PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers brought back Kyle Lowry for his 20th season as the Philadelphia native looks to make an impact and help the Sixers bounce back from a tough 2024-25 season. While he may not have the same on-court impact in year 20, he will use his voice.

Lowry, 39, has yet to play in the preseason, but he isn’t hurt and there isn’t anything ailing him. Coach Nick Nurse just wants to warm him up a bit, but he’s also enjoying how vocal he’s been in practice and on the sidelines.

“We’re just trying to take our time, and get him—20th year,” laughed Nurse who has an extensive history with Lowry from their Toronto Raptors days. “He’s doing a lot of conditioning stuff pre and post. He’s been awesome as far as help with the younger guys, all that stuff, but we’re just trying to kind of ease him in until he’s really ready to go.”

Lowry has seen it all in his 20 seasons. He’s seen playoff failures, he’s seen deep playoff runs, he’s got a championship ring, he’s been to All-Star games, and been named to an All-NBA Team. There’s a lot he brings to the table in terms of knowledge and his teammates know it.

“Coach Lowry’s been good,” deadpanned Maxey in a joking manner. “He does a good job, man. This is year 20, right? He knows a lot. He’s seen a lot. He’s been really good for me, honestly. He’s kind of pushed me to be the leader, honestly. So he’s our leader, as in age and all that, but like, he’s pushed me to be the vocal leader, to be the person that’s out there in front and saying different things and using my voice. So I appreciate him for that.”

Then, there’s a young guy like Kennedy Chandler who is in Philadelphia on an Exhibit 10 deal. Listed at 5-foot-11, Chandler is looking to make a name for himself in this league and he is using Lowry as inspiration.

“He’s the most vocal out there,” he explained. “Even though he’s not playing, he’s been the most vocal from the sidelines and practice, helping coaches, helping everybody out. If he sees something that he felt like we could do better as a team, he speaks up. So I know I’ve watched him since I was a kid, and me being on the same team as him, I really ask a lot of questions, and Kyle will start watching film as well.”

When considering that Chandler is only 23 years old, he has been watching Lowry play for a long time. This is a great chance for him to learn from his veteran teammate.

“A veteran guy like him being in the league for a very long time, and a small guard like me, I want to be the same position he is playing in the NBA for a very long time,” he finished. “So anything I can ask I’m doing every single time.”