I remembered those VC days fondly as well. I placed my faith in the Raptors' success squarely on his shoulders. And if he didn't come though, it would be an absolute failure. But I looked passed it and knew there would be plenty of other chances in the future because we had one of the best players on the planet playing for and in Toronto! Then injuries happened, then the sulking, the talk of the town where he'd tipped off the other team with our plays, the re-hab that should have been yet video clips of him shimming off a full-blown crip walk with (at that time) Lil' Bow Wow at one of his concerts (I think in T.O.) all began to change my view of him. Sure, he's likely a great guy and yeah, did a lot for the community, and when things were going well in T.O., it looked like he gave his all. But when the chips were down, he flat out didn't. I couldn't believe this dude with all the talent in the world was crapping out on us, even through his injuries, his "rehab", and the sulking which led to one of the most controversial trades in Toronto's short history! I agree, he put us on the map. But just as easily, took us off of it when he exited the way he did.
But in retrospect, looking back, I fondly remember the good times when things were rolling--and I choose to do so. I can't forget the past but it's the past. Live and learn. With our new management team, I'm hoping for good things again. The recent play has helped a lot. As a devoted Raptor fan, I hope we can strive to building a better brand, a better team, a better environment where players that see Toronto not just a place to visit but hopefully a place they all want to play in.
But in retrospect, looking back, I fondly remember the good times when things were rolling--and I choose to do so. I can't forget the past but it's the past. Live and learn. With our new management team, I'm hoping for good things again. The recent play has helped a lot. As a devoted Raptor fan, I hope we can strive to building a better brand, a better team, a better environment where players that see Toronto not just a place to visit but hopefully a place they all want to play in.
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