By Libaan Osman
The Toronto Raptors held an open practice on Sunday at the Mattamy Athletic Centre to support the Ryerson Rams Care program.
The event invited fans to come and watch the NBA team practice and scrimmage for a voluntary donation of $20 per ticket, with all proceeds going directly to Ryerson for their #IAMRyerson campaign to send kids to camp.
“Nice little crowd, obviously raising some money for a good cause,” Raptors head coach Nick Nurse said. “That just adds to the benefit of coming out and playing in front of people and we’re kind of putting a lot good things together all at once.”
Fans in Toronto got a chance to see newly acquired star forward Kawhi Leonard scrimmage before the regular season kicks off Oct. 17.
Raptors guard Fred VanVleet shakes hands with his coaches during the introductions. Photo: Andrea Josic
The Raptors received Leonard and guard Danny Green in a trade that sent DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl and a top-20-protected 2019 draft pick to the San Antonio Spurs. During an interview, Nurse praised Leonard post-practice on the work ethic and leadership that he’s provided for this team.
“I didn’t know a lot of those things, just saw him on the court and watched him play,” Nurse said. “But he’s a really really good teammate as well, which is exciting for all of us.”
The team ran five games worth of ten minute quarters that featured center Jonas Valanciunas receiving a technical from the officials and Delon Wright showing off his incredible leaping ability.
What up, @delonwright 😂. #OpenPractice
🎥: @npowell2404 https://t.co/0nz8tL2sbO
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) October 7, 2018
Norman Powell sat out of the scrimmage due to a right thigh contusion he sustained on Friday against Melbourne United. However, he still spoke about what it was like to have fans come and watch the team practice.
“To be able to sign some autographs, take some pictures, and be up close and personal, is our way of giving back,” Powell said. “A lot of the times they see us at a distance, but to have events like this is really good for us to interact with the fans. I know the guys really like it and they look forward to it.”
In the next couple days, the Raptors will travelling to Quebec and New Orleans to conclude their pre-season action.
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