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Kyle Lowry
Kyle Lowry
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Kyle Terrell Lowry (born March 25, 1986) is an American professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A six-time All-Star, he was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2016 and won an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, their first and only title in franchise history. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Raptors players of all time due to his work with turning the franchise around, from the post-Chris Bosh era to their first-ever championship in 2019. As starting point guard, Lowry played an integral role in the Raptors' success from 2012 to 2021.[1][2][3] Lowry was also a member of the U.S. national team that won a gold medal in the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Key Information

Lowry played two seasons of college basketball with the Villanova Wildcats before he was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2006 NBA draft with the 24th overall pick. He appeared in three seasons with the Grizzlies before being traded to the Houston Rockets in February 2009. After spending four seasons in Houston, he was traded to Toronto during the 2012 off-season, forming a backcourt duo with DeMar DeRozan. In his second season with the Raptors, he helped them reach the playoffs for the first time in six years and win an Atlantic Division title during the 2013–14 season.[4] In 2015–16, he led the Raptors to a then franchise-record of 56 wins, as well as helping the team make the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time. In 2021, Lowry was traded to the Miami Heat, where he helped the team reach the 2023 NBA Finals. In 2024, he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets, before joining the 76ers via a contract buyout.

Early life

[edit]

Born and raised in North Philadelphia,[5] Lowry is one of two sons of Marie Holloway and Lonnie Lowry Sr. alongside Lonnie Jr., his older brother by 5 years. His father lived 10 minutes away from the family's home,[6] which also included Lowry's cousin, Laquita. Lonnie Sr. became estranged from the family when Kyle was about seven years old, leaving him and his siblings to be raised by his mom (who worked at the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Post Office) as well as his disciplinarian grandmother (who worked at Dunkin' Donuts).[7] Kyle attributes his survival and well-being to Lonnie Jr. for ensuring that he did not follow in the same path as his childhood friends who are no longer alive, including not allowing Kyle to have any tattoos and piercings.[7] His brother was also instrumental in teaching him how to play basketball, playing pickup basketball together against older boys, and learning not to dwell on his estranged father. His brother also searched newspaper ads for AAU basketball tryouts and ensured that Lowry would get there and make their teams.[8]

High school career

[edit]

Lowry attended Cardinal Dougherty High School in Philadelphia and played point guard for the school's varsity basketball team.

Considered a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, he was listed as the No. 6 point guard and the No. 28 player in the U.S. in 2004.[9]

College career

[edit]

In his freshman season at Villanova, Lowry was named to the Big East All-Rookie team and was tabbed Philadelphia Big Five Rookie of the Year. In 24 games (3 starts), he averaged 7.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.[10][11]

In his sophomore season, he was named to the All-Big East Second Team, as well as the First Team All-Big 5. In 33 games (31 starts), he averaged 11.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.3 steals per game.[10][11]

On February 27, 2020, Lowry's jersey #1 was retired by the Villanova Wildcats.[12]

Professional career

[edit]

Memphis Grizzlies (2006–2009)

[edit]

Lowry was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 24th overall pick in the 2006 NBA draft. He appeared in 10 games as a rookie before suffering a broken wrist against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 21, 2006.[13] He subsequently underwent season-ending surgery.[14]

Lowry returned for the 2007–08 season and appeared in all 82 games for the Grizzlies.[15]

The 2008–09 season saw Lowry and good friend Mike Conley Jr. compete for playing time and the starting point guard position. In January 2009, Lionel Hollins was named the team's head coach and Lowry was told that the team would devote the starter's minutes to Conley. Lowry was unhappy with his role, and some in the organization considered him a bad influence on the roster.[16]

Houston Rockets (2009–2012)

[edit]
Lowry playing for the Houston Rockets in November 2009

On February 19, 2009, Lowry was traded to the Houston Rockets in a three-team deal involving the Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic.[17] In Houston, Lowry grew to appreciate the tutelage of his new coach, Rick Adelman.[16] With the Rockets making the playoffs in 2009, Lowry played in the post-season for the first time in his career.

In 2009–10, Lowry served as the backup point guard to Aaron Brooks.[18] On December 18, 2009, he recorded a career-high 26 points, 10 assists, six rebounds, and five steals in a 116–108 win over the Dallas Mavericks.[19]

On June 30, 2010, with his contract expiring, the Rockets extended a qualifying offer, thus making Lowry only a restricted free agent.[20] On July 13, 2010, he signed an offer sheet with the Cleveland Cavaliers worth $23.5 million over four years.[21][22] The Rockets quickly matched the offer, thus retaining Lowry.[21]

In 2010–11, Lowry started in 71 of the 75 games he played in, and his reputation in the league began to solidify.[16] On December 3, he scored a career-high 28 points and matched his career best with 12 assists in the Rockets' 127–111 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.[23] On December 17, in another win over the Grizzlies, Lowry recorded 17 points and a career-high 18 assists.[24] On January 14, he matched his season high with 28 points in a 110–105 overtime loss to the New Orleans Hornets.[25] On February 16, he scored a career-high 36 points in a 114–105 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.[26] On March 8, he scored 32 points and made a career-high seven 3-pointers in a 113–110 loss to the Phoenix Suns.[27] On March 20, he recorded his first career triple-double with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 110–108 win over the Utah Jazz,[28] becoming only the fourth Rockets player since 2002–03 to record a triple-double.[29] He was subsequently named Western Conference Player of the Week.[29]

Coach Adelman and the Rockets parted ways following the 2010–11 season, and Lowry initially clashed with new head coach Kevin McHale.[16] In the lockout-shortened 66-game 2011–12 season, Lowry appeared in 47 games with 38 starts, missing 16 games over March and April with a bacterial infection that required hospitalization.[30][31] With Lowry out, backup point guard Goran Dragić played well in his absence, and the Rockets decided they could trade Lowry to improve their salary cap issues and acquire draft picks during the offseason.[16]

Toronto Raptors (2012–2021)

[edit]

2012–13 season: First year in Toronto

[edit]

On July 11, 2012, Lowry was traded to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Gary Forbes and a future first round pick.[32] Lowry averaged over 23 points and seven assists through the first three games of the season, but was injured during the team's fourth game, a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on November 6, 2012.[33] Upon his return he came off the bench behind José Calderón, but regained the starting position when Calderón was traded in a three-team deal on January 30, 2013, that brought Memphis Grizzlies small forward Rudy Gay to the Raptors.[34] Despite the trade, which was meant to help the struggling Raptors return to relevance, the team finished the season with a 34–48 record, missing the playoffs.

On May 31, 2013, Masai Ujiri was hired as the Raptors' new general manager, replacing Bryan Colangelo. Ujiri believed that Lowry had the potential to be a star, but found that his reputation around the NBA had more to do with his history of clashing with coaches and his body language than his talent. Ujiri challenged Lowry during meetings that off-season to be a better player and leader. "Do you want to be a $3 million player, $2 million player for the rest of your career", Ujiri remembers asking Lowry, "...or do you want to be a $10 million player or more?" Lowry also received mentorship from Chauncey Billups, who Lowry remembers "pushed me mentally to challenge myself." Receptive to the advice he had received from Ujiri and others, Lowry looked forward to the upcoming season, entering training camp healthy for the first time in several seasons.[16]

2013–14 season: Individual and team improvement

[edit]

The Raptors started the 2013–14 season with a 6–12 record, until Gay, the team's leading scorer, was traded to the Sacramento Kings. Following the trade, Raptors shooting guard DeMar DeRozan approached Lowry and the two decided to take ownership of the team, knowing they could both be traded if the team's management decided to rebuild rather than compete for a playoff spot.[16] Lowry's name was linked to several teams, most frequently the New York Knicks, in trade rumors, but the Knicks were reportedly unwilling to send a first-round pick to Toronto in exchange for Lowry.[16] The post-Gay Raptors quickly emerged as one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, and many cited Lowry's strong play and leadership as a significant factor in their success.[35] The team finished the season with a franchise-best 48–34 record, third in the Eastern Conference and first in the Atlantic Division for the second time in franchise history. They made the playoffs for the first time since 2008, but lost in the first round to the Brooklyn Nets after Lowry's potential game-winning shot was blocked by Paul Pierce in Game 7. Despite the disappointing end to the season, Lowry averaged a career-best 17.9 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.7 rebounds during the regular season and 21.1 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.7 rebounds during the playoffs.

