The Toronto Raptors have announced that they will honor Kyle Lowry by retiring his jersey number, No. 7, during a ceremony after their game against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 10. This makes Lowry only the second player in Raptors history to receive this recognition, following in the footsteps of Vince Carter.
Lowry, who retired at the age of 40 in July, concluded his illustrious 20-year NBA career with the Raptors by signing a symbolic one-day contract. Expressing his excitement about the upcoming jersey retirement, Lowry emphasized his deep connection to Toronto, calling it home and expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to retire as a Raptor.
Reflecting on his time with the team, Lowry highlighted the special bond he shared with his teammates, the organization, the city, the fans, and all of Canada. He mentioned their collective achievement of winning the NBA championship in 2019 as a pivotal moment in his career. Lowry also acknowledged the support of his family and expressed his anticipation for the emotional night when his jersey will be raised to the rafters at Scotiabank Arena.
During his nine seasons with the Raptors, Lowry made significant contributions to the team’s success. He played a crucial role in leading them to their first NBA championship in 2019 and established himself as the franchise’s all-time leader in assists, steals, and three-pointers.