Somedays, the Toronto Raptors are a forgotten team across the NBA landscape. Canada’s only representation on the hardcourt, the city of Toronto, has had its flag hoisted solo since 2001 when the Vancouver Grizzlies sadly departed the nation for Memphis, becoming the Memphis Grizzlies. Toronto has had several superstars and Hall of Fame names throughout the years, but no player has joined the Raptors in his prime like Brandon Ingram just did. It’s not your typical history-making milestone, but it is a milestone nonetheless. For this milestone, Ingram is one-of-one.
Raptors’ Brandon Ingram Trade Completes A Franchise First
Kawhi Leonard Didn’t, Vince Carter Didn’t, DeMar DeRozan Didn’t, But Brandon Ingram Did
Let’s run back some of the Raptors highest-profile stars and contributors to the franchise in the team’s 30 years of existence. It started with Vince Carter, and from there, you had Tracy McGrady, Chris Bosh, DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry, and the only superstar to deliver a championship to Canada, Kawhi Leonard. Each player has played a significant part in the Raptors franchise both on the floor and off. Lowry, arguably the top dog as it relates to the fans and the most adored Raptor player ever, also won the title beside Kawhi. However, the interesting fact that all these names have in common is that not one joined the Raptors in their prime.
Carter, McGrady, DeRozan, and Bosh were all drafted and developed by the Raptors from their first days in the NBA. Lowry and Leonard were traded for, but Toronto was not a preferred destination for either player. Even the great Hakeem Olajuwon spent some time in Toronto but in the latter days of his career. None of these players joined the Raptors ranks in their prime—the best state of basketball shape an NBA player can be in.
Of course, that has changed now, considering the trade that sent Ingram from New Orleans to Toronto. Since the trade, Ingram has reacted positively to the move. His agreement to remain in Toronto long-term last week via a multi-year extension further signaled his desire to be a Raptor. In that light, the 27-year-old native of Kingston, North Carolina, is officially the first NBA star to join the Raptors in the prime of his career—history made.
Ingram’s Remarks Express Gratitude and Buy-In
Now, with the Raptors, Ingram is bought into what the organization and coaching staff want from him. Toronto was reportedly one of the teams he had on his list, which differs from Lowry and Leonard’s circumstances. So, if the reporting is accurate, it’s another reason why Ingram’s situation makes it more unique. He recently spoke about the move and what he wants to accomplish.
“First thing that I heard [from the Raptors] is they want to make me an All-Star again and I’m going to be a big part of what they do moving forward,” Ingram told reporters last week. “I want to come here and learn. I want to come here and be a sponge, shift the culture, make it a winning culture and come in here and just listen. Do whatever coach (Darko Rajakovic) needs me to do and go out and try to be an example every single day.”
Ingram is no scrub, and he’s undoubtedly the Raptors highest profile player since Leonard. The advantageous factors for Toronto are Ingram’s age, scoring abilities, and offensive threat. He has made just one All-Star appearance in his career but hopes that more selections are on the horizon. Having a franchise share the same outlook has to draw in solid emotions and confidence in Ingram as he starts anew with the Raptors. Is he Kawhi? No. However, he is a legitimate piece to the puzzle the Raptors will build upon to return to being a competitive squad and return to making playoff noise in the near future.
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