Very elegant in a suit without a tie, with a high-flying watch and his championship ring, Kyle Lowry met the Toronto media late Sunday afternoon, shortly before his new team, the Miami Heat, faced the Raptors at Scotiabank Arena.
A major figure in the history of the Raptors, a key piece in the club’s journey to the top, Lowry returns to Toronto for the first time since the trade that involved him last August.
” It is special. I’m coming home,” said Lowry, a six-team all-star, over his nine seasons with the Raptors. It’s a special day for the city, Canada and the Raptors organization. »
“Driving on the Gardiner Highway, seeing the CN Tower, BMO Field and all that, it was crazy to think I spent so much time here. It’s really cool’. »
“There are a lot of things that I miss surrounding this city. It will always be my home. »
Regarding the ceremony where he will be honored, the 36-year-old said he will try to stay in the moment as much as possible.
“I want to be able to just live in the moment,” said the man whose sons Karter and Kameron grew up in Toronto.
“At the same time, there is a game to try to win, and that’s what I will try to do.
“Having said that, I’m sure the tribute video, it’s going to be crazy. I’m just happy to have one about me. I have no expectations of what will be in there. »
In Sunday’s match, Fred VanVleet, whom Lowry has acted as a mentor, could well eclipse a record of the latter.
With 236 3-pointers, VanVleet is three shots away from dethroning Lowry for the Raptors single-season record.
“He became a cornerstone,” Lowry said. I firmly believed that he would be able to. It really shows his work ethic. »
Lowry and DeMar DeRozan have been leading figures in the great growth of the Raptors. The team ended up winning the NBA championship in 2019, including Lowry and Kawhi Leonard.
“We played with intensity and with the mentality that all that mattered was winning,” Lowry said. It laid the foundation for the organization to continue to evolve.
“I have had great victories here. I set records, I contributed to this banner of champions. I was part of this progress and it’s a great feeling. »
Pascal Siakam, the Raptors’ leading scorer this season, was also among this core group that could take its place even more, via this turn in Lowry’s career.
“I already warned you (that Siakam would have as much brilliance), said the veteran. There may have been a season when he was uncomfortable, but now he really thrives. It shows how hard he works. I’m proud of him. »
Lowry is still playing at a very high level. Fourth in scoring for his team (13.3) the Heat’s leader in assists (7.6), he has drawn 25 offensive fouls this season. In the NBA, he is only beaten in this chapter by the 26 of Blake Griffin, of the Nets.
“I’m always going to be myself,” said Lowry, a role model for fighting spirit. Be intense and try to help my club win. »
Occupying the top of the East, the Heat (50-28) will be looking for a fourth straight win on Sunday.
Miami will do without leading point guard Jimmy Butler, who is out in the left big toe.
Dewayne Dedmon (right ankle), PJ Tucker (left knee) and Gabe Vincent (right big toe) will also be missing.
Chris Quinn will lead the Heat. Erik Spoelstra is sidelined due to NBA pandemic protocols.
Undefeated in their last five games, the Raptors (45-32) are fifth in the East.
Malachi Flynn will be available after a 14-match absence. He was injured in the back of his left thigh.