Kyle Lowry faces a tough workout as latest reports suggest he failed the Miami Heat’s routine physical exam and had a body fat percentage above 18%. This could be one of the many reasons for his lackluster performance for his team in the playoffs. It’s safe to say that the 2019 NBA champion has a lot of work to do this offseason to get back on track physically.
NBA players, that is to say all athletes, must be able to practice their respective sport. Perfect body structure, low body weight (body fat) and speed are some basic requirements for ground activities. But the Miami Heat has strict rules regarding the health of its players and conducts regular checkups to maintain standard fare. NBA aficionado Pat Riley took over the franchise nearly three decades ago, and his style of play requires basketball players to lose excess body fat in order to play at the highest level. Miami veteran guard Kyle Lowry recently failed the test and is scheduled to undergo a body transformation.
Miami Heat team president Pat Riley has previously thrown shade at Kyle Lowry over his conditioning. He also advised him to pay attention to his body and how he needs to work on it during the offseason.
Kyle Lowry struggled with weight in first offseason with Miami Heat
But with him End of season press conference, Riley fired the “conditioning bullet” directly at Kyle Lowry, saying he needs to “fix” his conditioning issues next season. Pat Riley isn’t one to openly criticize his players in public, but his recent public rant might have embarrassed the Heat veteran.
But to be fair, weight has long been an issue for Lowry. He had a problem during his years with the Raptors and it appears that problem is coming back to haunt him. Lowry, who has already worked on his weight gain issue, will return to the gym with two seasons remaining with the 2022 Eastern Conference runners-up.
His age could be a barrier to getting back into shape quickly, but Lowry, known for his hard work, could catch up. “The bottom line for me and for me to hope to get the best out of a player is that you have to be in world-class form, you just have to be.” » Riley said.
Lowry has already missed time due to personal issues, as well as missing the first few games of the playoffs with a hamstring injury. But even though he appeared on the field several times, he didn’t look 100 percent. A star player on both ends of the floor, he seemed completely shaken by his hamstring injury.
However, this was nothing new for Miami Heat players. Former stars have also spoken about it, and former center Jeremy O’Neal said he left the franchise for the same reason. Miami’s philosophy benefits the overwhelming majority of its players, and Lowy Cold also finds some sort of balance between his routines. It is unclear what significant changes will affect it in the future.
Ultimately, both sides – Miami Heat and Kyle Lowry – could find common ground here, even if he can’t meet the physical demands. President and Coach of NBA Champions Riley may not be used to bending the rules, but dropping some rules might be better for Lowry, his contract and his abilities.