Bryan Colangelo has high expectations for newly-acquired point guard Kyle Lowry.

“At 26, I would say Kyle represents what I would characterize as the future of the position,” Colangelo said. “His contract [two years, less than US$12-million total] is also considered a great value for what his on-court analytics project at.”

Lowry averaged 14.3 points, 6.6 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals during the 2011-12 season.

“He contributes in a number of different ways,” Colangelo said. “As a scorer, shot creator, defender, he’s got very good marks across the board. He’s gotten a little bit better every year. His usage has gone up, his efficiency has gone up in a number of categories.

“He’s projecting to get better each and every year that he steps on the court.”