Throughout NBA history, statues have been erected to honor players such as Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal.

These players are universally considered among the greatest athletes of all time. However, an unexpected addition to this list is Kyle Lowry, a player who has earned a statue in Toronto, the home of the Raptors.

This may come as a surprise to some, as Lowry's historical impact in the world of basketball doesn't quite match up to those previously mentioned.

Nevertheless, Lowry's ability to influence his team is undeniable – just look at his transformative effect on the Miami Heat, and you'll understand why he's earned this honor.

Selected in the first round, 24th overall, during the 2006 NBA Draft, Kyle Lowry began his journey as a player for the Grizzlies. Standing at a height of 6 feet (1.83 meters), he relied heavily on exceptional ball control and a sharp awareness of passing to make his mark on the highly competitive NBA stage.

Lowry possessed the natural ability to navigate the entire court with his dribbling skills, earning him the reputation of a skilled ball handler.

His court awareness allowed him to make informed decisions, contributing not only to his own scoring but also to setting up opportunities for his teammates. On the defensive end, he displayed solid one-on-one defensive techniques.

However, in the midst of the NBA's immense talent pool, Lowry's challenges became apparent.

In his rookie season, he only managed to participate in 10 games due to injuries, averaging 17 minutes with 5 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Throughout his tenure with the Grizzlies and later the Rockets, Lowry performed adequately from the bench until the 2010-11 season when he was promoted to a starting position, marking a pivotal turning point in his career.

Upon securing a starting role, Lowry's skills began to rapidly evolve. His percentage jumped from 27.2% in the previous season to an impressive 37.7%.

With averages of 14.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 1.6 steals, and a 37.4% three-point shooting rate, Lowry was in the process of evolving into an all-star point guard.

Despite his achievements, rumors of conflicts with the head coach led to discussions about trading Lowry.

This trade turned out to be a pivotal moment in Lowry's career. Unexpectedly, the move served as a catalyst for his growth, propelling him into the ranks of a bona fide all-star point guard.

Upon his arrival in Toronto, despite a modest start, Lowry formed a strong bond with his lifelong friend, DeMar DeRozan, leading the underdog Raptors on a journey to contend for the championship.

Paired with DeRozan, he led the team to six consecutive playoff appearances and even an Eastern Conference finals. However, their aspirations were repeatedly halted by LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Raptors' management eventually decided to part ways with DeRozan, leading to a lineup change.

This addition bolstered the team's offensive power, propelling them through the playoffs to the NBA Finals. Against the odds, the Raptors secured their first championship victory, defeating the Golden State Warriors.

Kyle Lowry's journey took a new turn on August 3, 2021, when he joined the Miami Heat in a sign-and-trade deal.

His transformation from an unremarkable player to a statue-worthy athlete is a captivating tale.

Now with the Miami Heat, Lowry has another chance to pursue championship glory.

His veteran determination will undoubtedly inspire the younger players to strive for honor, further igniting the pursuit of excellence within the team.