Terrence Ross given hero’s welcome during return to Toronto

DWANE CASEY: “It’s very difficult, he’s almost like a son”

Ex-Raptor Terrence Ross was welcomed with open arms in Toronto last night. After being traded to the Orlando Magic nearly a month ago, Ross made his first return back to the city that drafted him nearly 5 years ago. Fans loved it, pundits loved it, but most importantly Terrence Ross relished the moment.

Like standard procedure, Terrence Ross along with the Orlando Magic arrived to the Air Canada Centre a few hours prior to the game. Typically, players find themselves in no-nonsense shootarounds mixed with one-on-one work before the game begins.

This time was a bit different.

Ross along with Bismack Biyombo appeared on the court earlier than their Magic teammates in order to seek out their Raptors buddies.

Ross joyfully greeted tons of Raptors’ staffers and players. Specifically Team Security Manager, John Altilia, assistant coaches Jama Mahlalela and Jamaal Magloire. Ross also dapped up ex-teammates Lucas Nogueira, Norman Powell and DeMar DeRozan.

https://twitter.com/Raptors/status/846487995985334276

From being drafted in partial mystery as a prospect out of University of Washington, to his 2013 Dunk Contest victory, to unforgettable posters on the likes of Kenneth Faried, to his historic 51-point barrage, it was a journey worth re-living. The Air Canada Centre roared in celebration of the growth they witnessed from Terrence Ross throughout his five-year adventure as a Toronto Raptor.

T-Ross received a standing ovation following a video tribute during the game’s first TV timeout. Rightfully so, fans rejoiced in all the memories ‘T Dot Flight’ gave the city.

Video tribute here, for all fans who did not get a chance to see:

Welcome home, @tflight31. #WeTheNorth https://t.co/sqnX7m5wH1
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) March 27, 2017

Ross ended the game with 17 points after starting off blazing-hot with 9 points in the first few minutes of the contest.

You could find the full review of the game written by our editor, Brian Boake here:

In those 17 points scored, Ross left the ACC with a few lasting memories including this spectacular 360 dunk:

Terrence Ross likes these rims part 2. pic.twitter.com/BqDTyAuUdK
— NBA (@NBA) March 28, 2017

Raptors’ head coach Dwane Casey spoke on Ross’ return to Toronto by referring to him as “almost a son”. Likewise, Patrick Patterson sung a similar tune indicating Terrence was “A guy I consider a brother”.

These type of quotes are emblematic in describing the type of person Terrence Ross was to his former franchise.

For Ross himself, he described the trade as “bittersweet”. He loved Toronto and was not afraid to admit it. Terrence specifically mentioned Florida weather as a ‘plus’ compared to the frozen tundra that is Toronto. Not to mention, Orlando offers Ross a chance to further his career (he’s already started 16/16 games there).

An entertaining display by T-Ross capped off a wildly nostalgic night in the ACC. Following the game, fans reminisced about one of the greatest high-flyers ever in franchise history.

In an NBA season where Toronto has suffered their fair share of ups and downs, this was certainly a day to remember in Raptor land.

Mar 27, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

A wise man once said, “Goodbyes are never easy, especially when it’s Terrence Ross”.

I am that wise man.