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Toronto Raptors: A retrospective of Kyle Lowry’s time in Canada

By Avishai Sol

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 26: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during an NBA game against the Washington Wizards at the Air Canada Centre on January 26, 2015 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 26: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during an NBA game against the Washington Wizards at the Air Canada Centre on January 26, 2015 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors
TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 4: Reggie Jackson #15 of the Oklahoma City Thunder defends against Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images) /

Kyle Lowry leaving the Toronto Raptors for the Miami Heat may be very much a mutual divorce, but no legitimate Raptors fan can deny the weight they feel in their heart. The mark he has left on this franchise is as indelible as they come.

It seems like the process towards a Lowry sign-and-trade has been brewing for months. That prep-time has definitely lessened the blow on all of our psyches, but at the same time let’s not forget why this trade is a defining moment in the history of our franchise.

We’re saying goodbye to our hero, our leader, and no less than the greatest Raptor of all time. Goran Dragic and Precious Achiuwa are nice to have, but they will do little to satisfy a fanbase that has to say goodbye to a future Hall of Famer after nine years.

The NBA Draft and ongoing offseason has everybody talking about the future, and rightly so, but very quickly, let’s take a pause and re-hash why Kyle Lowry is the Greatest Raptor Of All Time.

A retrospective of Kyle Lowry’s time with the Toronto Raptors.

Lowry’s Numbers and Accolades

Lowry leads the Raptors franchise in the following statistical categories: assists, 3-pointers, steals, fouls, technical fouls, triple-doubles, offensive win shares, defensive win shares, total win shares, charges drawn, and VORP.

Additionally, he is tied for the most season played and All-Star games as a Raptor. Did I mention he leads in every single career total category for the playoffs (points, rebounds, assists, etc)?

In the 27 seasons that the Raptors have existed, the team has won just 47.6% of their games. Contrast that to the 9 seasons in which they had Lowry on the team, in which the Raptors finished won just under 61% of their games. His ability to come in, change the culture, and impact winning consistently has been proven tangibly.

Oh, and he was the second-best player, on-court coach, and emotional leader of the 2019 title team. There’s that too.

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