Kyle Lowry has earned plenty of individual accolades since becoming a member of the Toronto Raptors prior to the 2012-13 season. Lowry has made five All-Star teams and was named to the 2015-16 All-NBA 3rd Team. He has averaged over 17 points, seven assists and close to five rebounds in seven seasons, and has been a mainstay in Toronto.

But it is his development as a teammate that has been as definite a reason as any for the Raptors' success in recent years. Lowry's relationship with former Raptor and current Spurs star DeMar DeRozan was one of the true “bromances” in the NBA, and his vocal nature on the court seems to make him a natural leader.

This was not always the case. ESPN's Tim Bontemps wrote about Lowry's former reputation for butting heads with teammates and coaches. But as fellow guard Fred VanVleet indicated, Lowry has learned how to lead on the floor and build relationships off of the hardwood:

“He's a complete jackass on the court, and he's probably one of the best teammates I've ever had.”

“He's meant everything,” VanVleet said. “He helps me on the court, off the court. He helps me in a lot of things. He's taught me a lot, he's showed me a lot. He's a great friend. I love him to death. There's nothing he wouldn't do for me, and vice versa.

“He's just got a big, loving heart, man. Under all that antics of him trying to be a tough guy, he tries to portray himself like an a–hole, and he's just a big teddy bear.”

Likewise, Raptors sensation Pascal Siakam heaped praise on Lowry:

“He's always been one of the guys, even early, encouraging me to dribble the basketball,” Siakam said. “And just, in terms of life in terms of the jump I'm making, he's given me advice on how things are going to change … but at the same time encouraging me to be myself.

“He's amazing. He's definitely been a help for me, being here. He's one of the best teammates I've ever had.”

While Lowry played well defensively and provided excellent distribution in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, both VanVleet and Siakam provided what Lowry could not in the scoring department, helping the Raptors win the series opener in the process.