This offseason has proven to be a significant one for the Toronto Raptors. Although the Raptors will mourn Brandon Ingram’s departure in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, it is safe to say that the franchise will celebrate reuniting with Kawhi Leonard after all these years.
Although Kawhi Leonard spent only one season with the Toronto Raptors (2018-19), it was arguably the most successful one in the franchise’s history. Now, with Leonard back on the roster, Toronto can gear up for more of the same. Former Raptors guard Kyle Lowry certainly felt this way, as he emphasized the team’s goal for the upcoming campaign.
Lowry commented on the Raptors’ moves and the team’s outlook for the next season, sharing:
“I think the moves that Bobby is making, they know what they’re going to do. They’re trying to win another championship. Starting with that guy right there. You get him to that point, and the championship is the only aspiration. That’s why he’s here.”
“I can’t wait to watch these guys grow and gel together. It’s going to be special,” he continued. “We’ve got some great young players… It’s going to be awesome.”
Although Lowry is retiring from professional basketball, his commitment to watching the Raptors develop is heartwarming. Considering the quality of talent on the roster next season, Raptors fans also have good reason to be excited about what’s in store.
Kawhi Leonard’s Return Tempted Kyle Lowry To Come Out Of Retirement
Kyle Lowry’s retirement has been an intriguing topic of discussion in certain circles. Although he initially shut down reports about his retirement, the six-time All-Star has leaned into it now. However, according to the former NBA champion, Kawhi Leonard’s arrival almost tempted him to come out of retirement.
While speaking at his press conference, Lowry joked about the impact of Leonard’s move, stating:
“Bobby just told me he offered me a deal. I’m thinking about coming back because Kawhi came back.”
Needless to say, Raptors GM Bobby Webster was in stitches while reacting to Lowry’s comment. But the six-time All-Star’s inclination to return is also understandable.
Although Lowry dedicated the best years of his career to the Raptors, the team routinely came up short in its endeavor to secure a title. The pair of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan made for one of the best backcourts in the NBA, and still, they had nothing to show for it.
After DeRozan was traded, the situation looked bleak in Toronto. However, once Kawhi Leonard settled in as the face of the franchise, the Raptors quickly flourished and eventually raised the NBA trophy in 2019.
In this regard, Lowry’s appreciation for Kawhi Leonard was also reflected in his comments about the forward during the press conference.
“Kawhi is a special person; he’s a special basketball player,” he shared. “I appreciate him even coming. It shows his humility to be here for my moment, and just to be here and support [me], I appreciate that.”
Playing with Leonard may have yielded immense success for Lowry, but now, it’s time for the Raptors’ young core to enjoy the same. With Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, and RJ Barrett being paired with one of the greatest two-way guards in NBA history, Toronto will be an exciting team to follow next season.
