Its been more than six years now and Kyle Lowry is still trying to find his place.
Every time Lowry gets comfortable with a team, something occurs, forcing the Philadelphia native to start all over again.
After being selected in the first round of the 2006 NBA draft, Lowry was just starting to find his way with the Memphis Grizzlies. He played in all 82 games of the 2007-08 season, backing up Mike Conley. Memphis had to decide if Lowry would be their guy moving forward, and they did just that, trading him to the Houston Rockets at the 2009 trade deadline.
While in Houston, Lowry started to show flashes of what he could do. He took over the starting point guard role in the 2010-11 season, starting 71 games. His scoring and assists increased. His role on the Rockets did, too.
It appeared the Rockets, who matched Clevelands four-year, 23 million deal to keep Lowry, were prepared to build with the Villanova product in the fold. But clashes with Rockets head coach Kevin McHale and the signing of Jeremy Lin changed that. Lowry was traded to the Toronto Raptors last July, where, again, he had to try to find his way.
Its part of the business, Lowry said. Its not one of those things you can really control. Being traded is not always a bad thing. ... You just have to make the best of it.
Asked about his departure in Houston being caused by his clash with McHale, Lowry didnt want to elaborate. Its in the past, he said.
NBA
But what about his future?
Lowry is third on the Raptors in scoring, averaging 14.5 points per game while backing up Jose Calderon. One could say its like dj vu for Lowry in Toronto.
You see, like the Grizzlies, the Raptors will have to make a decision sooner or later on whether to bring back Calderon, who will be a free agent at seasons end. Or the team could stick with Lowry, who is scheduled to make a little less than 12 million in the remaining two years of his contract.
They could always keep both players. But would it work?
Raptors head coach Dwane Casey has paired Calderon and Lowry together with mixed results.
The numbers are not great, Casey said of the combination. I trust them. I feel good with them out there because youve got two experienced players handling the basketball.
Lowry had grown accustomed to being a starter, and he thought that was the case coming to Toronto until Calderon took over when he went down with foot and ankles injures. Lowry has played in only 27 games this season, 15 of which he started. Calderon hasn't missed a game and started 25 times, including Friday night against the Sixers.
Casey said he feels comfortable starting Calderon for the moment because of his ability to help players in the first unit get to certain positions on the floor, with Lowry coming off the bench.
With the second group, Kyle is the guy, Casey said, adding that there are no set spots, and his decision to go with the hot hand. Whos having the better game? Whos helping us win basketball games is who Ive gone with because both of them are really quality point guards.
When questioned about his thoughts on being the starter, Lowry deflected and sent support Calderons way. Were both professionals, he said. Were both trying to help our team win and thats the end of that.
But in order to help the Raptors, staying healthy is the key for Lowry, who has only played an entire 82-game season once in his career. He's already missed 13 games this season.
Its very frustrating, said Lowry, who finished with 11 points and 11 assists in Friday nights overtime loss to the Sixers. But, you know, I make the best of it. ... Its been rough, but it is what it is.
Praising the guards ability to stretch the floor and his will to attack the basket, Casey said he likes what Lowry brings to the Raptors.
Hes bought toughness to our team, Casey said. A swagger that we need. Hes helping other players develop that swagger and hes a guy whos in attack mode.
Lowry expressed his love for playing in Toronto. He repeated his desire again saying, For sure I want to be in Toronto. Theres no doubt about it.
As of now, it appears the Raptors feel the same way. But Lowry knows the business and understands that could all change.
E-mail Jabari Young at jyoung@comcastsportsnet.com.