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NBA Draft 2016: Every team’s most underrated pick ever

By Brad Rowland

Feb 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 18, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) reacts on the bench against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Cleveland 87-81. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) reacts on the bench against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Cleveland 87-81. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Memphis Grizzlies: Kyle Lowry, No. 24 pick, 2006 NBA Draft

Since arriving in Toronto, Kyle Lowry has evolved into a legitimate NBA star. Nearly a decade prior to landing with the Raptors, though, Lowry was picked up by the Memphis Grizzlies.

As you may expect, things did not work out beautifully for the two sides. Lowry spent only two-plus seasons and 141 games in Memphis, failing to fully emerge as a starting point guard based on well-documented issues with his jump shot. Lowry did earn a reputation as a bulldog in defending other point guards, but given his limitations offensively, he seemed potentially ticketed for a reserve role as his destiny.

Fast-forward through three-plus seasons in Houston and his debut year in Toronto and Lowry was still a role player in every conceivable way. However, Lowry then turned on the jets, shooting 37 percent from three over the next three seasons and averaging 19.0 points, 6.9 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game for the Raptors.

Obviously, Memphis did not reap the benefits of Lowry’s transition from role player to stud, but the Grizzlies saw his considerable talent first and they invested accordingly. There is plenty to be said for that, even if they gave up too soon.

Next: Miami Heat

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