Can Kyle Lowry Really Give the Raptors a
Shot at the Playoffs?
By Ali Koskoris
The Toronto
Raptors, surprisingly, lead the Eastern Division of the NBA thus far in the
preseason. The Raptors’ success
could be in part thanks to the acquisition of 6-8 point guard Kyle Lowry.
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| AP Photo/ Rick Bowmer |
Unlike the
Raptors’ previous starting point guard, Jose Calderon, Lowry is not only
aggressive on the offensive side, but also on the defensive end of the court. Lowry was unable to play the first
three preseason games due to an adductor strain. In the last two games (both of which Lowry has started), he
has averaged 27 minutes, 3.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 2 steals, and 15.5 points—decent
numbers for someone recovering from an injury.
Lowry is a
decent scorer, shooter, and passer, and has strong defensive skills. He seems especially effective with
transition play. Lowry’s offensive
leadership will be imperative to the team’s chances of having a winning season.
Lowry has performed well in the preseason, as
Toronto coach Dwane Casey stated
in an interview after a preseason game against the Wizards.
“You can see he’s a rolling pin going to the
basket, he gets to where he wants to go with the ball, he’s heady, he sees things
that other people don’t see,” said Coach Casey.
The other positive thing about the new point
guard is that Jose Calderon, the 6-3 starting point guard from last season,
will now be off the bench, playing against other bench players.
But the Raptors still have a lot of work to do
if they even want to think about making the playoffs.
“Our starts are horrendous and we’ve got to find the answer
for that, whether it’s lineups or combinations or whatever it is,” said Casey
after the Raptors’ comeback win against the Wizards.
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