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Toronto Raptors: What will a Kyle Lowry closing act look like?

By Avishai Sol

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 29: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 29, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 29: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 29, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
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After the trade deadline became a will-they-won’t-they soap opera between Kyle Lowry and the Toronto Raptors, the six-time All-Star is still, as of now, in red and black.

Lately he’s been sidelined with a foot injury, but now that a Lowry trade is officially unofficial, it’s time to start thinking about what these next few years could hold in store for him, be them in Toronto or elsewhere.

Lowry is unquestionably the greatest Raptor in franchise history. Nobody has ever given more of themselves to this team or presided over as successful an era of play. While Lowry in his prime was one of the best point guards to ever lace them up, it would be foolish to suggest he isn’t starting to slightly go downhill.

Now that Lowry is entering the twilight of his career, what will he be?  How can he best help the Raptors succeed?  And how will the Greatest Raptor of All Time transition from star to a complementary player?

Toronto Raptors: Kyle Lowry is still a good player

Lowry may have sniffed his last All-Star game during the 2019-20 season, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be one of the five best guys on a competitive team.

Lowry has already proved he’s more than capable of weathering the storm of Father Time. Despite some of the injuries, Lowry’s production at an older age is up there with some of the greatest lead guards ever. In NBA history, only four-point guards have averaged at least 15 points and 6 assists in their 14th season; Chris Paul, Lenny Wilkens, Jerry West, and Lowry.

So while Toronto is shifting its views and expectations of Lowry, it’s important to know that by all accounts, the man will be able to be a nice contributor on the court for the next few years at least. Barring any serious injury of course.

He won’t suddenly forget to shoot or lose his passing instincts. He was never a player who relied on natural athleticism to succeed, and if we know one thing about Kyle, that fire in his belly isn’t going anywhere.

It’s the leadership that counts

While Lowry should be a valuable contributor in-game for the near future, it’s his off-court contributions that may be the most valuable part of him.  Before the Lowry era, Toronto was considered to be an NBA backwater. A franchise with so much losing culture you could smell it in the walls. Lowry was the man who washed the Raptors free of that.

His time with the team, the sustained success, the grit, fire, and leadership he brings every night, it’s something that’s nearly impossible to quantify unless you were lucky enough to witness it first hand.

Lowry is one of the great “culture” all-stars in NBA history. He is a singular winning force of personality. He has had an immense impact on a team that goes beyond basketball, and he does it all without being one of the ten best guys in the league or winning an MVP.

In NBA history there have been a total of three players who;

  • Have played at least nine seasons with a single franchise
  • Have won at least nine playoff series with that franchise
  • Made multiple All-Star teams
  • Made at least one All-NBA team
  • Never made First Team All-NBA

Those players are Reggie Miller, Paul Pierce, and Kyle Lowry.

All forces of personality on top of their play on the court, all winning players, all beloved in their cities. They all were able to contribute to winning basketball after their All-Star days.

In 2019, Kawhi Leonard was the best player in the world. Lowry shared the floor with that man through four playoff rounds and there was never a shred of doubt of who the team leader was. That’s what he will be for the Raptors these next few years.

He means so much to the city and franchise. Basketball is a business and a GM must always do what’s best for the team regardless of situation, but plenty of Raps fans want Lowry to retire a Raptor. After winning the title, Lowry’s romance with the fans and the city might be the best part of Raptors fandom to date.

The bottom line?  Having Kyle Lowry on your team will NEVER hurt you. Never.