Kyle Lowry Bitter About Heat Elimination: “Wasted Year”

When Kyle Lowry left the Toronto Raptors last year after a long and illustrious career as the team's most legendary player, he had only one thing on his mind: to win another championship. That didn't happen this year in Miami, and that has left Lowry with a bitter taste.

"For me, honestly, it was a waste of a year."

Kyle Lowry's bar for success is high. pic.twitter.com/XaM4Rhmwv8
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 31, 2022

Lowry is now 36, and showed obvious signs of slowing down this season, as he was hampered by injuries throughout the playoffs. He missed several games in the postseason, and when he did play, he shot only 29% from the floor and 24% from three. He averaged 7.8 points and 4.3 assists.

“I wish I would have been able to play a little bit better, at a higher level, but I didn’t,” Lowry said. “It just adds fuel. You don’t know how many more opportunities you will have to get back to this.

“I only play to win championships. It was fun, and I appreciate my teammates, and I appreciate the opportunity. But for me, it’s a waste of a year. You’re… not winning a championship, it’s a wasted year.”

Lowry signed a 3-year, $85M contract with the Heat last offseason. Coach Erik Spoelstra is hoping that the next two seasons will not be "wasted years" as well.

Erik Spoelstra on Kyle Lowry:

“I thought Kyle was in an incredible grove about 6 weeks before the playoffs.”

“If we could’ve started the playoffs then, it would’ve been perfect for him.”

“I think Kyle will come back next training camp in the best shape of his career.”
— Brady Hawk (@BradyHawk305) May 31, 2022