Lowry entered the off-season as one of the NBA's most coveted free agents, attracting interest from the Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, and other teams.[36] On July 10, 2014, he re-signed with the Raptors to a four-year, $48 million contract.[37][38]

2014–15 season: First All-Star selection

[edit]
Lowry with the Toronto Raptors in April 2015

The Raptors and Lowry continued their strong play into the next season, and the team once again emerged as a top seed in the Eastern Conference. On November 7, 2014, Lowry became the team's all-time leader for triple-doubles with a 13-point, 10 assist, and 11 rebound performance in a win against the Washington Wizards. It was Lowry's sixth career triple-double and his fourth as a Raptor, passing Damon Stoudamire, who had the previous franchise record of three.[39] On December 3, he scored a career-high 39 points on 13-of-22 shooting in a win against the Utah Jazz.[40] On January 5, 2015, Lowry was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Month for December 2014, making him only the second Raptor, after Chris Bosh, to receive this recognition. Lowry averaged 22.3 points, 8.9 assists, and 4.2 rebounds during the month, winning Player of the Week during the first week and helping lead the Raptors to an 11–4 record.[41] On January 22, 2015, Lowry became a first-time All-Star when he was announced as an Eastern Conference starter in the 2015 NBA All-Star Game.[42] He became only the third Raptor to be voted in as a starter, after Vince Carter and Bosh.[43] On February 5, 2015, the NBA announced that Lowry would also participate in the 2015 NBA All-Star Weekend Skills Challenge as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend.[43] Lowry finished the All-Star game with 10 points, a team-high eight assists, three rebounds and four steals in a loss to the West, completing his first in-game dunk since 2009.[44]

On March 16, 2015, Lowry recorded his seventh career triple-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 117–98 win over the Indiana Pacers.[45] The Raptors finished the 2014–15 season with a franchise-best 49–33 record, fourth in the East and first in the Atlantic, but were swept in the first round by the Washington Wizards, despite entering the series with homecourt advantage. Lowry averaged 17.8 points, 6.8 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 70 games during the regular season, but a disappointing 12.3 points, as well as 4.8 assists, and 5.5 rebounds, in the playoffs, with many questioning his health during the series.[46]

2015–16 season: All-NBA Third Team

[edit]

Following his disappointing performance in the playoffs, Lowry entered the 2015–16 season with a noticeably slimmer physique, looking "as trim and fit as he ever has during his nearly decade-long NBA career", according to Toronto Sun writer, Ryan Wolstat.[47] Lowry explained that he wanted to be prepared "for 82 games and a long playoff run."[48] On November 3, he scored a game-high 27 points against the Dallas Mavericks as the Raptors started 4–0 for the first time in franchise history (the streak eventually ended with five wins).[49] On December 5, Lowry scored a then career-high 41 points and made six three-pointers in a loss to the Golden State Warriors.[50]

On January 18, 2016, Lowry tied his career-high of made three-pointers in game with seven, scoring a game-high 31 points in total, in a 112–100 win over the Brooklyn Nets.[51] On January 21, he was named as a starter to the Eastern Conference All-Star team for the 2016 NBA All-Star Game.[52] He was also later named a contestant in the Three-Point Contest, making him the third Raptors player to participate in this event.[53] On February 1, in a 112–93 loss to the Denver Nuggets, Lowry passed Alvin Williams for second all-time on the Raptors' assists list.[54] The following day, Lowry and teammate DeMar DeRozan were selected as co-winners for Eastern Conference Player of the Month for January. The pair helped the Raptors go 12–2 during the month and record a franchise-record 11-game win streak.[55] On February 14, Lowry finished his second All-Star game, held in Toronto for the first time, with 14 points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals in the East's 196–173 loss to the West. On February 22, he recorded his eighth career triple-double (sixth as a Raptor) with 22 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds in a 122–95 win over the New York Knicks.[56] Four days later, he scored a career-high 43 points, on 15-of-20 shooting, and had nine assists, five rebounds, and four steals in a 99–97 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.[57] On February 29, he was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played from February 22–28.[58] On March 21, he was again named Eastern Conference Player of the Week, for games played from March 14–20, becoming the first Raptors player since Chris Bosh in 2009–10 to win the award multiple times in the same season.[59] On March 30, he recorded 17 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds in a 105–97 win over the Atlanta Hawks, helping the Raptors reach 50 wins for the first time in franchise history.[60] The team finished the regular season with a 56–26 record, good for first in the Atlantic Division for the third consecutive year, and second in the Eastern Conference.

Lowry entered the playoffs suffering from bursitis in his shooting elbow, as he shot a mere 32% from the field over the final 10 games of the regular season.[61] His poor shooting continued into the postseason as the Raptors faced the Indiana Pacers in the first round. Despite Lowry's struggles, the Raptors defeated the Pacers in seven games, winning their second playoff series in franchise history, their first since 2001, and their first seven-game series.[62] In Game 3 of the Raptors' second-round series against the Miami Heat, Lowry broke out of his shooting slump with a 33-point performance on 11-of-19 shooting, helping the Raptors win 95–91 and go up 2–1 on the series.[63] In Game 6 of the series, he tied his playoff career high with 36 points on 12-of-27 shooting in a 103–91 loss, as the Heat forced a Game 7 in Toronto.[64] In Game 7 of the series, he scored 35 points on 11-of-20 shooting, to go along with nine assists, seven rebounds, and four steals, in a 116–89 win, helping the Raptors advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history.[65] In Game 4 of the Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Lowry scored 35 points on 14-of-20 shooting to help the Raptors win 105–99 and tie the series at 2–2.[66] In Game 6 of the series, Lowry again scored 35 points, but was unable to force a Game 7, with the 113–87 loss knocking the Raptors out of the playoffs with a 4–2 defeat.[67] Lowry capped off his strong season by earning All-NBA third team honors. With his first selection to the All-NBA team, he joined Vince Carter and Chris Bosh as the only players in franchise history to receive this recognition.[68]

2016–17 season: Career high in scoring

[edit]
Lowry and John Wall in 2016.

