Ranking the top 50 NBA players of next season: 40-31

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 28: Jaylen Brown #7 and Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics talk during a game against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on December 28, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

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38. Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry is the heart and soul of the Toronto Raptors franchise. Likely to go down as the best Raptor of all time for his long tenure that put them on the map as a true contender (and champion). As he enters his age 34 season the franchise is at something of a crossroads.

They are coming off the best season in franchise history in terms of win percentage and face many free agent decisions. Marc Gasol is heading overseas. Serge Ibaka is heading to the LA Clippers for a different path to another ring. The Masai Ujiri may be planning to keep the powder dry for next offseason when they go big game hunting.

No matter the direction they go Lowry looks to be one of the overarching consistencies with the roster bridging the gap to whatever the future holds. The Raptors look to stay competitive, pushing for another playoff run while looking to mold their team for the future.

Lowry finished in the top 15 in defensive rating for players who played at least 25 minutes per game. He is a driving force on both sides of the basketball and brings a cultural shift on and off the court that cannot be underestimated. As an expiring contract the Raptors may look to give him a chance to chase a ring elsewhere before the season is over. Regardless, Lowry will be a stabilizing force wherever he should suit up.