When the name Kyle Lowry is mentioned, basketball fans know him as one of the hardest-working players to have ever dribbled on an NBA court.
Players of his size are usually not heralded as having much of an impact. They are often termed as best suited to playing off the bench.
That explains why he was bounced from his first two teams after just three years each. It seems neither of them truly believed in his capabilities. But it all turned out to be the fuel that would drive him.
When the Villanova guard made it to the Toronto Raptors, he established himself as one of the best floor generals in the league. His shooting off the bounce, his instinctive playmaking, and his elite defense made him a handful.
He went on to help the team win its first championship, and fans responded in kind. They labeled him as something of a hero. To this day, they cheer for him wherever he is.
The guard almost did the same with the Miami Heat, but it is the Raptors with whom he built a legacy that could possibly see his jersey retired someday.
Lowry felt that energy from them when they gave him a standing ovation in what was his final game against the Raptors. He had made it clear that 2025-26 was his final season.
As a Philadelphia native, it makes sense to retire with the 76ers. But he knows where his heart lies, and that is why he is going to sign a one-day contract with the Raptors so that he can retire with the team.
Usually, fans do not give a hoot whenever players sign such contracts to retire with the team they want their legacy to be attached to.
But when they came to know that it was Kyle Lowry, they had nothing but praise for the former point guard. They believe that he deserves to be sent off into retirement by the team that gave him the platform to be as great as he is. Check out examples of those reactions below.
It is unclear whether Kyle Lowry will be given a massive send-off with fans cramming Scotiabank Arena. Even if they do not, getting to walk away from the game as a part of the Toronto Raptors will be enough of a send-off.
Lowry stood at just six feet tall. In a league that does not give a hoot about players of that size, the playmaker made himself known as the loudest voice in the room.
Along with his skills with a basketball and at reading opponents, there is a reason why the who's who of the NBA wanted to sign him over the years.
Many credit him with helping elevate the Toronto Raptors to become the competitive team they are now. He is also credited with helping the Philadelphia 76ers' young guards develop into the All-Stars they are now.
He himself has six All-Star selections, an All-NBA Third Team selection, and an Olympic gold medal to show for it. Those accolades should get him into the Hall of Fame at some point, as the 40-year-old has proved how determination and grit can obliterate pre-draft expectations.
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