Ad News Live
Kyle Lowry Retirement: Kyle Lowry kept his word. He always said he'd return to the Toronto Raptors to close out his playing career.
On Tuesday, that promise became reality. The veteran guard announced on social media that he is signing a ceremonial one-day contract with Toronto.
The move officially ends his NBA career with the franchise he helped guide to its first championship in 2019.
Lowry is one of just 12 players in league history to compete in 20 NBA seasons.
The timing was no accident. Lowry confirmed the news ahead of a scheduled press conference in Toronto later that day.
He chose July 7 for the announcement, a direct tribute to the No. 7 jersey he wore throughout his time with the Raptors.
"Thank you to my family, my friends, my teammates, my coaches, my opponents, the staff, the media and especially the fans," Lowry said.
"It's all about you. I appreciate you. Thank you. Thank you, Toronto. Thank you, Canada.
And as I always told y'all, it's officially happening. I'm retiring as a Toronto Raptor — 20 years and 1 day. Seven forever. I love y'all. Peace."
Reaction was swift. Fans and former teammates flooded social media with tributes.
Many Toronto supporters refer to Lowry as the "GROAT" — the greatest Raptor of all time.
"This was home," Lowry said of Toronto. "Home is a feeling. It's a comfort. It's a place that you continue wanting to be there.
Over and over again. It's a place where you feel like you just belong."
Lowry, 40, grew up in Philadelphia. He played college basketball at Villanova before entering the NBA in 2006.
He now stands among an exclusive group of point guards who have played 20 seasons. Chris Paul is the only other. Mike Conley Jr. will join that list later this season.
Lowry actually finished his on-court career in his hometown. He spent this past season with the Philadelphia 76ers, appearing in 14 games.
But he chose to formally retire in Toronto, the city where he built his legacy as both an All-Star and a champion.
His resume backs up that legacy. Lowry earned six All-Star selections, all during his nine seasons with the Raptors.
He won Olympic gold with Team USA at the 2016 Rio Games and made the All-NBA team in 2015-16.
Even before retiring as a player, he had already lined up his next chapter, joining Prime Video as an analyst last year.
Memphis selected Lowry with the No. 24 pick in the 2006 NBA draft. His career also included stops in Houston and Miami before he landed with the 76ers and Raptors.
Over 1,187 regular-season games, he averaged 13.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists. His 2,209 career 3-pointers rank 14th all-time in NBA history.
Lowry made the playoffs in 12 of his 20 seasons. In the postseason, he averaged 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists.
Follow Us
