to get the team going at the beginning of the game, or hitting a clutch bucket as the game hits the later stages.

Even though his scoring output will be less, his effective field goal percentage should go up. Lowry’s three-point percentage was a career-low last season. Expect that number to regress back to near his career averages.

Lowry still has great finishing ability at the rim, but those shots continue to decrease as his age rises. In 2016-2017, 44-percent of Lowry’s shots came at the rim/in the short midrange. That decreased in 2017-2018, and last season, it dropped to 31-percent. Losing 13-percent of your shots from that close in the paint is a big sign.

Lowry will need to do more as a playmaker this year, which could result in him averaging double-digits in assists. A point guard is expected to set up his teammates, but Lowry takes that playmaking to another level. He averaged close to 9 assists last year, and this season, he could lead the entire league in dimes.

His rebounds won’t be numerous, but they will be critical. He’s known for his grit and hustle, so it’s expected the Lowry gets some action on the boards. However, that isn’t his job necessarily and this team has more rebounding than in years past.

The defense is looking like it will be the strongest area of the Raptors this season. Lowry should be a big part of that, impacting the game with multiple steals per contest.

Kyle Lowry isn’t going to have stats that jump of the page (or screen) for many, but that isn’t how he operates anyways. Even-keel and about his business, that’s who Lowry is.