Lowry reflects on memorable Raptors season: 'I enjoyed this year'
Following a hard-fought Game 7 loss to the Boston Celtics that ended the Toronto Raptors' postseason in the second round, Kyle Lowry spoke candidly about his team's near 15-month run as defending NBA champions.
"I enjoyed this year. The emergence of Pascal (Siakam). The emergence of Freddy (VanVleet). Just being around these guys, these young guys," Lowry told reporters moments after the 92-87 defeat. "Now we got a couple free agents, I'm going to be really happy for these guys that's going out into free agency and going to get paid."
The Raptors' roster could look considerably different entering the 2020-21 season, with key rotation pieces VanVleet, Serge Ibaka, and Marc Gasol all set to hit unrestricted free agency. VanVleet, in particular, is expected to garner significant interest and a hefty payday on the open market.
Though Lowry is disappointed his team is leaving Orlando despite having "more to give," the floor general expressed bittersweet emotions about finally flying home.
"I get to go see my babies, man. I've been going damn near three months without seeing my kids," Lowry said. "I don't want to be going home, I really don't, and I know my kids don't want me to be home because they want their daddy to win another championship, but I get to go see my babies."
The All-Star point guard finished his 14th NBA season with averages of 19.4 points, 7.5 assists, and five rebounds across 58 regular-season games. The 34-year-old went on to average 17 points, 5.6 assists, and 6.3 rebounds in 11 postseason contests.
Lowry is under contract with the Raptors through the 2020-21 campaign.