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NBA Player Power Rankings: The Top 20 Players Of 2016-17

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 18, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; Western Conference guard Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder (0) and Western Conference guard James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) during the NBA All-Star Practice at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; Western Conference guard Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder (0) and Western Conference guard James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) during the NBA All-Star Practice at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 12, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert (4) during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert (4) during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors

Position: Point Guard
Age: 31 (3/25/1986)
Experience: 11th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .464/.412/.819
2016-17 Season Averages: 37.4 MPG, 22.4 PPG, 7.0 APG, 4.8 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 3.2 3PM

The Toronto Raptors have won 50 games in consecutive seasons for the first time in franchise history. It’s also headed back to the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season, which is good for the longest streak in franchise history.

It’s no coincidence that Toronto’s success began when Kyle Lowry was named the full-time starter in 2013-14—and it’s no surprise that he helped the Raptors continue their ascension in 2016-17.

In 2016-17, Lowry did enough to overcome a 22-game absence and secure a Top 15 ranking. He had his best scoring season to date, setting career-best marks in points and 3-point field goals made per game, as well as field goal percentage and 3-point field goal percentage.

In the other areas of the game, Lowry continued to facilitate, rebound, defend, and lead—and the latter is the most important quality—at a high enough level to warrant All-NBA consideration.

Lowry’s injury may prevent him from receiving All-NBA honors, but he was playing at that high of a level in 2016-17. He ranked in the Top 10 in Real Plus-Minus, as well as No. 4 amongst point guards behind just Chris Paul, Stephen Curry, and Russell Westbrook.

If the Raptors are going to make a second consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearance, then it will be Lowry who leads the charge.