1. Kyle Lowry returns (February 3)
Kyle Lowry is the greatest Raptor of all time. That’s why it was bittersweet to see him leave Toronto and sign with the Miami Heat. At the very least, it’s great to see Lowry go to a team that is trying to win the championship.
It’s understandable why he left and why the Raptors did not actively try to sign him. The Raptors are heading in another direction. They want to go younger and develop the young guys instead of competing for a championship.
Still, that first game back in Toronto where Lowry is wearing a Heat jersey is going to bring forth so many emotions given all that he’s brought to the franchise. Get your tissues ready.
The game you'll want to have circled on the Raptors' schedule: February 3, Heat at Raps. Kyle Lowry's (likely) return to Toronto. Assuming that contest can be held at Scotiabank Arena, and IF fans are in attendance (both TBD, at the moment), that's going to be a memorable night.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) August 20, 2021
Kyle Lowry’s return to the Raptors will be special.
When Lowry does come back to Toronto as a member of the Heat, it will be almost impossible to hold back tears. The standing ovation plus the tribute video will make the game a must-watch for fans of any NBA team, not just Raptors fans.
You couldn’t ask Lowry to have given anything more to this franchise, as he helped them get to the promised land while collecting plenty of individual accolades for himself. It’ll be weird hearing such an outpouring of love for a visitor in the hostile road environment Toronto is, but those cheers for Lowry will make even the most jaded fan get chills down their spine.