Kyle Lowry Has a More Compelling Hall of Fame Case Than You Might Think
When you think of the top NBA superstars of the 21st century, Kyle Lowry is rarely mentioned. Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and more dominate the conversation. Meanwhile, Lowry goes about his business every season as one of the most consistent and under-appreciated stars of the last decade.
Now with six All-Star appearances and an NBA title with the Toronto Raptors to his name, Lowry has a more compelling Hall of Fame case than you might think.
Kyle Lowry’s underrated NBA career
Lowry has been one of the most popular NBA players over the last 10 years, but he’s been long overshadowed by the all-time greats playing in today’s NBA. In the Eastern Conference, LeBron James took all the shine his entire career, while Lowry quietly led the Raptors to high playoff seeds year after year.
Since he joined the Raptors in 2012, Lowry averaged over 16 points per game in six of the last eight seasons. He’s also dished out over six assists per game in every season with Toronto. Defensively, Lowry has been one of the peskiest guards in the league his entire career. He averages 1.3 steals per game in the NBA, and his uncanny ability to draw charges frustrates even the best scorers in the league.
Lowry is already in the top 50 in assists and the top 100 in steals in NBA history. If he plays just two or three more seasons, he can easily reach the top 50 in both.
Lowry has six All-Star appearances and an All-NBA Third-Team selection in 2016. He also has an NBA title to his name after last season’s historic championship run.
Lowry has a better resume than multiple Hall of Famers
It’s a bit unfair to compare Lowry to the superstars of today. After all, LeBron James is a top five player of all time, and Kevin Durant might end up there by the end of his career.
Lowry was even overshadowed by his own teammate during last year’s championship season. Kawhi Leonard, a surefire Hall of Famer if he continues along his statistical path, stole all the shine from Lowry en route to a title.
When you look at some of the players currently in the Hall of Fame, though, Lowry ‘s resume stacks up well.
Frank Ramsay, who won seven NBA titles with the Boston Celtics, made the Hall of Fame averaging 13.4 points and 1.8 assists per game. He shot just 39.9% from the field. Lowry has Ramsay beat in almost every statistical category. He’s averaged 14.8 points and 6.2 assists per game on 42.3% shooting over his career.
Ramsay was only inducted because of his seven titles, but he was far from the best player in the Celtics dynasty. Lowry also has a ring of his own, and he was the second-best player all season long.
Lowry has a near-identical resume to Pistons great Chauncey Billups. Many believe he’ll reach the Hall of Fame in the next few years, and if he does, expect to see Lowry follow him in down the road.
Basketball-Reference gives Lowry an 85.7% chance to make the Hall of Fame
Many NBA fans might not see Lowry as a Hall of Famer, but smarter basketball minds sure do. According to Basketball-Reference, Lowry has an 85.7% chance to be inducted after his career ends.
The website’s model takes into account the stats and achievements Hall of Fame voters care about the most. Championships, All-Star appearances, leadership points, and win shares are all at the top of the list, and Lowry checks every box.
Lowry was an underrated NBA player his entire career, but a Hall of Fame induction would silence all his critics.
