Ranking the top 50 NBA players of the 2021-2022 season: 50-41

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 29: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles between Malcolm Brogdon #7 and Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter of their game at Spectrum Center on January 29, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

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Top 50 NBA players ranked: 45. Kyle Lowry

Previous Rank: 38

There is something heartbreaking about the fact that the greatest Toronto Raptor of all time played his final season with the franchise without ever appearing in front of the home crowd that loved him. Kyle Lowry is making a final career push for another title to cement his Hall of Fame resume. Joining the Miami Heat has always made far too much sense. The cultural fit is perfect and his defensive acumen will make him a welcome fit on South Beach.

Last season in Tampa, Lowry averaged 17.2 points, 7.3 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. He continued to play like a star in a situation that was nearly impossible to navigate, though he only appeared in 46 games. Now he has chosen to play his home games in Florida, rather than being forced to. This should work out rather well for both sides.

Lowry is a dogged defender and while he may have lost something of a step, pairing him with Jimmy Butler and having Bam Adebayo in the background is the perfect way to make the most of his talents. Unlike Butler, Lowry can knock down shots from deep (39.6 percent on 7.2 attempts per game last season). This adds a dynamic to the offense that they sorely needed. While Lowry is prone to missing a few games, he is a clear improvement over Goran Dragic in that regard.