Kyle Lowry opens up on why he wants to return to Sixers in offseason
Kyle Lowry opens up on why he wants to return to Sixers in offseason
PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia 76ers veteran Kyle Lowry was limited to just 35 games in the 2024-25 season due to a bothersome hip injury. He averaged only 3.9 points and 2.7 assists while shooting 35% from the floor and 33% from deep. It was an overall tough season for the future Hall of Famer.
However, while he did just turn 39 recently on March 25, the 19-year veteran wants to return. This isn't how he wants to go out. Lowry wants to go out on a high note as this recent season was not one to remember.
"It was one of the first seasons that you really don't want to remember, but the young guys got an opportunity to play, which was important," Lowry said. "These guys got an opportunity to show their talents. A lot of injuries hit his team early, late, all through the year. Just it was a difficult season to be a part of, honestly."
As Lowry entered the Wells Fargo Center on Sunday for the season finale against the Chicago Bulls, a wave of disappointment hit him. He was upset with the fact that the season was ending and he knows he can't go out like this. Even if he isn't the rotation in 2025-26, the Philadelphia native wants to be a part of this team's success.
"We know we're going not making the playoffs and this and that, but I think I walked in the building today (Sunday), and I was kind of a little bit sad, because we all thought that we would be playing a little bit longer, and we thought we had a good team and on paper, but you still got to put it down on the floor," Lowry added. "So for me, it's just about, I do want to play one more year at a level I can compete and play as a team. Even if I'm not playing, I'm just here, and even if I am playing, but I still want to play one more year, and hopefully, it's here."
Lowry will be a free agent this offseason so it remains to be seen what happens with him, but he wants to be a part of this group and help coach Nick Nurse and the Sixers succeed. For now, it sounds like retirement is not an option for him.
"I have a great relationship with coach, of course," Lowry finished. "I think the pride of being a Philadelphian playing for Philadelphia is also like you want to figure out how to be a part of something different and special. I think you guys all know how I feel about Tyrese Maxey, and he's the reason it's just been a blessing to be a part of this because he's such a phenomenal kid and a phenomenal talent. This organization deserves to be at the top of the top, and the city deserves it. So, I want to be a part of that. Hopefully, I can."
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