If Russell Westbrook, Reggie Jackson, and D’Angelo Russell all opt into free agency this year, it would exponentially increase the talent pool available at point guard. One veteran playmaker that seems to be getting overlooked ahead of free agency, though, is Kyle Lowry.
Now 38 years old, the best basketball of Lowry’s career is definitely behind him. After starting off a long and promising career with the Houston Rockets, he has blossomed into a six-time All-Star, one-time All-NBA, and crowned champion in 2019, there’s not much left for him to accomplish in the league. And yet, he was still regularly putting his body on the line to come up with loose balls, wall off attackers, and draw charges for the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers last season. He might not have the skill set of a primary offensive option or the stamina of a workhorse anymore, but he proved in the 2023-24 season that he can still positively impact a competitive team.
Kyle Lowry showed that he’s still positively impactful
Even though he is far from the youth he was in his Houston days, these past playoffs, Lowry still managed to showcase his veteran mettle for his Sixers against the New York Knicks. With him on the floor, Philadelphia was averaging over 122 points per 100 possessions. When he was riding the pine, the Sixers only managed a 109.2 offensive rating. He may have only averaged seven points and four assists on a putrid 34.4 percent shooting, but his intangible contributions — getting into the paint, making the right play, pushing the pace, etc. — had a clear impact on his team’s attack.
This wasn’t just a coincidence either. Lowry wasn’t simply buoyed by other talents in the lineups he happened to appear in. In their first-round bout with the Knicks, the Sixers had a +1.1 net rating with Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid on the court while Kyle Lowry was sidelined. When all three were playing together, Philly was outpacing New York by 8.3 points every 100 possessions.
Most of the value that he’ll bring to the table at this point in his career will be on offense. That being said, even at nearly 40 years old, Lowry still holds up on defense. His effort and instincts alone make him a potentially game-changing defender in certain spots. His agility and anticipation on the perimeter is even more commendable at this age, especially when factoring in his disadvantaged frame.
Lowry might not have very many good minutes left in his NBA odometer, but the ones he does have remaining could prove to be instrumental for taking a contending hopeful over the hump. There are plenty of teams hoping to compete for a title in the NBA that could use his steady hand and experience on their bench. After the top group of point guard talent, such as James Harden, Markelle Fultz, and Tyus Jones, Lowry might very well be the next best option available for playoff team looking for an X-factor next season.
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