On November 28, 2016, Lowry set a franchise record by hitting all six of his three-pointers for a game-high 24 points in a 122–95 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.[69][70] On December 9, he scored 21 of his then season-high 34 points in the second half of the Raptors' 101–94 win over the Boston Celtics.[71] He set a new season high on December 23, scoring 36 points, including 19 in the fourth quarter, to lead the Raptors to a 104–98 victory over the Utah Jazz.[72][73] On January 1, 2017, he scored 20 of his season-high 41 points in the fourth quarter of the Raptors' 123–114 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. He also had 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, and went 5-of-6 from three-point range.[74] On February 5, 2017, he recorded his ninth career triple-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 103–95 win over the Brooklyn Nets.[75] The following day in the Raptors' 118–109 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, Lowry became the Raptors' franchise leader in three-pointers when he buried one from beyond the arc with 5:27 to play in the first half. His third three-pointer of the night gave him 802 in a Toronto uniform, surpassing Morris Peterson's mark.[76] Lowry before his wrist injury was averaging 24.6 PTS 7.0 AST 5.0 RPG 1.5 STL 50 FG% 45.6 3PT% 67 TS% for 40 games of the season.[77] On April 5, 2017, he returned from an 18-game absence with a wrist injury, played 42 minutes, and had 27 points and 10 assists to help the Raptors overcome a 20-point first-half deficit in a 105–102 victory over the Detroit Pistons.[78]

In the Raptors' second-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Lowry sprained his left ankle in the third quarter of Game 2 and aggravated the injury while trying to warm up for Game 3. He was not active for Game 4 and thus could not assist the Raptors in trying to avoid a series sweep; with a 109–102 loss to the Cavaliers in Game 4, the Raptors bowed out of the playoffs with a 4–0 defeat.[79]

Following the playoffs, Lowry declined his $12 million player option for the 2017–18 season and became an unrestricted free agent.[80]

2017–18 season: Franchise record in wins

[edit]

On July 7, 2017, Lowry re-signed with the Raptors to a three-year, $100 million contract.[81][82] On October 27, 2017, he recorded his first triple-double of the season and his eighth as a Raptor with 11 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds in a 101–92 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.[83] With 19 points against the Boston Celtics on November 12, Lowry moved past Andrea Bargnani (6,581 points) into fourth place on Toronto's all-time scoring list.[84] On November 25, he had 15 points, and a career-high 13 rebounds in a 112–78 win over the Atlanta Hawks.[85] Four days later, he scored a season-high 36 points in a 126–113 win over the Charlotte Hornets.[86] On December 15, he recorded his 11th career triple-double, and second of the season, with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists in a 120–87 win over the Brooklyn Nets.[87] On January 20, 2018, he scored a season-high 40 points on 14-for-25 shooting, including 6 of 10 from behind the arc, in a 115–109 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.[88] Three days later, he was selected as a reserve for the 2018 NBA All-Star Game, marking his fourth consecutive All-Star selection.[89] On February 8, 2018, in a 113–88 win over the New York Knicks, Lowry passed 11,000 career points.[90] On March 23, 2018, he recorded his 10th triple-double as a Raptor with 25 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds in a 116–112 win over the Nets.[91]

In Game 2 of the Raptors' first-round playoff series against the Washington Wizards, Lowry had 13 points, and a career playoff-high 12 assists, as Toronto took a 2–0 lead in a playoff series for the first time in franchise history with a 130–119 win.[92] In Game 6, Lowry scored 24 points in a 102–92 series-clinching win over the Wizards.[93] In the second round, the Raptors were swept for the second straight year by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2018–19 season: First NBA championship

[edit]
Lowry advances the ball down the court while being guarded by Klay Thompson during Game 2 of the 2019 NBA Finals

In the Raptors' season opener on October 17, Lowry scored 27 points on 5-for-6 from 3-point range and had eight assists in a 116–104 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.[94] On October 26, he had 20 points and 12 assists in a 116–107 win over the Dallas Mavericks, thus recording 10 or more assists for a career-best fourth straight game, becoming the first Raptors player to accomplish the feat since José Calderón had five in a row in March 2012.[95] On October 30, in a 129–112 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, Lowry had 20 points and 13 assists, extending his streak of double-digit assist games to a career-best six.[96] The career-best streak ended at nine.[97] On November 21, he recorded his 13th career triple-double with 21 points, 17 assists, and 12 rebounds in a 124–108 win over the Atlanta Hawks.[98] Lowry missed 10 games between December 14 and January 5[99] due to a sore left thigh (four games)[100] and a sore lower back (six games).[101] On March 3, he scored a season-high 35 points in a 112–107 overtime loss to the Detroit Pistons.[102] On March 8, he had 13 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds in a 127–104 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.[103] In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Lowry scored 30 points and had seven 3-pointers in a 108–100 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. His seven 3-pointers was a season high, a playoff career high, and one off his career high.[104] In Game 5 against Milwaukee, Lowry surpassed DeMar DeRozan (1,117) as the franchise's postseason scoring leader.[105] In Game 6, he scored 17 points to help lead the Raptors into the NBA Finals for the first time with a 100–94 victory.[106] In Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals, Lowry recorded 26 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds in a 114–110 series-clinching win over the Golden State Warriors, thus helping the Raptors win their first NBA championship in franchise history.[107]

2019–20 season: 6th straight All-Star selection

[edit]

On October 7, 2019, Lowry signed a one-year $31 million extension with the Raptors.[108] On November 2, 2019, Lowry scored a season-high 36 points in a 115–105 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.[109] On November 8, 2019, Lowry was injured during the 122–102 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans for a sore thumb and sat out for 2 weeks missing 12 games. On December 3, 2019, he made his return against the Miami Heat. He scored 12 points along with 6 rebounds, 11 assists, 1 steal and 1 block in a 121–110 loss. On December 22, 2019, Lowry scored 20 of his game-high 32 points in the fourth quarter in a 110–107 victory against the Dallas Mavericks, helping the Raptors overcome a 30-point deficit, making it their biggest comeback victory in franchise history and the first 30-point comeback win in ten years.[110] On December 23, 2019, Lowry was named Eastern Conference Player of the week for games played between December 16–22.[111] On August 1, 2020, Lowry scored 33 points, along with a career-high 14 rebounds, while leading the Raptors to a 107–93 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. This was the Raptors first game in the Orlando bubble, returning from a 4-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[112] The Raptors were unable to defend their title as they were eliminated in seven games by the Boston Celtics in the second round.[113]

2020–21 season: Final year in Toronto

[edit]

On January 14, 2021, after getting 16 points, six rebounds, and a season-high 12 assists in a 111–108 win against the Charlotte Hornets, Lowry recorded his 4,000th assist with the Raptors, joining Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard as the only players who have over 4,000 assists with their current teams.[114] On January 27, 2021, after a quick three-pointer against the Milwaukee Bucks, Lowry reached 10,000 points with the Raptors, joining Chris Bosh and DeMar DeRozan as the only players to reach that milestone with the franchise.[115] He had 21 points, five rebounds and three assists in a 115–108 loss. On January 31, 2021, Lowry had 12 points, six rebounds, and a season-high 15 assists in a 115–102 win against the Orlando Magic.[116] On February 2, 2021, Lowry had his first triple-double of the season, getting 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 123–108 win against the Magic.[117] On February 5, 2021, Lowry scored a season-high 30 points with five rebounds, seven assists and two steals in a 123–117 win against the Brooklyn Nets.[118] On February 26, 2021, Lowry had his second triple-double of the season with 20 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a 122–111 win against the Houston Rockets.[119] On March 4, 2021, Lowry had a career-high 19 assists in a 132–125 loss against the Boston Celtics.[120] On May 2, 2021, Lowry scored a new season-high 37 points and made a career-high tying eight three-pointers with two rebounds, 11 assists and a steal in a 121–114 win against the Los Angeles Lakers.[121]

Miami Heat (2021–2024)

[edit]

On August 6, 2021, the Miami Heat signed Lowry on a three-year, $85 million contract via a sign-and-trade with the Raptors in exchange for former teammate Goran Dragić and Precious Achiuwa.[122] On November 6, 2021, Lowry recorded his first triple double with the Heat and his 19th career triple double in a 118–115 win over the Utah Jazz with a statline of 20 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists while shooting 72% from the field.[123] On Dec. 19, 2021, Kyle Lowry drew the 252nd charge of his career, passing Ersan Ilyasova and making him the NBA's charges drawn leader for the play-by-play era (going back to the 2000–01 season when this stat was first trackable). He finished the season with a total of 259 charges drawn.[124] Lowry led the Heat to the top seed in the Eastern Conference with a 53–29 record.[125] During the Heat's 2022 playoff run, Lowry missed multiple games due to a hamstring injury.[126] On May 27, in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Lowry recorded a double-double of 18 points and 10 assists in a 111–103 win over the Boston Celtics.[127] In the decisive Game 7, the Heat were eliminated in a 100–96 loss.[128]

