Kyle Lowry

A half-decade would remain before the Memphis Grizzlies physically endorsed the “Grit and Grind” nickname as one of its own. Though, as evidenced by their No. 24 selection in the 2006 NBA Draft, the soon-to-be on-the-rise franchise was discovering the types of players who personified that approach long before. Anchoring Memphis’ second unit as its go-to bench spark just nine games into his career, Kyle Lowry sinks into the paint to retrieve the Orlando Magic’s missed shot, quickly shifting his focus towards a transition opportunity. Blocked by only Keyon Dooling on his path to the paint, Lowry works a veteran-esque in-and-out dribble, granting himself entry before banking in a high-arcing, and-one finger roll. Although a broken wrist one night later would curtain Lowry’s rookie campaign, the future six-time All-Star put his potential more than on display on November 20, 2006’s win. Tallying the type of line that would become second nature over the following decade-and-change, Lowry sprinkled in 16 points (on 6-of-10 shooting), five rebounds, six assists, five steals, and one 3-pointer.

Rookie Year