“They didn’t want me”- Kyle Lowry reveals “Villanova Knicks” had no interest in adding him this summer
Kyle Lowry's jersey might be hanging in the rafters of the Villanova Wildcats stadium in Pennsylvania, but that doesn't mean he got a spot on the "Villanova Knicks" squad forming in New York. At a golf tournament Sunday, the Philadelphia 76ers guard received a lengthy, Villanova-based introduction from an announcer who argued that Lowry decided not to join the Knicks this offseason.
"They didn't want me!" Lowry laughed following the introduction from behind the camera.
The New York Knicks have gained the nickname "Villanova Knicks" with the offseason acquisition of Brooklyn Nets player Mikal Bridges, who now joins fellow Nova alumni Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo in the Big Apple. Those four won the national championship together in 2015, and Brunson, Bridges and DiVincenzo won it again in 2017 under head coach Jay Wright.
All four of the Villanova stars are under contract for at least the next two seasons.
Kyle Lowry re-signs with Philadelphia 76ers
Lowry reportedly signed a one-year extension with the 76ers and is set to play the 2024–2025 season in Philadelphia. Last year, he averaged 8.0 points per game, his lowest since the 2008–09 season. He'll enter his 21st season in the league, making him one of the league's oldest players at 38 years old.
He played two seasons in college for Villanova, averaging 11.1 points per game his sophomore year en route to All-Big East second-team honors. He grew up in the northern part of Philadelphia and said he's decided to return to the 76ers because "it's where he felt most comfortable," he told the Philadelphia Inquirer.
"To play for Coach Nick Nurse again, represent my city, and also get an opportunity to play for a championship with a good group ... I felt like it was the best place for me at this moment," he said.
Lowry won the NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, averaging 14.2 points and 8.7 assists per game alongside a red-hot Kawhi Leonard. His numbers dropped significantly after leaving Toronto for the Miami Heat in 2021, and will likely come off the bench for the 76ers behind young guards Jared McCain and Tyrese Maxey.