On April 11, 2023, during the Heat's play-in tournament game against the Atlanta Hawks, Lowry scored a season-high 33 points, alongside four rebounds and five assists, in a 116–105 loss.[129] However, the Heat defeated the Chicago Bulls in a 102–91 win three days later to secure the eighth seed in the playoffs.[130] In the Finals, the Heat lost in 5 games to the Denver Nuggets.[131]

On January 23, 2024, Lowry was traded to the Charlotte Hornets, alongside a first-round draft pick, in exchange for Terry Rozier.[132] Lowry's contract was subsequently bought out on February 11.[133]

Philadelphia 76ers (2024–present)

[edit]

On February 13, 2024, Lowry signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.[134] Nine days later, he made his 76ers debut, putting up 11 points, five assists, and four rebounds in a 110–96 loss to the New York Knicks.[135]

On July 12, 2024, Lowry re-signed with the 76ers.[136] He made 35 appearances (12 starts) for Philadelphia during the 2024–25 NBA season, averaging 3.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.

On July 7, 2025, Lowry re-signed with Philadelphia.[137]

National team career

[edit]

Lowry was a member of the U.S. men's national team that won gold at the 2016 Summer Olympics, during which he averaged 5 points and 3.3 rebounds.[5][138] His best scoring performance was in the semifinal game against Spain with 9 points.[5] He earned praise for his defense and leadership during the tournament, with head coach Mike Krzyzewski calling him the team's "unsung hero" and assistant coach Jim Boeheim naming him "the best team player out of everybody.".[139] In the gold medal game, Lowry collected five rebounds, five assists and scored five points being the team leader and all around general.[140]

Player profile

[edit]

Lowry's tenacious playing style, combined with his stocky physique, has often earned him comparisons to a pit bull or bulldog, with many citing his toughness, leadership, and instinct for winning plays on the court.[4][141][142] Lowry's Villanova teammate Curtis Sumpter remembers "he was just so tough. He wasn't the flashy guy. He wasn't coming down to try and throw 150 crossovers and make all these fantastic moves. That wasn't his game. He was just so solid and able to read the defenses and make the pass at the right time and get guys in the right position to score."[16] In 2014, Zach Lowe of Grantland wrote that Lowry "was probably the best point guard in the Eastern Conference from start to finish [of the 2013–14 season], raining off-the-bounce 3s, getting Toronto into its offense, toning down the wild gambles on defense, and using that stubby little body to draw more charges than anyone."[143]

Lowry is considered a strong rebounder for his position, as well as an elite defender.[10][144] He holds the Toronto Raptors' franchise record for triple-doubles,[145] as well as the most made three-point field goals in a season, for the 2013–14 season.[35]

Awards and achievements

[edit]

College

[edit]

NBA

[edit]
  • NBA champion: 2019
  • All-NBA Third Team: 2016
  • NBA All-Star: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
  • All-time leader in charges drawn[124]
  • NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month: December 2014; January 2016
  • NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week: January 27 – February 2, 2014; December 1–7, 2014;[146] February 22–28, 2016; March 14–20, 2016; December 16–22, 2019
  • NBA Western Conference Player of the Week: March 14–20, 2011[147]

U.S. men's national team

[edit]

Other achievements & honors

[edit]

Career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high
 †  Won an NBA championship  *  Led the league

NBA

[edit]

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2006–07 Memphis 10 0 17.5 .368 .375 .893 3.1 3.2 1.4 .1 5.6
2007–08 Memphis 82* 9 25.5 .432 .257 .698 3.0 3.6 1.1 .3 9.6
2008–09 Memphis 49 21 21.9 .412 .246 .801 2.3 3.6 1.0 .2 7.6
Houston 28 0 21.7 .475 .276 .800 2.8 3.5 .8 .3 7.6
2009–10 Houston 68 0 24.3 .397 .272 .827 3.6 4.5 .9 .1 9.1
2010–11 Houston 75 71 34.2 .426 .376 .765 4.1 6.7 1.4 .3 13.5
2011–12 Houston 47 38 32.1 .409 .374 .864 4.5 6.6 1.6 .3 14.3
2012–13 Toronto 68 52 29.7 .401 .362 .795 4.7 6.4 1.4 .4 11.6
2013–14 Toronto 79 79 36.2 .423 .380 .813 4.7 7.4 1.5 .2 17.9
2014–15 Toronto 70 70 34.5 .412 .338 .808 4.7 6.8 1.6 .2 17.8
2015–16 Toronto 77 77 37.0 .427 .388 .811 4.7 6.4 2.1 .4 21.2
2016–17 Toronto 60 60 37.4 .464 .412 .819 4.8 7.0 1.5 .3 22.4
2017–18 Toronto 78 78 32.2 .427 .399 .854 5.6 6.9 1.1 .2 16.2
2018–19 Toronto 65 65 34.1 .411 .347 .830 4.8 8.7 1.4 .5 14.2
2019–20 Toronto 58 58 36.2 .416 .352 .857 5.0 7.5 1.4 .4 19.4
2020–21 Toronto 46 46 34.8 .436 .396 .875 5.4 7.3 1.0 .3 17.2
2021–22 Miami 63 63 33.9 .440 .377 .851 4.5 7.5 1.1 .3 13.4
2022–23 Miami 55 44 31.2 .404 .345 .859 4.1 5.1 1.0 .4 11.2
2023–24 Miami 37 35 28.0 .426 .385 .833 3.5 4.0 1.1 .4 8.2
Philadelphia 23 20 28.4 .444 .404 .848 2.8 4.6 .9 .3 8.0
2024–25 Philadelphia 35 12 18.8 .350 .330 .818 1.9 2.7 .9 .3 3.9
Career 1,173 898 31.3 .423 .368 .815 4.2 6.1 1.3 .3 13.9
All-Star 6 2 22.4 .354 .271 1.000 4.3 6.7 2.3 .2 10.5

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2009 Houston 13 0 19.5 .333 .250 .742 2.9 2.5 .9 .1 5.3
2014 Toronto 7 7 38.8 .404 .395 .878 4.7 4.7 .9 .0 21.1
2015 Toronto 4 4 32.8 .316 .217 .727 5.5 4.8 1.3 .0 12.3
2016 Toronto 20 20 38.3 .397 .304 .750 4.7 6.0 1.6 .2 19.1
2017 Toronto 8 8 37.6 .462 .342 .818 3.1 5.9 1.5 .5 15.8
2018 Toronto 10 10 36.1 .508 .444 .813 4.3 8.5 1.5 .0 17.4
2019 Toronto 24 24 37.5 .440 .359 .802 4.9 6.6 1.3 .3 15.0
2020 Toronto 11 11 37.6 .419 .319 .800 6.5 5.8 1.7 .7 17.7
2022 Miami 10 10 29.5 .291 .241 .789 3.6 4.7 1.2 .7 7.8
2023 Miami 23 1 26.1 .425 .375 .939 3.5 4.4 1.0 .6 9.2
2024 Philadelphia 6 6 29.2 .344 .333 .800 3.5 4.0 1.0 .7 7.0
Career 136 101 32.8 .411 .338 .803 4.3 5.4 1.3 .4 13.5

