Reader here, and it was a pretty cool moment last night in Toronto, as Raptor legend Kyle Lowry took the court for what was likely the final time.
Even though he left Toronto in 2021, on a sign-and-trade deal with the Miami Heat, his nine seasons with the Raptors saw Lowry become arguably the most beloved and revered Raptor of all-time, with his talent, hard work, hustle and leadership helping to transform the club from an also-ran, to an NBA champion in 2019.
The funny thing is, when he first came to the Raptors, he was a guy that didn’t have the best reputation around the league, and he wasn’t thrilled to leave the Houston Rockets, to head north of the border.
But in the spring of 2013, the Raptors hired Masai Ujiri as G.M., and he believed Lowry could be a star. To get him there, he charged Lowry to be a better leader and player, and over the years,
Raptor fans grew to love Lowry, for his play on the court, especially the way he’d dive across the floor for loose balls and willingly step into harm’s way time after time, and take charges, to draw fouls on opposing players. He’s really been a fantastic all-around player, with his scoring and rebounding ability, hard-nosed defense and unselfish distribution of the ball gaining him respect from fans, fellow players and coaches across the NBA.
The one Raptors game I saw in person, was on Nov. 24, 2014, in Toronto, where the Raptors beat the Phoenix Suns, 104-100.
It was a typical Kyle Lowry all-around game… 14 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds, a blocked shot and two steals, including a big one late in the game, before he won an important jump ball to help get the win. As always, he was so much fun to watch. He’ll always be one of my all-time favourite Raptors. In fact, at the team store at the (then) Air Canada Centre, prior to the game, I picked myself up a Raptors cap and a K-Low jersey!
Anyhoo, getting back to last night’s salute, late in the game, the Toronto crowd was calling for Lowry, now playing for his hometown Philadelphia 76ers, to come off the bench and into the game.
This season, Lowry’s 20th in the NBA, he hasn’t played as much, and nearing his 40th birthday, he’s also started doing some TV work, as well, setting him up for life after his playing career ends.
And Sixers coach Nick Nurse, who, of course coached Lowry and the Raptors to that 2019 title, obliged the crowd, and sent #7 into the game.
What a great reaction from the Toronto crowd! Even Lowry’s Philly teammate Tyrese Maxey got into the spirit of the moment, encouraging the Toronto crowd to make some noise (though they likely didn’t need much encouragement)!
Lowry also reiterated that when the time comes to hang up his sneakers, he plans to sign a one-day contract and retire as a Raptor!
It’s always awesome to see players that mean so much to a city, get their flowers and experience the love before they ride off into the sunset.
If this is indeed Lowry’s final season, what a way for Toronto to bid him farewell.
Well, until his #7 inevitably goes up into the rafters at Scotiabank Arena. What a night that’ll be!
Instead of a tune today, enjoy this highlight package of possibly the greatest Raptor ever, laying it all on the line game in and game out, as that’s the only way he knows how to play!
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