Toronto Raptors Announce Major News on Kyle Lowry Day

Today, July 7th, marks Kyle Lowry Day in Toronto as the franchise legend has officially retired with the Raptors after signing a one-day contract. General manager Bobby Webster and the team held a press conference for his final day with the Raptors, where he was asked several questions by the press. He wasn’t alone for the conference, though, as newly acquired seven-time All-Star and championship teammate Kawhi Leonard made his first appearance back in Toronto after winning the NBA Finals MVP in 2019. 

The GROAT was asked several questions regarding his legacy, both with the franchise and as an NBA player. Specifically, when asked about receiving a statue in Toronto, he was thrilled at the idea, saying, “It’d be an honor and very cool to be the only basketball guy next to all those hockey guys.” As for being enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, he gave a more serious answer: "I will let the Naismith Hall of Fame committee make that decision, but I'm happy with my career." 

Before the questions and the excitement, Webster gave a legendary introduction to Lowry. 

“It is my honor to announce that we’ll be retiring Kyle’s iconic No. 7 this season at Scotiabank Arena,” said Webster. “And without further ado, I’d like to introduce the greatest Raptor of all time, Kyle Lowry.”

Lowry was a six-time All-Star and one-time All-NBA selection in his nine years with the Raptors. The former No. 24 pick in the 2006 NBA Draft was never one of the 10 best players in the league, but his impact on winning was felt by all who played with or against him. Across his nine years in Toronto, he averaged 17.5 points, 7.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.5 steals on 43/38/83 shooting splits. After a 20-year career at the highest level the sport has to offer, he has nothing left to give to the game, and should be thrilled to have a chance at a gold jacket as a 6-foot point guard. 

Many anticipated that his legendary counterpart, DeMar DeRozan, would make a guest appearance, but to no avail. After recently being released by the Sacramento Kings, there is anticipation around the former Raptor coming back to Toronto, but no substantial buzz quite yet. After all, the soon-to-be 37-year-old would basically have to sign a minimum-salary contract due to the Raptors’ limited cap space. Not to mention, Toronto already has a very crowded forward group of Leonard, Scottie Barnes, Kyle Anderson, Collin Murray-Boyles, and Allen Graves.