College

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2004–05 Villanova 24 3 23.2 .421 .227 .635 3.2 2.0 1.3 .2 7.5
2005–06 Villanova 33 31 29.3 .466 .444 .786 4.3 3.7 2.3 .2 11.0
Career 57 34 26.7 .449 .325 .737 3.8 3.0 1.9 .2 9.5

Personal life

[edit]

Lowry is married to Ayahna Cornish (2012), a fellow Philadelphia native. The couple met while attending Cardinal Dougherty High School together, where she too was a varsity basketball player. Cornish later played at Saint Joseph's University, where she was also named the best offensive player for two consecutive seasons.[159] However, she suffered an ACL injury her junior year.[160] The couple has two sons: Karter (born August 18, 2011) and Kameron (born July 15, 2015).[161][162]

In 2025, Lowry participated in the third Creator Classic, a golf event organized by the PGA Tour centered around golf influencers.[163]

On September 25, 2025, Amazon Prime Video hired Lowry to serve as an analyst, signing him to a multi-year contract.[164]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Kyle Lowry is an American professional player known for his tenacious defense, playmaking ability, and leadership as a in the (NBA). Born on March 25, 1986, in , , Lowry grew up in a challenging urban environment and attended , where he earned accolades as a two-time First Team All-Catholic selection and Northern Division MVP in 2003. He then played at from 2004 to 2006, averaging 9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game over two seasons before declaring for the . Selected 24th overall by the in the , Lowry began his professional career as a backup, developing his skills across multiple teams including the (2009–2012), where he emerged as a starter and averaged career highs early on. His tenure with the (2012–2021) marked his peak, during which he became a franchise cornerstone, setting records for assists (4,277), steals (873), and three-pointers made (1,518) while earning six NBA selections from 2015 to 2020 and an All-NBA Third Team honor in 2016. Lowry's leadership culminated in the 2019 NBA Championship, the Raptors' first title, where he contributed 14.2 points and 6.6 assists per game in the alongside Finals MVP . He also won a with the U.S. national team at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Later in his career, Lowry played for the (2021–2023), helping them reach the in 2022 and 2023, before returning to his hometown in 2023. Over 19 NBA seasons (entering his 20th in 2025–26), he has appeared in 1,173 regular-season games, averaging 14.0 points, 6.1 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game as of November 2025, establishing himself as one of the league's most durable and respected veterans. In the 2024–25 season with the 76ers, Lowry averaged 3.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 35 games, continuing to provide mentorship and defensive intensity off the bench at age 39.

Early years

Early life

Kyle Lowry was born on March 25, 1986, in , . He grew up in , raised primarily by his single mother, Marie Holloway, in a modest row house at 2713 North 20th Street, after his parents separated when he was seven years old. His father, Lonnie Lowry Sr., was largely absent from his life, leaving Holloway to support Lowry and his older brother, Lonnie Jr., often with the help of their grandmother. The family faced considerable hardships, including financial struggles in a working-class neighborhood plagued by and the challenges of inner-city life. Despite these obstacles, Lowry's formative years were shaped by the resilience of his household and the close bond with his brother, who became a pivotal figure in his development. Lowry attended local elementary schools in the area, where he initially engaged in multiple before discovering his passion for . This early interest was fueled by the vibrant scene in his community and his habit of watching NBA games on television, with his brother teaching him the basics of the sport at nearby courts like the Recreation Center. These experiences laid the groundwork for his dedication to as he entered high school.

High school career

Kyle Lowry began his high school career at Northeast High School in , where as a he guided the team to the Public League championship game before transferring to in the Olney neighborhood of for his junior and senior years from 2002 to 2004. Growing up in a basketball-rich environment near , Lowry benefited from family support that encouraged his early athletic pursuits. As a at Cardinal Dougherty, Lowry emerged as a standout performer, particularly in his senior year of 2003–2004, when he averaged approximately 19 . His leadership on the court was evident as he helped the Cardinals achieve an undefeated 14–0 record in Catholic League play, earning a berth in the league title game (though they lost to St. Joseph's Prep), along with two-time First Team All-Catholic honors and the 2003 Northern Division MVP award. Lowry's high school excellence culminated in national acclaim, as he was selected to the 2004 , where he showcased his skills alongside top prep prospects. He also participated in the that year, further highlighting his status as one of the nation's elite high school talents. In terms of recruitment, Lowry drew interest from several college programs, ultimately committing to over options like Xavier, influenced by his proximity to home and the school's strong tradition.

College career

Kyle Lowry began his collegiate career at in the 2004–05 season as a , where he appeared in 24 games off the bench, averaging 7.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 42.1% from the field. Despite limited starting experience with only three starts, Lowry contributed to Villanova's 24–8 overall record and their advancement to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, where the Wildcats defeated and before falling to eventual national champion 67–66. His defensive energy and quickness helped anchor the backcourt under Jay Wright during the team's first NCAA Tournament appearance in Wright's tenure. In his sophomore year of 2005–06, Lowry emerged as a starter in 31 of 33 games, significantly improving his production to averages of 11.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and a team-high 2.3 steals per game, while boosting his field goal percentage to 46.6%. He earned Second Team All-Big East honors for his versatile play as the primary ballhandler and defensive catalyst. Lowry played a key role in Villanova's 28–5 season, which included a second-place Big East finish and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, leading to an Elite Eight run where the team beat Monmouth, Arizona, and Boston College before losing to eventual champion Florida 75–62. Over his two seasons at Villanova, Lowry appeared in 57 games, compiling career averages of 9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. Recognized for his tenacity on defense and emerging leadership qualities, he declared for the following his sophomore year, forgoing his remaining eligibility. His contributions were instrumental in Villanova's back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, marking a resurgence for the program under .

Professional career

Memphis Grizzlies (2006–2009)

Kyle Lowry was selected by the with the 24th overall pick in the first round of the after two seasons at . As a , Lowry appeared in just 10 games for the Grizzlies, limited by a broken wrist that required season-ending surgery, where he averaged 5.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.4 steals in 17.5 minutes per game while primarily serving as a to veteran point guards. His limited role allowed him to focus on development, learning the professional game behind the newly drafted , who emerged as the starting in Lowry's second season. In the 2007–08 season, Lowry earned a larger role, appearing in all 82 games and starting nine, averaging 9.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.1 steals in 25.5 minutes per game. His aggressive play style highlighted emerging defensive tenacity, as evidenced by his league-high steal rate among sophomores and contributions to the ' backcourt pressure, though the team finished with a 22–60 record. Lowry's ability to push the pace in transition and disrupt opponents began to signal his potential as a two-way guard, even amid the franchise's rebuilding efforts. During the 2008–09 season, Lowry solidified his place in Memphis' young core alongside emerging talents like and , starting 21 of 49 games and averaging 7.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 21.9 minutes per game. With increased minutes up to 28.8 in select outings, he posted career highs in efficiency and playmaking, contributing to the Grizzlies' shift toward a more competitive roster after acquiring in February. On February 19, 2009, Lowry was traded to the in a three-team deal that sent to Orlando and brought Lowry and Brian Cook to in exchange for a future first-round pick. Post-trade, he appeared in 28 games for the Rockets, averaging 7.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 21.7 minutes, providing bench spark as Houston advanced deep into the .

