The NBA descends on Toronto this weekend to celebrate all that’s grown from a seed planted more than 20 years ago, one that changed what was possible for a new generation of Canadians looking to build greatness from the sacrifices of their parents.
You’ll see Drake, Toronto’s most famous son and Raptors ambassador, at the front of all that is cool about basketball in The 6, and old montages of Vince Carter flying through the air. It’ll be a continuation of the party started by the raucous swells outside Air Canada Centre during last year’s playoffs.
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But beyond the temporary bashes and congratulations on a successful franchise lies a movement that was stunted until the Raptors and Carter gave it the fuel to thrive.