Kyle Lowry is incredibly beloved in Toronto. While he wasn’t rafted by the city, he did make his mark in the NBA as the starting point guard of the team for over half a decade. Lowry helped the Raptors become perennial contenders in the East alongside DeMar DeRozan. Ultimately, Lowry was on the team when they won the 2019 Championship with Kawhi Leonard on the squad.
While the Raptors have had many legends, Lowry seems to be the first player who will have his jersey retired by the franchise. The Raps have already announced their intention of doing so, alongside giving Lowry a statue outside Scotiabank Arena. Kyle has also said he will end his career with the Raptors, even if it means signing a one-day contract.
Ahead of Lowry’s return to his old home court as a part of the Miami Heat, a mockup of a possible Kyle Lowry statue was spotted in the city at various spots.
Kyle Lowry statue spotted around downtown Toronto. 👀 pic.twitter.com/A1D2tu2RMe
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 3, 2022
The statue generated a lot of conversations on social media, with many also believing this was the official unveiling of Lowry’s statue by the Raptors. While many agree that Lowry had a legendary spot within the Raptors organization, it is odd to see such a rush in decorating Lowry with a statue.
— David Astramskas (@Redapples2021) April 3, 2022
It’s this moment pic.twitter.com/nxf0N4OLZ9
— Kathy (@leafsweetie) April 3, 2022
Lowry deserves better 😷
— sami (@PatRileyBurner) April 3, 2022
why doesn't the all-time leading scorer of the franchise get a statue?
— DeMar DeRozan Enthusiast (@DeRozanTheGOAT_) April 4, 2022
Statues are hard to do right but this captured that moment perfectly
— JustSomeGuy84 (@just_some_guy84) April 3, 2022
Kyle Lowry, statue is in the place it should be, as well as himself, Please Kyle come back to the Toronto Raptor's , this is where your home is, to stay… My Idol #7.
— christine torrisi (@ctorrisi505) April 4, 2022
All love for Lowry in his return ❤️ pic.twitter.com/LzSaXWkF0t
— JayOnSC (@JayOnSC) April 4, 2022
Kyle Lowry became a part of the Toronto Raptors in 2012 when the Memphis Grizzlies traded him to Toronto for Gary Forbes and a future first-round pick. By the time Lowry entered his fourth season with the team, he was already an All-Star and a bonafide leader alongside the likes of Rudy Gay and DeMar DeRozan.
Lowry would soon become an All-NBA caliber player, but the Raptors spent four consecutive years being eliminated by LeBron James in the Playoffs. This led to the team trading for Kawhi Leonard in 2018, with whom Lowry won the 2019 NBA Championship.
Lowry left the team this off-season for the Miami Heat, as the Raptors looked towards a soft rebuild with younger players. The Raptors truly did their best to honor Lowry on his return to Toronto and will one day retire his jersey to adulating fans that will remember his contributions to the franchise.
