Raptors legend Kyle Lowry just described Toronto's culture perfectly

Kyle Lowry had a lot of love for the city during his nine seasons with the Toronto Raptors.

On Tuesday, when Lowry announced his retirement from the NBA after 20 seasons and that his iconic No. 7 jersey would be honoured by the franchise, he was asked what the city means to him.

Lowry summed it up perfectly.

"It's just one of those places that shows its grit. It's not the warmest place, but you guys still get up and go to work every single day and get the job done," Lowry said.

On Tuesday at the OVO Athletic Centre in Toronto, Kyle Lowry became the first player in NBA history to retire as a Raptor. (Marley Dickinson/Offside)

The 40-year-old compared the grit of Toronto to his hard-nosed and tough style of basketball.

"It's a hockey place, you know, hard work, play through anything—and I think that was the connection, I played through anything," he said.

"I did anything it took to win basketball games."

The Philadelphia native was drafted into the NBA in the 2006 draft and spent several seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets before being traded to Toronto in 2012 for Gary Forbes and a first-round pick—a solid trade for the Raptors looking back.

Lowry joked at the announcement that it wasn't until former Raptors president Masai Ujiri offered him a contract that Toronto felt like home. Though the moment for him came before.

When the Raptors played the Brooklyn Nets during the first round of the 2013-14 NBA Playoffs, Lowry said he remembers the fan support being unbelievable and that he could feel the Scotiabank Arena rumbling (at times).

"I remember being cheered off the floor even though we just lost Game 1," Lowry laughed. "It's a special place."

What also stood out for Lowry is the support he received within the Raptors organization, referring to the people he dealt with every day as "family."

"Greatest Raptor of all-time."

9 seasons in Toronto.
7 straight postseason runs.
6 straight All-Star selections.
2019 NBA Champion.

MR. RAPTOR... KYLE LOWRY. pic.twitter.com/0PzFMGJvy6

— NBA (@NBA) July 7, 2026

Lowry became a six-time NBA All-Star during his time with the Raptors and ultimately led the city to its first NBA championship in franchise history in 2018-19.

He also remains Toronto's all-time leader in assists, steals and three-pointers.

"This place, I call it home. I mean it through and through," said Lowry.

"Everything about the city of Toronto, the country of Canada, has done special wonders for me."