Houston Rockets (2009–2012)

Kyle Lowry joined the Houston Rockets on February 19, 2009, as part of a three-team trade that sent Rafer Alston to the Orlando Magic and sent Lowry from the Memphis Grizzlies to Houston in exchange for Adonal Foyle, Mike Wilks, a 2009 first-round pick, and cash considerations. This move came midway through the 2008–09 season, where Lowry appeared in 28 games off the bench for the Rockets, averaging 7.6 points and 3.5 assists per game in 21.7 minutes. Building on his experience as a backup in Memphis, Lowry provided solid perimeter defense and playmaking depth to a Rockets squad that reached the playoffs but lost in the first round to the Los Angeles Lakers. In the 2009–10 season, Lowry served as the primary sixth man behind starting point guard Aaron Brooks, appearing in 68 games without a start and averaging 9.1 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.6 rebounds in 24.3 minutes per game. Despite season-ending injuries to star players Yao Ming (who missed the entire year due to a foot fracture) and Tracy McGrady (limited to just six games), the Rockets achieved a 42–40 record under coach Rick Adelman, securing third place in the Southwest Division but missing the playoffs as the ninth seed in the Western Conference. Lowry's efficient scoring (39.7% field goal, 82.7% free throw) and defensive contributions helped stabilize the backcourt during Houston's injury-plagued campaign. Lowry transitioned to a full-time starting in 2010–11, starting 71 of 75 games and posting career highs of 13.5 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds in 34.2 minutes per game, while leading the team in assists. His improved three-point shooting (37.6%) and steals (1.4 per game) anchored the Rockets' offense, contributing to a 43–39 record that again fell just short of the . The following year, 2011–12, marked Lowry's breakout as Houston's lead guard, where he averaged 14.3 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds in 32.1 minutes across 47 games (38 starts), but a bacterial in and subsequent sports hernia sidelined him for the final stretch. These performances highlighted his growth into a versatile floor general, though the lockout-shortened season ended with a 34–32 record and another playoff miss. On July 11, 2012, amid the Rockets' rebuilding efforts following the acquisition of , Lowry was traded to the in exchange for and a protected first-round draft pick (top-14 protected in 2013, escalating protections thereafter). This deal reflected Houston's shift toward younger talent, ending Lowry's four-year tenure where he established himself as a defensive-minded starter capable of elite playmaking.

Toronto Raptors (2012–2021)

Kyle Lowry was acquired by the on July 11, 2012, in a trade from the that sent forward and a protected 2013 first-round draft pick to . In his debut season of 2012–13, Lowry adjusted to a full-time starting role alongside , averaging 11.6 points and 6.4 assists per game while shooting 40.7% from three-point range, though the finished 34–48 and missed the playoffs. Lowry's performance improved steadily from 2013–14 to 2015–16, marking his emergence as a franchise cornerstone. In 2013–14, he averaged 17.9 points and 7.4 assists, helping the Raptors to 48 wins and a first-round playoff appearance where they fell to the . He earned his first NBA selection in 2015 after posting 17.8 points and 6.8 assists, guiding to 49 wins but another first-round exit against the . The 2015–16 season saw Lowry peak with 21.2 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game, earning All-NBA Third Team honors and leading the Raptors to a franchise-record 56 wins at the time, along with their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance before a loss to the . On July 10, 2014, Lowry signed a four-year, $48 million contract extension with the Raptors, solidifying his long-term commitment. In 2016–17, he achieved a career-high 22.4 with 7.0 assists, powering to 51 wins and a second-round playoff berth, though they were eliminated by the Cavaliers again. The following year, 2017–18, Lowry averaged 16.2 points and 6.9 assists while earning his third consecutive nod, contributing to a franchise-record 59 wins but a second-round defeat to . The 2018–19 season culminated in the Raptors' first NBA championship, with Lowry serving as the team's veteran leader after the midseason acquisition of . Averaging 14.2 points and a team-high 8.7 assists in the regular season—his fourth straight appearance—Lowry elevated his play in the , posting 15.0 points and 6.6 assists across 24 games en route to defeating the in six games for the title. In the , he averaged 16.2 points, 7.2 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game, including a 26-point, 10-assist performance in the clinching Game 6. Post-championship, the Raptors experienced back-to-back second-round playoff exits in 2019–20 and 2020–21 amid roster changes and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019–20, Lowry averaged 19.4 points and 7.5 assists in 58 games—his fifth consecutive All-Star selection—before Toronto lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round. His final Raptors season in 2020–21 saw averages of 17.2 points and 7.3 assists across 46 games, again earning All-Star honors, but the team fell to the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round. Lowry was traded to the Miami Heat in the 2021 offseason after nine seasons, concluding a tenure that transformed the franchise. Over 601 regular-season games with , Lowry averaged 17.5 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game, establishing himself as the Raptors' all-time leader in assists (4,277) and steals (873). His defensive tenacity and playmaking were instrumental in elevating the Raptors from perennial underachievers to 2019 champions, earning him the nickname "Mr. Raptor." On January 13, 2026, during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena, Raptors fans gave Lowry a standing ovation upon his entry, honoring his tenure with the team.

Miami Heat (2021–2023)

On August 2, 2021, the Miami Heat acquired Kyle Lowry from the Toronto Raptors via a sign-and-trade deal, sending Precious Achiuwa and Goran Dragić to Toronto in exchange. Lowry signed a three-year, $85 million contract with the Heat, positioning him as a veteran point guard to bolster the backcourt alongside Jimmy Butler and complement the team's defensive-oriented "Heat Culture." His arrival was seen as a strategic move to leverage his championship experience from Toronto to elevate Miami's contending roster. In the 2021–22 season, Lowry appeared in 63 games for the , averaging 13.4 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game while shooting 44.0% from the field and 35.9% from three-point range. Despite missing time due to a injury, he provided steady playmaking and perimeter defense, helping secure the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference with 53 wins. In the , Lowry averaged 7.8 points and 4.7 assists over 10 games, contributing to the Heat's run to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they lost to the in seven games. His ability to facilitate for and emphasized his role as a floor general in Erik Spoelstra's system. The 2022–23 season saw Lowry play in 55 regular-season games, averaging 11.2 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds, often managing a minutes restriction amid minor injuries but remaining a key rotational piece. The Heat finished with a 44–38 record, the No. 8 seed in the East, yet advanced to the as the first play-in team to do so, defeating the , , and in the postseason. Lowry averaged 9.2 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.5 rebounds across 23 playoff games, with notable defensive efforts including drawing charges and guarding multiple positions; Miami ultimately fell to the in five games. His championship pedigree from the 2019 Raptors briefly referenced in team discussions helped reinforce Miami's resilient culture during the improbable playoff surge. Throughout his Heat tenure, Lowry served as a mentor to —sharing a close off-court friendship rooted in their competitive mindsets—and younger guards like and , offering guidance on and defensive tenacity. His playoff defensive contributions, such as averaging 0.9 steals per game in 2022–23 and disrupting passing lanes, were integral to Miami's switch-heavy schemes, though his scoring dipped as he prioritized team facilitation. Following the 2022–23 , Lowry opted into the final year of his contract for the 2023–24 season but was traded to the Charlotte Hornets on January 23, 2024, for and a protected 2027 first-round pick, after which he was bought out.

