Ominous Statement From Heat Coach On Kyle Lowry's Future This Season

Kyle Lowry has now missed 12 consecutive games with a mysterious knee injury. What makes it even more vexing is that now, Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra is refusing to say whether he expects Lowry to play again this season.

Erik Spoelstra declines to say whether there is an expectation for Kyle Lowry to return during the regular season. Declines to address anything but Lowry not being available tonight.

— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) March 4, 2023

The only thing Spoelstra would comment on before Saturday's game was Lowry's unavailability for that night's contest. He wouldn't answer a question about whether the 36-year-old point guard will be back this season.

As noted by Heat insider Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, the team reportedly explored the trade market for Lowry before last month’s deadline, "but found little to no interest because of his age, contract and injury woes."

"Left knee soreness" has been the cited cause, as he's now missed 21 games in all this season. The Heat are struggling, with or without him, in 7th spot in the Eastern Conference, at 34-31. They've gone 5-7 in this recent stretch without their point guard.

Lowry is in his second season of the 3-year, $85M deal he signed with Miami in the summer of 2021, in a sign-and-trade with the Toronto Raptors.

In 44 games this season, the six-time All-Star is averaging 12 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.3 boards.

Photo: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports