The Toronto Raptors' loss against the Miami Heat may not have been the most enjoyable product for fans who just want to see their team finally start piling up some wins, but fans can at least take solace in the fact they were able to see old friend Kyle Lowry one more time.
Lowry is still making plays as the Heat's starting point guard, as he has them with a solid 12-9 record despite the fact he isn't scoring like he did during his best days with the Raptors. Still, it's a treat to see even this lesser version of Lowry do his thing on the court.
With Lowry crossing 37 years old recently, the thought of retirement is assuredly creeping into his head. There is a good chance Lowry will play his final season this year. If that happens, Lowry assured Raptors fans that he will be coming home for one last ride.
Lowry confirmed his plans to sign a one-day contract and retire as a Raptor, barring something morbid happening prior to that date. Lowry may be the most impactful player in franchise history, and it's nice to see he is appreciative of his status within the organization.
“I’m definitely retiring as a Raptor. That’s something I’ve said since I left here… I will retire as a Toronto Raptor, that’s just how it’s going to be. Unless I die before that.”
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 6, 2023
Kyle Lowry is committed to retiring with Toronto 🥹
(via @Sportsnet)pic.twitter.com/q4jRRa5Fpe
Kyle Lowry confirms he will retire with the Toronto Raptors.
Lowry is averaging just 9.1 points per game this season, but he is actually making 44% of his shots and 3-pointers on the season while starting almost every game for Miami. How many point guards a few months away from turning 38 can claim to have that level of production?
Lowry's legacy in Toronto would have been secure without a ring, but his contributions to the team's lone championship in franchise history have forever solidified him as a franchise immortal and a player who will likely waltz into the Hall of Fame as soon as he is able.
His name is plastered all over the franchise record books, and he played as big of a part as anyone when it came to taking a franchise that hadn't been known for winning in the postseason and making them a perennial playoff presence. He did all that with a style and grace that is hard to find in pro sports.
Kyle Lowry shares a tribute to the 2019 #Raptors on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/ku7dWq480h
— Adam Laskaris (@adam_la2karis) December 7, 2023
Lowry is a name that will forever be treasured in Raptors fandom, as he did everything this fanbase could have hoped for, and then some. His retirement will be a celebration unlike anything this fanbase has seen in quite some time.