Philadelphia 76ers (2023–present)

After agreeing to a contract buyout with the Charlotte Hornets on February 10, 2024, Lowry signed a one-year deal with his hometown on February 13, 2024, returning to the city where he was born and attended . As a veteran , Lowry embraced an emotional homecoming, receiving a from fans during his debut on February 22, 2024, and describing the moment as fulfilling a lifelong dream of playing professionally in . He quickly assumed a backup role to starting guard , providing leadership and playmaking off the bench while contributing to a 76ers team led by . In the 2023–24 season, Lowry appeared in 23 regular-season games for , averaging 8.0 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.8 rebounds in 28.4 minutes per game. His steady presence helped stabilize the backcourt during injury challenges, and he started all six playoff games in the first round against the , where the 76ers fell in six games despite Lowry's 7.0 points and 4.0 assists per contest. Lowry re-signed with the 76ers on July 12, 2024, for a one-year contract worth approximately $2.8 million, continuing his role as a mentor and reserve contributor alongside new addition . During the 2024–25 season, Lowry's minutes decreased to 18.8 per game across 35 appearances, where he averaged 3.9 points and 2.7 assists, focusing on defensive intensity and guidance rather than scoring volume. The 76ers valued his experience in maintaining team chemistry amid roster changes, though injuries limited his overall impact. On July 7, 2025, Lowry re-signed for another one-year deal at $3.6 million, securing his spot for the 2025–26 campaign. Entering the 2025–26 season—his 20th in the NBA—Lowry has expressed plans to sign a one-day contract with the Toronto Raptors to retire following the season. In January 2026, Lowry arrived in Toronto for the game against the Raptors at Scotiabank Arena, wearing a signed Auston Matthews Toronto Maple Leafs jersey as a tribute to the city and the Maple Leafs captain. During the January 12 matchup, which the 76ers won 115–102, Raptors fans chanted for Lowry throughout the fourth quarter, prompting Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse to substitute him into the game with 1:57 remaining; he received a standing ovation upon entering and at the final buzzer, potentially marking his final appearance in Toronto, having appeared in only six games prior that season. Lowry secured the game ball following the contest. He drew a large crowd at his locker and reaffirmed his intention to sign a one-day contract to retire as a Raptor, with the team planning to retire his number 7 jersey. In limited early-season action, Lowry has continued serving as a reliable reserve who bolsters the lineup featuring Embiid and George while embracing his role as a Philly . His ongoing presence underscores a deep personal connection to the franchise and city, where he has prioritized team success over individual accolades in his later career years.

International career

2016 Summer Olympics

In June 2016, Kyle Lowry was selected to the 12-man roster for the U.S. men's national team for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, marking his first major international appearance. His inclusion, as a two-time NBA at the time, bolstered the point guard position on a star-studded squad that featured , , and , among others. Lowry served primarily as a reserve guard, playing in all eight games for Team USA during their undefeated run, averaging 16.3 minutes per game off the bench. He contributed 5.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and a team-high second-best 3.8 assists per game, while shooting 41.4% from the field. His role emphasized facilitating the offense and providing defensive support in the transition to rules, which differ from the NBA in aspects like and three-second violations. Lowry made notable contributions in key tournament games, including the quarterfinal victory over on August 17, where he scored 5 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 24 minutes during the 105-78 win. He helped Team USA maintain an 8-0 record throughout the Olympics, culminating in a on August 21 with a 96-66 defeat of in the final. Lowry was praised for his defensive energy, selfless play, and ability to inject pace as a pass-first guard, with assistant coach calling him "the best player out of everybody" for his team-oriented approach.

Other national team involvement

Lowry participated in the 2018 USA Basketball Men's National Team minicamp in , , contributing to team preparation and chemistry ahead of future international competitions. In 2019, he was named to the USA Men's National Team roster for the World Cup on June 10, attending initial sessions as he recovered from thumb surgery sustained during the . However, Lowry withdrew from the final roster on August 12 due to insufficient recovery, prioritizing his health over participation in the tournament. These non-tournament roles, including the 2018 minicamp and 2019 training camp, allowed Lowry to foster team cohesion without competing in events, resulting in no international s from these engagements. Following his at the —his peak international achievement—Lowry expressed ongoing commitment to , as evidenced by his 2018 minicamp participation and initial 2019 involvement, though he often balanced this with NBA playoff demands and injury recovery.

Player profile and impact

Playing style

Kyle Lowry, listed at 6 feet tall, has long been recognized as an undersized but fiercely aggressive whose defensive tenacity compensates for his physical limitations. His stocky build and relentless energy enable a "pitbull-like" approach on defense, where he excels at harassing ball-handlers, generating deflections, and stripping the ball from drivers, contributing to his career average of 1.3 steals per game. This physicality often involves probing for every possible advantage, including trash-talking opponents to disrupt their rhythm and assert dominance on the court. As a , Lowry combines playmaking with scoring versatility, particularly in the pick-and-roll, where he ranks among the league's top creators as the ball-handler, often in the 90th for points generated through screening actions. His career 6.0 assists per game reflect a high IQ that allows him to read defenses, make precise passes, and elevate teammates, while his game and career 36.6% three-point provide reliable spacing. However, this gritty, high-effort style has come at a cost, leading to durability concerns in the , including a severe core muscle injury that sidelined him during the 2014-15 season and multiple nagging issues like ankle sprains and back spasms that limited his availability. Over his career, Lowry has evolved from an early emphasis on slashing to the basket—leveraging his quickness and strength to drive aggressively—to a more perimeter-oriented role as a floor-spacer in his later years with the . In and early , he relied more on physical drives and mid-range pull-ups, but by the mid-2010s, he transformed into an elite long-range shooter, boosting his three-point volume while maintaining efficiency around 37% from deep during peak seasons. With the 76ers, at age 39, Lowry has adapted further into a savvy who spaces the floor off-ball, using his shooting and IQ to complement star bigs like , though his athleticism has naturally declined.

Career impact and legacy

Kyle Lowry's tenure with the Toronto Raptors marked a pivotal transformation for the franchise, elevating it from a perennial lottery team plagued by early playoff exits to a consistent Eastern Conference contender and eventual NBA champion. Acquired in 2012, Lowry's leadership, defensive tenacity, and playmaking were instrumental in shifting the team's culture toward sustained success, culminating in the Raptors' first championship in 2019 against the Golden State Warriors. This enduring legacy was highlighted on January 12, 2026, during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena, where Raptors fans chanted "We want Lowry" and gave him a standing ovation upon entering the game late, after coach Nick Nurse substituted the 39-year-old former Raptor and 2019 NBA champion into action for a brief stint. Lowry described it as one of the greatest moments of his career, potentially his final appearance in Toronto. In subsequent stints with the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers, Lowry embraced a mentorship role, influencing team dynamics through his veteran presence. With the Heat from 2021 to 2023, he adapted to a reserve capacity while embodying and reinforcing "Heat Culture" by guiding younger players on professionalism and resilience during deep playoff runs, including the 2023 NBA Finals. In Philadelphia since 2023, as a hometown native, Lowry has provided on- and off-court guidance to stars like Tyrese Maxey, bolstering the team's veteran leadership and playoff poise. Lowry's entry into the NBA's exclusive 20-season club in November 2025 underscores his remarkable longevity, making him only the second —and the 12th player overall—to achieve this milestone, joining icons like . At 6 feet tall, his enduring career symbolizes resilience for undersized guards, proving that grit and adaptability can sustain elite performance across two decades. Beyond the court, Lowry's off-court leadership has left a lasting mark, particularly in advocacy during the , where he championed and united with teammates to amplify messages of equality and change amid national unrest. His influence extends to redefining the point guard archetype, evolving from a slow-developing prospect into a multifaceted leader who prioritizes team elevation over individual stats, inspiring a generation of tough, versatile floor generals. As a Philadelphia native who grew up idolizing Allen Iverson, Lowry's legacy carries profound local significance, embodying the same unyielding grit that defined Iverson's Hall of Fame career while succeeding on basketball's biggest stages.

