Why I'm Rooting for the Raptors (And Why You Should Do The Same)

First of all, I would like to announce that the Toronto Raptors will be NBA Champions at the end of this 2018-2019 season. I know I made a huge mistake when I tried to make predictions earlier this year, but this time it’s the right one! The Raptors will be crowned NBA Champions in June 2019. There is no doubt about that. Now that that’s said, let me explain why I love the Canada’s team:

Because the president is African

Africans are always denigrated in the media, so when there is one who does positive things, it deserves to be highlighted. Masai Ujiri, president of the Toronto Raptors, is an example for all young people who think their chances of success are limited because they don’t live in the right country. Masai was born and raised in Nigeria. How did he find himself at the head of one of the best teams in the league? His Wikipedia page gives you the answer.

Although Masai has managed to make his mark in North America, he hasn’t forgotten his roots. The Raptors’ prez is deeply involved in the development of basketball on the African continent. He heads the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program, and his Giants of Africa foundation organizes numerous training camps throughout the continent.

Because the team is diverse

The team is made up of three players from Africa: Pascal Siakam (Cameroon), Serge Ibaka (Congo), OG Anunoby (Nigeria). I carry Africa in my heart, so as soon as I see an African brother on the floor, I pray that he excels because I am aware that his individual success can have enormous repercussions for his family, his country and his continent.

Because the team is well managed

Toronto is not a very popular destination for free agents. However, despite this handicap, Masai Ujiri has managed to build a competitive team. He put his trust in young players and never gave in to popular pressure. His decisions are never impulsive: they are always well thought out, and the results prove him right. Today, Raptors games are sold out and there is a real excitement around the Toronto team. This was not always the case.

The slanderers will contend that Masai Ujiri was wrong to fire coach Dwane Casey and trade Demar DeRozan for Kawhi Leonard. As difficult decisions as they were to make, we say in French, “You can’t make an omelet without breaking an egg.” Any person of sound mind would agree that some changes were necessary because the team was stagnating.

Because they’re always on TV

One of the advantages of living in North America is that you can see the NBA games at a decent time. When I arrived in Canada in the early 2000s, I was thrilled when I realized that I could watch a live basketball game at 7 PM. For me, it was unbelievable.

When I moved to Canada, I was force-fed Raptors’ games because they were always broadcast on local channels. Over time I took to the Toronto ball club. At first, it was painful because they were pathetic, but today, the Raptors are a source of pride.

My purpose is not to convince you to like the Raptors, but to let you know that they will be champs at the end of the season. So I recommend that you bet on the Toronto Raptors this year — and jump on the bandwagon. Kawhi and his buddies will bring the Larry O’Brien trophy to Canada this coming June.

Editor’s Note:
The original opinion piece can be found on ‘Un lion parmi les hommes‘

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Hopiho

As a kid, I wanted to become a superhero. That didn't work out. I settled to become a doctor. That didn't work out. I settled to become a football star. That didn't work out. So now you have to settle for a dope blogger and rapper.