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• Philadelphia offered not only the comforts of home but the comforts of longtime relationships with both president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, who drafted Lowry in 2006 in his prior job running the Houston Rockets, and coach Nick Nurse, who was with him for the better part of a decade with the Toronto Raptors, including the 2019 title-winning squad.

Kyle Lowry, who has always had a connection to the City of Brotherly Love, revealed on Wednesday that joining the Philadelphia 76ers, the team he supported as a child, was not a goal he had envisioned during his time in the NBA.

This is the most recent achievement in a basketball journey that started in North Philadelphia at Cardinal Dougherty High School, continued at Villanova University, and is expected to culminate in the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame.

Lowry will make his debut for Philadelphia on Thursday night at Wells Fargo Center against the New York Knicks. Additionally, the team is expected to have either Nicolas Batum (recovering from a hamstring injury) or De’Anthony Melton (returning from a back injury) on the court, possibly both.

Lowry’s services were in high demand, as evidenced by the Sixers’ decision to trade Patrick Beverley in order to make room for him. This was just one of several moves made by the 76ers to improve their guard rotation, including acquiring Lowry and Buddy Hield from the Indiana Pacers.

It is my responsibility to contribute my best efforts towards improving both this team and organization. Regardless of my role, playing time, or circumstances, I strive to uphold a professional attitude and assist in the growth of Tyrese, the team, the coach, and everyone involved. This is my duty.

“I am thrilled to be here,” Lowry stated. “I am fully aware of my responsibilities and duties. My main objective is to support Tyrese [Maxey] in his growth and to help this team reach new heights. That is my purpose.”

“At the end of the day, it’s a dream come true for me to have the opportunity to play in front of my loved ones, friends, and those I once cheered for as a fan of the Sixers during my childhood. Now, I am fully equipped to take on this challenge. When I was younger, I may not have been ready, but at this point in my career, I am more than prepared.”

Nurse was pleased to have extra support available for his team, which is currently struggling and awaiting Joel Embiid’s comeback after a knee surgery.

Lowry and the 76ers have found the perfect combination of familiarity and practicality. As a veteran in his 18th season in the NBA, Lowry was seeking a new team after being traded by the Miami Heat to the Charlotte Hornets, along with a first-round pick, for Terry Rozier last month. Due to the new regulations for buyout players in the NBA’s latest collective bargaining agreement, Lowry was unable to join top contenders like the Phoenix Suns or LA Clippers, even if he had desired to do so.Tim Bontemps, ESPNFeb 21, 2024, 03:30 PM ET

Lowry stated that his first practice with the Sixers was not a dream. He also mentioned that playing at home is challenging due to distractions.

Nurse expressed the importance of having our players return to the team. With two or three starters missing and sometimes even four, it was crucial to have our starting lineup back. We have also gained some new players, including Buddy who has always been a starter and Kyle who has the ability to start. Kelly Oubre Jr. has also been a frequent starter for us.

“We have successfully redistributed some resources, allowing us to strengthen our team with more depth and a stronger bench. Our guard position has also shown significant improvement in recent weeks. This is a positive development as we had recognized the need for it. I am eager to see how it all unfolds. Our outlook is optimistic with the addition of these players.”

Nurse expressed satisfaction with Lowry’s presence on the practice court on Wednesday, stating that his familiarity with the team’s plays and history made him a valuable asset. Lowry’s leadership skills were also noted, as he was already exhibiting vocal leadership.1 Related

Lowry stated that he requires time to improve his physical fitness since his last NBA game on Jan. 19, but he emphasized his commitment to assisting the 76ers in any way Nurse assigns him.