It’s a momentous day in Toronto Raptors history. Kyle Lowry, the Philadelphia-born player, returned to the city he calls home to retire as a Raptor on a one-day contract, announcing that he is joining the ownership group of the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo.
The buildup to the announcement was big, with Lowry posting videos to his Instagram profile teasing a major announcement, including an emotional tribute to his career. Another ended on a cliffhanger, with him making a phone call to his longtime friend and former Raptors teammate, DeMar DeRozan.
From a surprise call from Vince Carter to dishing on his all-time favourite charge, here are the memorable moments from Tuesday’s press conference.
Lowry signs one-day contract to officially retire as a Raptor
GM Bobby Webster gives Lowry his flowers
Raptors general manager Bobby Webster kicked off the press conference by listing some of Lowry’s incredible stats:
- 20 NBA seasons played in his career
- Six-time NBA All-Star
- Franchise leader in assists, steals and three-pointers
But those stats alone don’t tell the full story of the GROAT (greatest Raptor of all time).
“He played a brand of basketball that very few in the NBA have matched,” Webster said.
“Every possession for him was life and death, every opposing player’s drive was a new chance to take a charge and every post-up attempt on him was destined to be a miss.”
Webster capped off his speech by reminding everyone of Lowry’s exceptional performance during the Raptors’ 2019 championship run, particularly during the first half of Game 6 in the NBA finals, against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco. Lowry produced 21 points, six rebounds and six assists in the half.
For all the doubters and haters who thought Lowry couldn’t win one against a team with greats such as Steph Curry, Webster said, “Kyle rose above and he will always have that moment.” He announced the team would retire Lowry’s #7 jersey this season at Scotiabank Arena.
Lowry reveals his favourite charge
If you’ve watched the GROAT play, you’d be hard-pressed to find a game where he didn’t take a charge. He didn’t even let the reporter finish his question when asked about his favourite one.
“Yup, yup!” Lowry interjected.
“All-Star game, yup, against Kawhi Leonard,” he said, nodding profusely and smirking at Leonard, who was in attendance. “That was my favourite charge in my career.”
Love for DeRozan and Canada
Lowry, left, and DeRozan celebrate a Raptors win in 2018.Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press
Lowry was asked what conversations have been like with his former Raptors teammate and best friend DeMar DeRozan. The two talk every day and though DeRozan is currently out west as a free agent, having been waived by the Sacramento Kings, Lowry said he’ll be there when the #7 jersey is hung in the rafters.
The GROAT also showed love for Canada and the city he warmly refers to as home. He played for the Raptors for nine seasons, from 2012 to 2021. “You’re not just playing for Toronto, you’re playing for Halifax, Calgary, B.C.,” he said.
He added that in the U.S., you have loyalties to your city or state’s team, whereas in Canada, you have the whole country behind you.
Vince Carter crashes the party
It was almost poetic. While answering a question about what it meant for Lowry to help the Raptors get back into the playoffs after he joined the team, another franchise legend, Vince Carter, interrupted Lowry with a FaceTime call.
“Yeahhh, boy! Congratulations, man. I had to cut you off,” Carter could be heard saying as Lowry held the mic to his phone speaker. Lowry quickly flashed the screen toward the camera, and Carter said hi to the people in the crowd.
“I’m proud of you. Love you, man. You are the GOAT. You are the man. Enjoy this,” Carter said.
Then, Lowry went back to answering the question. He gave props to Webster and former general manager Masai Ujiri for assembling a powerhouse of a team over his tenure with the Raptors, and making the newcomers to the 2019 team feel like a family.
A show of love for Leonard and current Raptors
Toward the end, Lowry talked about his appreciation for the current team. He showed love for Leonard, who was instrumental in the 2019 championship win and was recently traded back to the team. Lowry said the move shows the organization is bent on chasing another trophy.
“I appreciate him being here,” Lowry said as he gestured to Leonard in the crowd. “Kawhi’s a special person and he’s a special basketball player. It’s humility to be here for my moment.”
Lowry also shouted out fresh and young talent on the current roster, including Scottie Barnes, Jamal Shead, Collin Murray-Boyles and Immanuel Quickley, saying they’ll be integral to chasing another championship.
Once the press conference was over, Leonard walked over to Lowry and the two dapped each other up and hugged.