Masai Ujiri sees Kyle Lowry as ‘the greatest Raptor of all time’

Masai Ujiri on how hard it was to see Kyle Lowry go, and what he still means to this organization, city and family, saying the stamp he's left in this community goes way beyond basketball, but he understood the direction the team needs to go in.

TORONTO — Before getting into the details of his anticipated new contract, and new title, Toronto Raptors executive Masai Ujiri paid tribute to outgoing star point guard Kyle Lowry.

Speaking to reporters for the first time since signing a contract extension to stay with the NBA team, Ujiri heaped praise on the player he called the “greatest Raptor.”

Lowry joined Miami this off-season following a sign-and-trade deal with the Heat.

That ended the 35-year-old’s wildly successful nine-year run in Toronto that included six all-star appearances and a championship in 2019.

Ujiri said he wishes Lowry all the best in Miami, except when he faces his former team. Asked about whether Lowry will get his jersey retired in Toronto, Ujiri said: “He’s going to get everything, and some.”

Ujiri signed a new deal to stay in Toronto on Aug. 5, adding vice chairman to his existing title of president. His previous deal was set to expire this summer.

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