NBA Player Power Rankings: MVP Candidates Continue To Clash

January 18, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 121-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 18, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) reacts with teammates after a defensive stop against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors

Position: Point Guard
Age: 30 (3/25/1986)
Experience: 11th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .478/.442/.819
2016-17 Season Averages: 37.2 MPG, 22.2 PPG, 7.1 APG, 4.9 RPG, 1.0 ORPG, 1.7 SPG, 3.3 3PM

If Kyle Lowry is looking for a new nickname, then he should give serious thought to, “The Source.” Though there are other players making the glamour plays in Toronto, Lowry remains the source of the Raptors’ success.

Much like John Wall is to the Washington Wizards’ success, Lowry is the catalyst to what the Raptors do positively on both ends of the floor.

Lowry ranks No. 2 in the NBA in Real Plus-Minus and has a positive mark on both offense and defense. His value is further proven by the fact that Toronto has net ratings of +11.4 with Lowry on the court and -2.4 when he isn’t.

Not only is that a difference of 13.8 points per 100 possessions, but Lowry is the only player whom the Raptors have a negative net rating without.

DeMar DeRozan may score and handle the ball more, but Lowry’s role is that of the watchful eye. Not only is he the Raptors’ primary facilitator, but he’s the player who ensures that the ball goes to and ends up in the right places.

Lowry is the leader of one of the Top 5 teams in the NBA, and that simply cannot be overlooked or overstated.