Awards and achievements

College honors

During his time at from 2004 to 2006, Kyle Lowry earned several conference-level honors that highlighted his early promise as a . As a high school standout at Cardinal Dougherty, he had been named the 2004 Pennsylvania Boys Basketball Player of the Year, setting the stage for his collegiate recognition. In his freshman season of 2004–05, Lowry was selected to the All-Rookie Team after appearing in 24 games and averaging 7.5 points and 3.7 assists per game. He also received Philadelphia Big Five Rookie of the Year honors for his contributions to the Wildcats' backcourt. Lowry's sophomore campaign in 2005–06 marked a breakout year, earning him Second Team All-Big East honors as he started 31 of 33 games, averaging 11.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and a team-high 3.7 assists per game. He was additionally named to the First Team All-Big 5 and appeared on the Big East weekly honor roll twice during the season. These accolades underscored his leadership in assists and defensive intensity, though he did not receive any national awards, with his recognition confined to the conference level.

NBA awards and records

Kyle Lowry won an NBA championship with the in 2019, contributing 15.0 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game during the playoffs, including a 26-point performance in Game 6 of the against the . Lowry was selected to six consecutive NBA All-Star Games from 2015 to 2020, starting in the 2016 game held in . He earned All-NBA Third Team honors in 2016 following a season in which he averaged 21.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists while leading the Raptors to a franchise-record 56 wins.

Raptors Franchise Records

Lowry holds several Toronto Raptors franchise records, reflecting his nine seasons with the team from 2012 to 2021.
CategoryRecordDetails
Assists4,277All-time leader in regular season assists.
Steals873All-time leader in regular season steals.
Three-pointers made1,518All-time leader in regular season three-pointers made.
Playoff assists526All-time leader in playoff assists across 84 games.
Lowry set the Raptors single-season record with 213 three-pointers made in the 2020–21 season (previously 212 in 2015–16, shooting 38.9% from beyond the arc).

International honors

Kyle Lowry represented the internationally as a member of the Men's National Team, earning a at the in Rio de Janeiro. As part of the 12-man roster, he played in all eight games, contributing defensively and facilitating plays with averages of 5.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and a team-high second 3.8 assists per game. His Olympic selection was supported by his established NBA pedigree at the time. In 2019, Lowry was selected for the USA Basketball training camp and served on the FIBA World Cup Select Team roster, though he ultimately withdrew due to a thumb injury from the NBA playoffs and did not participate in the tournament. Lowry's primary international honor remains the team gold medal from the 2016 Olympics, with no individual FIBA awards to his name; his contributions are recognized through inclusion in the all-time USA Olympic basketball rosters.

Career statistics

NBA regular season

Kyle Lowry's NBA regular season career began in 2006–07 with the and has continued through the partial 2025–26 season with the , encompassing stints with the , , and . As of November 2025, he has played in 1,174 regular season games. Over his career, Lowry has averaged 14.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game while logging 33.6 minutes per game; his shooting efficiency includes 41.9% from the field and 35.8% from three-point range. Lowry's advanced statistics highlight his efficiency and impact, with a career player efficiency rating (PER) of 18.9 and win shares per 48 minutes (WS/48) of .147. He achieved his highest scoring average of 22.4 during the 2016–17 season with . The table below details his regular season per game averages year by year.
SeasonTeamGGSMPPTSTRBASTSTLBLKFG%3P%
2006-07MEM10017.55.63.13.21.40.1.368.375
2007-08MEM82925.59.63.03.61.10.3.432.257
2008-092TM772121.87.62.53.60.90.2.435.255
2009-10HOU68024.39.13.64.50.90.1.397.272
2010-11HOU757134.213.54.16.71.40.3.426.376
2011-12HOU473832.114.34.56.61.60.3.409.374
2012-13TOR685229.711.64.76.41.40.4.401.362
2013-14TOR797936.217.94.77.41.50.2.423.380
2014-15TOR707034.517.84.76.81.60.2.412.338
2015-16TOR777737.021.24.76.42.10.4.427.388
2016-17TOR606037.422.44.87.01.50.3.464.412
2017-18TOR787832.216.25.66.91.10.2.427.399
2018-19TOR656534.014.24.88.71.40.5.411.347
2019-20TOR585836.219.45.07.51.40.4.416.352
2020-21TOR464634.817.25.47.31.00.3.436.396
2021-22MIA636333.913.44.57.51.10.3.440.377
2022-23MIA554431.211.24.15.11.00.4.404.345
2023-242TM605528.28.13.24.21.00.4.432.392
2024-25PHI351218.83.91.92.70.90.3.350.330
2025-26PHI103.03.00.01.01.00.01.0001.000

NBA playoffs

Kyle Lowry has participated in 136 NBA playoff games across his career, posting averages of 13.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, with shooting percentages of 41.8% from the field and 36.8% from three-point range. His postseason contributions have been pivotal in multiple deep runs, particularly during his tenure with the , where he helped elevate the team's championship aspirations through consistent playmaking and defensive intensity. Notable performances include the , where Lowry averaged 16.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 7.2 assists over six games against the , contributing to Toronto's championship victory. In contrast, during the with the against the , Lowry played a more limited role, averaging 10.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in five games. The following table summarizes Lowry's year-by-year playoff performance, highlighting his statistical contributions and the deepest round reached by his teams:
SeasonTeamGPPPGRPGAPGDeepest Round
2009-10HOU135.32.92.5First Round (Lost to )
2013-14TOR721.14.74.7First Round (Lost to BKN)
2014-15TOR412.35.54.8First Round (Lost to WAS)
2015-16TOR2019.14.76.0Conference Finals (Lost to CLE)
2016-17TOR815.83.15.9Second Round (Lost to CLE)
2017-18TOR1017.44.38.5Second Round (Lost to CLE)
2018-19TOR2415.04.96.6NBA Champions (Def. GSW)
2019-20TOR1117.76.55.8Second Round (Lost to BOS)
2021-22MIA107.83.64.7Conference Finals (Lost to BOS)
2022-23MIA239.23.54.4 (Lost to )
2023-2467.03.54.0First Round (Lost to NYK)
In advanced metrics, Lowry demonstrated elevated usage during Toronto's successful playoff campaigns, reaching 27.5% in the postseason, which encompassed the Eastern Conference Finals against the and underscored his increased offensive responsibility in high-stakes matchups. His career playoff usage rate stands at 20.5%, reflecting a balanced role that amplified in critical series.

College statistics

During his two seasons at from 2004 to 2006, Kyle Lowry appeared in 57 games, averaging 9.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.9 steals per game while playing 26.7 minutes per contest. His development as a was evident in his year, where he took on a larger role in Villanova's high-tempo offense under coach Jay Wright, contributing to the team's 28-5 record and No. 1 seeding in the 2006 NCAA Tournament. Lowry's per-season statistics highlight his progression:
SeasonClassGamesMPGPPGRPGAPGSPGFG%3P%FT%
2004–052423.27.53.22.01.7.421.227.635
2005–063329.311.04.33.72.3.466.444.786
Over his college career, Lowry shot 44.8% from the field, 31.6% from three-point range, and 73.3% from the free-throw line, showing improvement in efficiency during his second season. As a , he led the in steals with 77 total (2.3 per game), underscoring his defensive tenacity and quick hands that disrupted opponents' ball-handlers. In the 2006 NCAA Tournament, Lowry elevated his defensive impact as Villanova advanced to the , averaging 7.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.3 steals across four games while logging 30.5 minutes per outing. His standout performance came in the Sweet 16 upset over , where he recorded 5 steals to help secure a 60-59 overtime victory, though his scoring dipped to 7 points on 3-of-8 shooting.

Personal life

Lowry has been married to Ayahna Cornish, a fellow native and former player, since 2014. The couple, who met while attending , have two sons, Karter and Kameron. In 2013, Lowry and his wife established the Lowry Love Foundation, a dedicated to supporting underprivileged and disadvantaged individuals in and through resources for , , and . In 2018, the Lowrys pledged $1 million to to fund scholarships and programs for student-athletes.

References

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