Kyle Lowry: ‘This is only the start for us’

Following elimination from the NBA Playoffs by the Brooklyn Nets in what was a compelling seven game series that tested the narrative of youth versus experience, point guard Kyle Lowry speaks on how this is just the beginning for a Toronto Raptors team whose future is looking awfully bright:

There’s no denying the talent on this Raptors team. As far as player personnel concerns, Demar Derozan has made the leapt into stardom, Jonas Valanciunas is beginning to come into his own, and Terrence Ross is developing well. Add Kyle Lowry to the equation and there’s no argument that this is a top-5 team in the Eastern Conference. And with Masai Ujiri running the show behind the scenes, there are little complaints about the ability to keep solid players around the core group.

Most importantly, Lowry’s comments gives us a little insight on what could be an interesting summer for the 8th year point guard. This summer, Lowry is an unrestricted free agent and after having a career year, he’ll surely command some attention and if he’s hoping to upgrade from the $6 million he collected this past season, there will be little problem doing so. A team with a better chance to contend could come in and swoop up Lowry, but based on how well received Lowry is to Toronto, something that’s been kind of a foreign concept, a return isn’t out of the question.

But based on the comment, Lowry is right; this is only the beginning for the Raptors. His return to the team this summer will solidify that and if his surrounding pieces can continue to develop properly, the Raptors will continue to make noise in the playoffs for years to come.