After his nine years in Toronto came to an end, title-winning point guard Kyle Lowry’s farewell to the Raptors was long and emotional.
Kyle Lowry is heading to South Beach to play for the Miami Heat after almost a decade with the Toronto Raptors.
Considering how long he lived in Toronto and what he accomplished in the city, it’s no surprise his goodbye message had a lot to cover.
“Where do I start, I was a 26-year-old still trying to find his way,” Lowry wrote in a lengthy post on Instagram. “Beginning to understand that I was a valued asset in this league but not yet comprehending how to be the leader I needed to be. Trying to find trust in a cut throat business. I wanted to be the best version of myself but didn’t know how to get there. That’s when I entered the unknown, going to a new franchise, a new city, a new country, not knowing this would be the place I would call HOME for the next 9 seasons.
“This is hard to write but the time has come for the next chapter in my story to begin.”
Kyle Lowry’s emotional farewell to the Raptors covered a lot of ground
Lowry described how the city of Toronto embraced him right away and through the ups and downs.
“Toronto will forever be my 2nd home and I will always be tied to the franchise, the city and the country of Canada which makes me so happy to say,” he continued.
The point guard thanked former general manager Bryan Colangelo, former assistant GM Marc Eversley, president Masai Ujiri, current GM Bobby Webster, former head coach Dwane Casey and coaches he’s played under. He also thanked Larry and Judy Tanenbaum as governors of the Raptors organization.
Shout outs continued with mentions for everyone from the championship staff and family members to the public relations team in Toronto.
Lowry even singled out Drake as an ambassador for the team.
He also thanked the city of Toronto for making it possible to build the relationship he has with DeMar DeRozan, his best friend.
“Toronto you are in good hands with Pascal, OG and Freddie my little brother, y’all already built the foundation and will continue to grow. I love y’all!!!” he wrote, “I legit gave blood, sweat, and tears and everything I’ve could!!! Thank you Toronto, thank you Canada this will forever be HOME!!!”
Lowry landed with the Heat via a sign-and-trade at the start of free agency with a new three-year, $90 million contract.