Toronto Raptors fans are still getting used to the fact that Kyle Lowry is no longer with the Toronto Raptors. Apparently, even those in the organization still forget that from time to time, including coach Nick Nurse.
Speaking to the media before the Raptors' pre-season tilt against the Philadelphia 76ers, Nurse was asked about his starting lineup. He proceeds to immediately name “Kyle”, seemingly not realizing that Lowry isn't part of the team anymore. (via Josh Lewenburg, u/GuyCarbonneauGOAT on Reddit)
I asked Nick Nurse for his starters.
"Kyle, Goran, OG, Scottie, Precious."
He caught himself eventually. "Excuse me, Freddie."
Old habits die hard.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) October 7, 2021
Ouch, talk about an emotional blow for Raptors fans. This feels like that time Norman Powell forgot he wasn't on the team anymore when he got traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Nick Nurse said “Kyle” so casually, which just goes to show how big Lowry was for the team. He was the unequivocal leader of the Raptors during his tenure there. Lowry transformed the team into a title contender in his eight years there, while also turning into a bona-fide All-Star and key contributor to a winning team. He was, undeniably, Mr. Toronto, the man who embodied the Raptors spirit.
After an unsuccessful season that saw the Raptors miss the playoffs for the first time in a long time, Lowry was dealt to the Heat in a sign-and-trade. It was the right move for both parties; the Raptors wanted to rebuild with a young core, while Lowry wanted to contend for more titles. It was absolutely the right choice, and many fans respect this decision and don't harbor a grudge against the now-Heat point guard.
This is going to be a long season for Toronto fans. There's a lot of hope though, as Scottie Barnes has been impressive for the team and is looking like a franchise player. Still, losing the Greatest Raptor of All Time hurts, and they'll feel the pain many times this season.
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