Raptors vets speak about the first day of training camp

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13: Kyle Lowry of the Toronto Raptors speaks to the media after practice as part of the 2016 Global Games London on January 13, 2016 at The O2 Arena in London, England. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Gregory Shamus/NBAE via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13: Kyle Lowry of the Toronto Raptors speaks to the media after practice as part of the 2016 Global Games London on January 13, 2016 at The O2 Arena in London, England. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Gregory Shamus/NBAE via Getty Images)

Day one of Raptors training camp is in the books in Victoria, BC. Only a few players were made available to the media following practice which included Kyle Lowry and newly acquired CJ Miles. Here is what they had to say after day one of training camp.

Raptors head coach Dwane Casey spoke about how his best player Kyle Lowry set the tempo for the team right from the start on day one of Raptors training camp from the University of Victoria.

The Raptors All-Star point guard was diving for loose balls on the floor and had an intensity about him even in his post-practice media scrum.

Here are some comments from Lowry following the first day of training camp.

Lowry spoke about how he’s happy that the two practices per day for seven days in a row is no longer allowed and how Casey seems to have adjusted his coaching style for the current version of the Raptors.

He said:

"I think coach has an understanding for the players a lot more. I think he’s not as hard on us."

You wonder if that lack of intensity may effect the Raptors and if it could sway the team’s play in either a positive or negative manner come October 19.

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Lowry also spoke the expanded role this season in the line up for Norman Powell.

Lowry said:

"I think Norm is ready. His mind is ready and I think he is physically ready. He just has to get more comfortable with being an aggressive guy and making plays for everyone else."

The Raptors team leader also spoke about the importance of holding training camp in BC and how important it is for the younger players to understand that the Raptors are not only Toronto’s team; but also Canada’s team.

He said:

"We really represent the country of Canada and we understand that we have a lot of places to touch and people to touch."

Here is Lowry’s complete interview following practice.

Toronto’s recently acquired CJ Miles also spoke with the media following his first practice as a Raptor and he spoke about how beautiful and calming it was being in British Columbia.

Miles also spoke the possibility of starting or coming off the bench for the Raptors.

He said:

"I think either way I’ve been able to adjust to it. I’ve been a bullpen guy and I’ve been a starter. I’ve been in every position. Whatever my team asks me to do I just mentally grasp everything and play my hardest."

Here is Miles’ complete interview from his first day as a Raptor.

Next: A conversation with Chris Bosh.