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Toronto Raptors star Kyle Lowry has recently exhibited how he is a true model professional. It was one of the busiest and ugliest summers in the history of the franchise, but the 32-year-old guard made it abundantly clear where his loyalty remains.
When asked about what type of mindset he will have following a tumultuous offseason, Lowry explained how his objectives for the team have not changed:
Lowry says his focus remains the same. Trying to win a championship. “Trying to win a gold ball.” Hasn’t really talked to Kawhi yet. “Excited to play with him. Always ride or die with my teammates.”
— Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) September 24, 2018
Lowry was close to former teammate DeMar DeRozan, who was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in order to acquire Kawhi Leonard. Nonetheless, Lowry expressed how he recognizes that the NBA is a business, even citing his experience with the Memphis Grizzlies roughly a decade ago:
Lowry: “I understand the business. I come to work.” Says he’s been traded before, had a PG drafted to take his job after he was a first round pick (Mike Conley Jr.)
— Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) September 24, 2018
Former head coach Dwane Casey was also let go in the offseason, and according to Lowry, he has yet to established a relationship with new head honcho Nick Nurse. Nonetheless, it's business as usual for the four-time All-Star:
Lowry says he hadn’t talked with Nick Nurse other than right after he was hired. On DeMar “our relationship is bigger than basketball. I’m coming to go to work. I just got here (can’t say if it’s different yet without him)
— Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) September 24, 2018
This is an utmost display of professionalism from Lowry. Regardless of how he may actually feel about his team's eventful summer, he understands that it is pointless to air his dirty laundry publicly. What's done is done, and the 12-year veteran has been around long enough to appreciate the fact that when it comes to the business side of the NBA, pragmatism needs to step in the way of one's emotions.
At the end of the day, the Raptors were able to acquire the services of one of the best players in the league today. Once we are able to look past all the drama, realizing the potential of a Kyle Lowry-Kawhi Leonard one-two punch actually becomes quite an exciting prospect.
