Kofi Inkoom
Following the inability to secure a trade for Damian Lillard, it appears highly probable that Kyle Lowry will assume the starting point guard role for the Miami Heat in the upcoming season.
Throughout the 2023 offseason, the anticipation was palpable as Damian Lillard’s move to the Miami Heat seemed imminent.
Lillard had been vocal about his desire to join South Beach and contend for a championship alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
However, with Lillard now a part of the Milwaukee Bucks, the Heat find themselves relying on their existing roster talent as they approach the 2023-24 season.
This situation is likely to result in 37-year-old veteran Kyle Lowry taking up the starting point guard position for the Heat, a role he confirmed while addressing reporters on Tuesday morning.
Lowry expressed his anticipation of assuming the role of the starting point guard for the Heat, stating, “I expect to be the starting point guard this year.” While there haven’t been official discussions, Lowry’s personal commitment and work ethic drive this expectation.
Kyle Lowry: “I expect to be the starting point guard.”
🎥: @wcgoldberg
pic.twitter.com/UWpszjymdh— Viral_load (@Viralload233) October 3, 2023
Kyle Lowry assuming the role of the starting point guard in the upcoming season is not far fetched. This expectation stems from the departure of Gabe Vincent to the Los Angeles Lakers, making it highly likely that Lowry will be tasked with running the team.
While there is a possibility of experimenting with Tyler Herro at point guard and having Josh Richardson or Duncan Robinson at shooting guard alongside Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and either Kevin Love or Caleb Martin, Lowry’s presence offers stability, floor spacing, and intelligent game management—a quality that head coach Erik Spoelstra undoubtedly values.
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Nonetheless, Lowry’s age, at 37, raises legitimate questions about how much he has left in the tank.
While he remained a solid, above-average player last season, it’s evident that he’s lost some of his previous agility, limiting his impact on the game.
Additionally, Lowry has grappled with injuries in recent years, something the Heat will need to consider in their plans.
Ultimately, it’s a safe bet to take Lowry at his word, especially given the Heat’s relatively thin depth at the point guard position.