Veteran guard Kyle Lowry announced his retirement from professional basketball on Tuesday, concluding a 20-year career that saw him become a key figure in the Toronto Raptors' 2019 NBA championship victory.
Lowry, 40, made the announcement via an Instagram video, stating his intention to retire as a Toronto Raptor, a team he played for over nine seasons. "I'm retiring as a Toronto Raptor, 20 years and one day. Seven forever," Lowry said in the video.
His career began with the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets before he was traded to the Raptors in the 2012-13 season. During his tenure in Toronto from 2012 to 2021, Lowry became an integral part of the team, averaging 17.5 points per game over 601 appearances and earning six consecutive All-Star selections from 2015 to 2020. His performance in the 2015-16 season earned him 10th place in MVP voting and Third-Team All-NBA honors.
Lowry was a pivotal player during the Raptors' championship run in 2019, averaging 19.2 points in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks and 16.2 points per game in the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. He often emphasized the importance of that championship to the city of Toronto and Canada.
After his successful stint with the Raptors, Lowry played for the Miami Heat for over two seasons before finishing his career with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he primarily served as a reserve. Throughout his 1,187-game career, Lowry averaged 13.8 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.2 rebounds.
In his retirement announcement, Lowry expressed gratitude to his family, former coaches, and teammates. He reflected on the significance of his No. 7 jersey, calling it a representation of his journey, growth, and dedication to the game, embodying "hard work, grit, passion and, of course, a champion."
