Veteran guard Kyle Lowry is officially back for a 20th NBA season! He's re-signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on a one-year contract, as confirmed by his agent, Mark Bartelstein, to ESPN's Shams Charania. This marks a significant return for the Philadelphia native, who will be turning 40 next March.
The 2024-25 season was a tough one for Lowry, with injuries limiting him to just 35 games. His on-court impact was also diminished, averaging career lows in several categories, including points (3.9), assists (2.7), and rebounds (1.9) in just under 19 minutes per game. His shooting percentages also dipped, hitting just 35% from the field and 33% from three-point range.
Despite the challenging season, the 76ers are clearly valuing Lowry's veteran presence and experience. He initially joined the team during the 2023-24 season after being waived. The hope was that he would provide leadership and stability to a championship-contending team. However, injuries to key players like Joel Embiid and Paul George derailed those plans, resulting in a disappointing 24-58 season for the Sixers.
Lowry's journey to the NBA began at Villanova, where he starred in college. He was then drafted 24th overall in the 2006 NBA draft and went on to play for the Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, and Miami Heat before landing in Philadelphia.
The Toronto Raptors Era
His most successful years were with the Toronto Raptors, where he played for nine seasons. During his time in Toronto, he earned six All-Star selections and was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2016. He was also a key component of the Raptors' historic 2019 NBA championship team.
Looking Ahead
While Philadelphia is coming off a rough season, Lowry's return signals a commitment to improvement and a desire to compete. His experience and leadership will be invaluable as the team looks to rebound and make a playoff push in the upcoming season. Can Lowry help the 76ers turn things around?