ORLANDO, Fla. — Following a victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night, Philadelphia 76ers guard Kyle Lowry knew the questions were coming. The 20-year guard is set to make another return to Toronto when the Sixers face the Raptors for a back-to-back on Sunday and Monday.

Lowry spent nine fantastic years with the Raptors being named an All-Star six times and helping guide the franchise win its only NBA title back in 2019. He is Toronto’s all-time leader in assists and is second in points and games played. He is affectionately referred to as the GROAT (Greatest Raptor Of All Time) and is looking forward to another return home.

Advertisement

“It’s always the same, in a sense of excitement to go up there,” Lowry said as he set back at his locker in Orlando. “I mean, I still have a great fan base up there. I call it my second home. It’s still immensely massive to me and my heart and my family and my friends. So, it’s always exciting to go back, honestly.”

These days, Lowry is more so a cheerleader for the Sixers. He has played in only five games and averaging 8.6 minutes per game as he fully takes on the mentorship role. When considering everything he has accomplished and the fact that this is year 20, one has to wonder if this is the final trip to Toronto as retirement could be on the table.

“I don’t know,” Lowry said succinctly. “Honestly, who knows? I mean, honestly, the way this season has been pretty fun for me. I know I’m not on the court with these guys, but I think what I do is immensely important to what this organization is trying to do. So, who knows what happens?”

Lowry has certainly embraced the whole not playing much role. He has passed down his wisdom to the younger players and they have returned the love as he is the one who they will turn to for any advice. It’s a role he relishes at this stage of his career.

Advertisement

“I mean, honestly, it’s just, I knew what I was coming back for,” Lowry said. “If they need me to play, I’ll play, but I knew my role for this year, and I think I just embrace everything, every challenge that I have, and I think I use it as a challenge for me to make sure I’m high energy, high effort at cheering these guys on, and being a good mentor.”

With that being said, 20 years in the NBA is nothing to sneeze at. It’s an incredible accomplishment and Lowry is thankful for his time in the league.

“It’s a small club, and only two of us are six feet and under,” he smiled. “Me and Chris Paul. So it’s even better and more elite for us.”

The Sixers will take on the Raptors at 6 p.m. EST on Sunday for the first night of the back-to-back in Toronto.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers’ Kyle Lowry reflects on potential final return to Toronto