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4 former Toronto Raptors having great starts to the 2021-22 season

By Jason Mills

TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 28: Norman Powell #24 of the Portland Trail Blazers and Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors walk on the court during the fourth quarter at Amalie Arena on March 28, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 28: Norman Powell #24 of the Portland Trail Blazers and Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors walk on the court during the fourth quarter at Amalie Arena on March 28, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
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Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors
TORONTO, ON – JUNE 17: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

2. Kyle Lowry, Miami Heat

The former heart and soul of the Raptors for the previous nine seasons is no longer a member of the franchise he helped bring a championship to in 2019. Lowry was the undisputed Raptors’ team leader from 2013 onward.

Kawhi Leonard may have been the Finals MVP in 2019 but it’s Lowry who time and again sacrificed and morphed his game and playstyle to help the Raptors attain the ultimate goal.

His time in Toronto came to an end this summer when a sign and trade deal was announced with the Heat. The Raptors acquired Precious Achiuwa and Goran Dragic in return. With Toronto relying on Fred VanVleet as their primary guard, Miami is doing the same with Lowry.

For the moment, Lowry’s scoring numbers seem to be depressed. At under 11 points per game, Lowry’s efforts can’t be measured by that alone. Lowry is still dishing out assists at just under seven per game, playing tough defense, and helping the Heat get off to a very hot start.

Toronto Raptors legend Kyle Lowry is making his presence felt in Miami.

Lowry and Jimmy Butler have a clear kinship that influenced Lowry’s decision to come to Florida. It has resulted in Lowry taking less than 10 field goal attempts per contest. It doesn’t hurt that Lowry has a bond with Jimmy Butler like he did previously with DeMar DeRozan in Toronto.

According to Butler:

"“He’s one of my absolute best friends,” Butler said. “He’s the godfather of my daughter. And it’s just like as competitive as it is, we’re always laughing, we’re always joking around. “"

The Heat are 7-3, sitting near the top of the East. The only thing that may slow down the 35-year-old guard is injuries, but Lowry keeps aging like a fine wine when it comes to his on-court play.

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