11. Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors
Position: Point Guard
Age: 30 (3/25/1986)
Experience: 11th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .475/.445/.833
2016-17 Season Averages: 37.4 MPG, 22.4 PPG, 7.2 APG, 4.9 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 3.3 3PM
Kyle Lowry began this week with a sensational performance, followed with a dud, and finished with a statement. It was an up-and-down stretch of three games, but it ended on a high note against a tremendous opponent.
Behind Lowry’s leadership and production, the Toronto Raptors are the second-best team in the Eastern Conference and, arguably, one of the Top 5 teams in the NBA.
Just two days after torching the Utah Jazz for 33 points, Lowry picked up 27 points, 12 assists, nine rebounds, three steals, and a block against the Chicago Bulls. He was underwhelming against Houston the next time out with 12 points, six assists, five rebounds, and four steals.
Fortunately, Lowry found his rhythm again with 24 points and nine assists on 7-of-12 shooting from the field and a 5-of-6 mark in a 114-106 win over the Boston Celtics.
Lowry’s production and efficiency both rate amongst the best players and point guards in the NBA. He’s shooting at a legitimately elite level and is providing Toronto with a powerful impact on both ends of the floor.
Lowry may not be the superstar name that most recognize him as, but if one were to call him elite, I wouldn’t contest the belief.