Seasoned point guard Kyle Lowry is set to join his hometown team, the Philadelphia 76ers, for the remainder of the 2023-24 season, signing a deal worth $2.8 million following a buyout agreement with the Charlotte Hornets.
Charlotte had previously acquired the 37-year-old veteran through a trade in late January, where he moved from the Miami Heat in a transaction involving point guard Terry Rozier and a 2027 lottery-protected first-round pick.
Lowry has participated in 37 games throughout the current season, maintaining averages of 8.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists.
His shooting percentages include 42.6 percent from the field, 38.5 percent from beyond the arc, and an impressive 83.3 percent from the free-throw line.
Meanwhile, the Sixers sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, going 31-21. However, they are in a slump, having won only two of their last ten games.
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Why Kyle Lowry Signing Is a Good Move for Philadelphia 76ers
1. Kyle Lowry's veteran presence and leadership
Upon his signing, Lowry would quickly become the oldest player on the Sixers roster at 37 years old. Adding such a seasoned veteran is expected to be highly advantageous for Philadelphia, given Lowry's extensive experience and background as a championship-winning player.
Standing six feet tall, Lowry, a six-time NBA All-Star and a 2016 All-NBA Third Team member, played a pivotal role in the Toronto Raptors' 2019 NBA Championship victory. Additionally, he contributed significantly to the Miami Heat's journey to the 2023 NBA Finals.
Widely regarded as the greatest Toronto Raptor in history, Lowry's experience could prove instrumental in developing the Sixers' guards, including Tyrese Maxey, De'Anthony Melton, Cam Payne, and the newly acquired Buddy Hield.
The Sixers will also need to extract every ounce of gas left in Lowry's tank as reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid will be out for at least a month due to a knee injury on his left meniscus.
2. Kyle Lowry is on a cheap contract
Lowry's signing is considered a low-risk, high-reward move for the Sixers, as his salary will have minimal impact on their payroll. His contract amounts to just $2.8 million until the season's conclusion, after which he will become a free agent.
This arrangement provides the team financial flexibility while potentially reaping substantial benefits from the veteran point guard's contributions.
3. Kyle Lowry's Philly roots
Lowry will surely become a fan favorite in Philadelphia, given his local roots. Born and raised in the area, particularly in North Philly, he attended Cardinal Dougherty High School (which closed in 2010) before playing two seasons of college basketball for Villanova University in the Philly suburb.
His connection to the city, in terms of upbringing and collegiate experience, will likely resonate well with Philadelphia fans, further endearing him to the community.
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