The 2021 NBA draft is scheduled for July 29, putting the NBA’s offseason schedule back on track and the Toronto Raptors should look at making changes to their current team, but losing Kyle Lowry shouldn’t be one of them.
Lowry’s four-year contract is up at the end of this season and as a free agent, he gets to decide if he would like to stay with the Raptors. It would be in the best interest of the Raptors to keep Lowry on the team.
Lowry has been a member of the team since 2012 and has been a positive impact in many ways. If the Raptors’ goal is to rebuild a strong team, Lowry should still be a key component in it. The team won the NBA championship in 2019 and has since lost multiple players who helped them win such as Kawhi Leonard, Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol.
Lowry brings all-star value to the team. In 2015, he became a first-time All-Star when he was announced as an Eastern Conference starter in the 2015 NBA All-Star game. He was only the third Raptor to be voted in as a starter, after Vince Carter and Chris Bosh. In 2020, Lowry was named an All-Star for the sixth year straight.
Lowry was a big topic of discussion during the trade this year and was wanted by many teams. This just goes to prove he is an amazing player and beneficial to any team. The Raptors would be making a bad decision letting someone this valuable go.
Lowry is averaging 17.5 points per game this season according to the NBA’s official website and Lowry acts as a team leader while on the court and even though he helps the team get multiple points he also guides others.
He also averages 7.5 assists per game, according to Sportsnet. The Raptors need someone to help guide players, especially If they are considering rebuilding the team with younger players. Everyone is better when they have a reliable player to lean on in difficult times during games.
The Toronto Raptors fans love Kyle Lowry. He is considered to be the greatest Raptor of all-time by most people and social media was filled with positive responses when he wasn’t traded during the NBA trade deadline that just took place on March 23. It wouldn’t be in the best interest to get rid of such a great player but also someone who connects with the fans.
Many athletes find motivation from fan support and since the Raptors are the only Canadian team in the NBA, this is important. It’s also clear Lowry’s family loves it in Canada. His oldest son, Karter, was excited to find out they would be staying in Toronto after this year’s trade deadline, according to BarDown.
Moving forward, the Raptors have to continue to work hard and play the best game they can despite what will come in the upcoming draft.
The Raptors should do everything possible to keep the greatest Raptor of all time, Kyle Lowry, If not there will be some changes next season, that won’t be for the best.