6. Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors
Counting Stats: 21.2 points, 6.4 assists and 4.7 rebounds
PER: 22.20
WS: 11.6
VORP: 6.3
It’s safe to say that Kyle Lowry is arguably just as vital to the Raptors’ success as swingman DeMar DeRozan. Lowry, who has grown up to be one of the NBA’s more underrated point guards, has blossomed into a top-notch scorer recently. For the first time in his career, Lowry eclipsed the 20 PPG mark in 2016, as well as setting career-highs in steals (2.1 per game), 3-point percentage (38.8%) and eFG percentage (51.6%).
Lowry has shown to operate more efficiently when the Raptors utilize a “spread-you-out” system, taking the place as a hybrid shooter and driver. Last season, Lowry showed his worth as a reliable finisher at the rim, connecting on 60.2 percent of shots within three feet.
On a team that’s improved their win total in every season since 2010, Toronto could be finally reaching its ceiling next year. After falling in six games to the eventual world champion Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2016 Eastern Conference Finals, the Raptors saw burgeoning center Bismack Biyombo flee for Orlando.
While pieces are still in place for Toronto to contend in the East, as they still have unanswered players such as DeMarre Carrol and Jonas Valanciunas aligned in the front-court. The lifeline of the team’s core revolves around DeRozan and the versatility of Lowry.
Next: No. 5