Kyle Lowry didn’t see the floor Sunday as the Philadelphia 76ers visited the Toronto Raptors, a night that could mark his final NBA appearance in the city where he built his legacy.
Veteran guard remains a beloved figure in Toronto after nine seasons and a championship run, even as his role late in his career has shifted dramatically.
Now in his 20th season, Lowry has logged just 43 minutes across five games and has effectively transitioned into a player-coach role.
Head coach Nick Nurse has described him as a conduit between the staff and players, helping relay messages and maintain locker-room cohesion.
Lowry said finding the right balance with younger teammates like Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe hasn’t always been simple.
“Sometimes, I try to talk to those guys as a coach,” he said, noting that not being on the court limits how forceful he can be.
Instead, he focuses on sharing observations and guidance without overstepping.
Once known for his fiery competitiveness, Lowry now leans on experience and perspective.
He credited time spent around players such as Fred VanVleet for shaping his approach, adding that helping younger players like Maxey, Edgecombe, and Jared McCain feels like a natural responsibility at this stage of his career.
Sixers Notes: Lowry, Oubre, Barlow, Embiid https://t.co/B3EnD9qLRG pic.twitter.com/bBnaHZII0Q
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 12, 2026
