Kawhi Leonard made a surprise appearance at Kyle Lowry's retirement ceremony on Tuesday, drawing cheers from the crowd as he took a seat in the front row. Lowry signed a one-day contract to retire as a Toronto Raptor, and Leonard's presence underscored their bond from the 2019 championship season.
Lowry's Retirement Ceremony
Lowry, the Raptors' all-time leader in assists and steals, officially ended his NBA career with a ceremony at the team's practice facility. He will have his No. 7 jersey retired next season. General Manager Bobby Webster spoke alongside Lowry, highlighting his contributions to the franchise.
Leonard, who is in the process of being reacquired by the Raptors via a blockbuster trade first agreed to on June 30, surprised many by attending. He is undergoing medicals, along with Brandon Ingram in Los Angeles, as the deal nears completion.
Leonard's Support for Lowry
Lowry expressed his gratitude for Leonard's appearance. “First and foremost, I appreciate him being here. That’s my guy. Y’all know ‘Whi is a special person, a special basketball player. I appreciate him coming. It just show his humility to be here for my moment and just to be here and support me,” Lowry said.
He also joked about a 2020 All-Star Game incident where he took a charge on Leonard, claiming Leonard still owes him money. More seriously, Lowry praised the Raptors' future with Leonard, Scottie Barnes, Collin Murray-Boyles, Jamal Shead, and Immanuel Quickley.
Looking Ahead
Lowry, who will work as a TV analyst for Amazon, said he is excited to watch the new-look Raptors. “Bobby, he’s going for it, and I think he knows what he’s doing,” Lowry added, referring to Webster's roster moves. The Raptors aim to contend for a championship in the 2026-27 season.
