Toronto Raptors: Kyle Lowry’s silence speaks volumes
When Toronto Raptors superstar Kyle Lowry was asked about the trade of DeMar DeRozan on Friday, he didn’t have much to say. That said it all.
Kyle Lowry is not the most affable or talkative superstar in the NBA. He’s certainly no Joel Embiid.
If there was one time his personality shone through most in the past, however, it was during his interactions with former teammate DeMar DeRozan.
They would goof around in the locker room, take subtle jabs at each other and put on an entertaining dog-and-pony show for the eager media.
It was one of the most genuine bromances in all of basketball.
Their relationship as teammates came to a sudden end last week, when DeRozan was shipped to the San Antonio Spurs in the deal that brought Kawhi Leonard to Canada.
By now, it’s become blatantly clear how DeRozan feels about the trade. The word “betrayed” comes to mind, as DeRozan was seemingly promised a long future in Toronto just days before being traded.
Friday brought the first real opportunity to hear from Lowry about the trade of his friend, with the media descending upon Team USA’s training camp.
Here’s what he had to say (h/t ESPN):
"It’s been a great week for USA Basketball for me. Being out here with these guys and hanging out and getting to talk and hang out with these guys and hanging out with DeMar and all those guys, it’s been fun.”"
Tons of insight on to Lowry’s feelings about the trade there, huh?
He did go on to say:
"Summer has been great in general for everyone."
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So maybe he’s happy about the trade and thinks it’s “great.” Or maybe not.
He had plenty more to say about how minicamp was going for Team USA and how the coaches and team were gelling as a unit, so it became clear the DeRozan subject was a bugaboo for him.
Interestingly enough, DeRozan was at the Team USA minicamp as well and seemed much more open to discussing the trade. He praised Lowry’s basketball acumen and reminded all assembled of the pitfalls of the profession.
Nevertheless, Lowry’s silence on the subject should set off alarm bells in Toronto.
There are already valid concerns surrounding the team’s chemistry for the coming year.
Coach Dwane Casey was unceremoniously dumped after a season that earned him NBA Coach of the Year, and now DeRozan is being replaced by Leonard, who clearly rubbed some people the wrong way in San Antonio.
Sure, talent often overcomes chemistry when it comes down to it. But in an Eastern Conference that should be tight at the top, every detail matters; there can’t be tension between the players and the front office.
Everyone in the game understands that it was a business decision made by the front office. All will be forgiven if the Toronto Raptors make their first NBA Finals, or even better, win their first championship.
At the moment, however, it seems that Lowry might still be incensed by the departure of his friend.
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That clock can’t tick quickly enough in Toronto.