In the least shocking deal of the offseason, 39-year-old Kyle Lowry will rejoin head coach Nick Nurse and the Philadelphia 76ers as they desperately attempt to rectify the catastrophic 2024/25 campaign.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the veteran guard has signed a one-year contract, marking his 20th season in the NBA. However, it was a move that Sixers purists hoped general manager Daryl Morey would have steered clear of as the franchise attempts to establish a 'younger and more dynamic' roster.
Regardless of the fan's wishes, Lowry will return to the 'City of Brotherly Love' -- suggesting that a deep-rooted issue will lurk in the shadows waiting to ignite the implosion of a second-consecutive Sixers season.
76ers' injury woes are not going anywhere
The front office will argue that his veteran presence and championship experience will be integral if the 76ers are to propel themselves into NBA Finals contention. Yet, Lowry's fitness issues throughout the previous campaign showcase that much of this leadership will not be exhibited on the court, with the former Toronto Raptors star participating in just 35 matches.
Hindered by a hip injury for the majority of the year, Lowry struggled to make a meaningful impact during his available moments, averaging just 3.9 points and 2.7 assists per game. Of course, the Villanova graduate was not the sole proprietor of the injury room, with former MVP Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey all sitting out for extended periods of the season.
Andre Drummond (player-option) and Eric Gordon (veteran-minimum) have chosen to extend their stay with the 76ers, resulting in the franchise having an additional two stars on its roster who featured in 40 or fewer games last year. With the latter originally declining his player-option, the Sixers had an opportunity to prioritise a deal with either Gordon or Lowry, but still opted to acquire both.
Head coach Nick Nurse clearly values the work ethic, knowledge, and leadership that Kyle Lowry brings to the dressing room. Yet, are these attributes worthwhile when you have just retained the services of Eric Gordon? Was a coaching role not a better alternative than potentially wasting a standard contract? It is a risky decision that offers virtually nothing in terms of a reward.
With Lowry taking a place on Philadelphia's payroll, the Eastern Conference contenders will only have the ability to offer one last standard deal to a player of their choosing. The Sixers have made it no secret that re-signing Quentin Grimes is an offseason priority for the franchise after his sensational performances last year. Grimes recorded an impressive 21.9 points and 5.2 rebounds per game after arriving from the Dallas Mavericks.
However, with Grimes primarily starting as a guard during his time with the 76ers, it appears that Morey is more than content with the lack of quality depth the roster possesses in the power forward role -- leaving Trendon Watford and rookie Johni Broome to occupy the position on permanent contracts, and Alex Reese on a two-way deal.
If this squad of players can stay healthy, then their quality could allow them to make a deep run in the postseason. But, that is a big IF. The Daryl Morey era could spectacularly come crashing down in flames if fitness issues continue to plague the Sixers, and the general manager would have to take sole responsibility for the unedifying choices he has made during his tenure.