Lowry's Raptor Homecoming
Kyle Lowry Retires as Toronto Raptor, Joins WNBA Team Ownership, No. 7 Jersey Retired
Key Points
Alvin Williams told Lowry that if he could lead the Raptors to the playoffs, he'd be remembered in Toronto forever, underscoring how fragile the franchise's stability was before its later maturation.
During the retirement press conference, Vince Carter made a surprise call to Lowry, and Raptors GM Bobby Webster lauded Lowry's 'brand of basketball' and his 2019 Finals performance, noting his first-half line of 21 points, six rebounds and six assists in Game 6.
Matt Devlin emphasized that Lowry's impact went beyond numbers, helping transform basketball culture in Canada; he highlighted that Canada now has the second-most NBA players outside the U.S., with rising talents such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
CityNews coverage noted Lowry's remarks during retirement events, including comments about Canadians being 'special people,' illustrating the national pride surrounding his homecoming.
Kyle Lowry officially retired as a Toronto Raptor on July 7, signing a ceremonial one-day contract to close out a 20-year NBA career where it mattered most. The six-time All-Star's No. 7 jersey was retired by the franchise, and Toronto's mayor declared the day Kyle Lowry Day in his honor, according to The Globe and Mail.
Lowry also joined the ownership group of the WNBA's Toronto Tempo, planting his roots in the city permanently. He called it the "storybook ending" to his career, per IBTimes.
From Fragile Franchise to Championship Banner
When Lowry arrived in Toronto in July 2012, the Raptors were far from stable. Alvin Williams told Lowry that if he could lead the team to the playoffs, he would be remembered in Toronto forever, according to CBS Sports. That bar seemed modest at the time. Lowry cleared it many times over.
Lowry went on to help the Raptors make seven straight playoff appearances and win nine postseason series. It all peaked in 2019, when Toronto won its first NBA championship. In Game 6 of the Finals, Lowry put up 21 points, six rebounds, and six assists in the first half alone. GM Bobby Webster praised that performance at the retirement press conference, calling it a defining show of Lowry's "brand of basketball," per The Globe and Mail.
Vince Carter Calls In, Tributes Pour Out
The retirement press conference had an emotional surprise. Vince Carter, one of the most beloved Raptors in franchise history, called in to honor Lowry live during the event, according to The Globe and Mail. The moment brought together two generations of Toronto basketball in one room.
Lowry spoke warmly about his connection to the city and its people. He said Canadians are "special people," a line that drew wide attention, per CityNews. His remarks reflected the genuine bond he built with fans over nine seasons in Toronto.
Lowry Helped Build Canada Into a Basketball Nation
Lowry's impact went far beyond wins and losses. Raptors broadcaster Matt Devlin said Lowry helped transform basketball culture across all of Canada. The proof is in the numbers: Canada now has the second-most NBA players of any country outside the United States, according to IBTimes.
Stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander represent the next wave of Canadian talent. Lowry's decade in Toronto helped make that pipeline real. He showed young Canadian players that the NBA was within reach, and he gave them something to believe in every spring when the Raptors made the playoffs.
Lowry Bets on Toronto's Future With WNBA Ownership
Retirement is not slowing Lowry down. He joined the ownership group of the Toronto Tempo, the WNBA's newest franchise. The move ties his legacy directly to the next chapter of professional basketball in Canada. It signals that Lowry sees real growth ahead for the sport in a city he helped shape, per The Globe and Mail.
Lowry reflected on his 20-year career with gratitude during his retirement events. He expressed thanks for every opportunity the game gave him, according to Head Topics. For Toronto fans, his story is simple: he came, he stayed, and he delivered the city its only NBA title.
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