Talking Toronto & Raptors with new Pacer Cory Joseph

The Raptors had to all but donate Cory Joseph to another team in order to make their finances work. CoJo is now a Pacer. Raejhon Johnson spoke to him recently.

It’s a dream come true for any NBA player to get the opportunity to play for their hometown team. Just as quickly as the opportunity comes, it could also slip away. The NBA is still a business. For Cory Joseph, an impressive season came to no avail when the Toronto Raptors traded him. While this would dishearten most, Joseph is grateful for his time in Toronto and is ready for a new chapter as a member of the Indiana Pacers.

On July 14th, the Raptors traded Joseph for the draft rights to forward Emir Preldzic. This was a tough decision made by Toronto to fill the hole at Small Forward with C.J. Miles after parting with DeMarre Carroll. Spark Sport’s Raejhon Johnson and contributor to Raptors Rapture managed to catch up with Cory Joseph at the Indiana Pacers media day.

Keeping Pace with Cory Joseph

RJ: You had a great season for the Raptors last year but still got traded, what was your reaction to the trade?

"CJ: I was shocked at first, but at the end of the day it’s a business. I wasn’t mad or anything, it just kinda surprised me but I was grateful I got to play for (Toronto)."

RJ: Did you talk to DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry following the trade?

"CJ: Yeah I did, they were just real supportive and wished me the best. I’m grateful to have the chance to play with those guys. I learned a lot from everybody on the team, and I feel like I (developed) a lot."

TORONTO, CANADA – December 6: Cory Joseph /

RJ: What was it like playing for Toronto, your hometown team?

"CJ: It was amazing man, I grew up there so having the chance to play for my city was cool. I grew up watching guys like Vince Carter play for the Raptors and to be able to go out there every night and put on (A Toronto Raptors) jersey was special. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid."

RJ: What do you think you’ll miss the most about Toronto?

"CJ: Well, Toronto for me will always be home. I’ll just miss the people apart of the (Raptors) organization, obviously my old teammates and of course the fans. When I got traded I got a lot of letters and texts, it was all love, I appreciate the fans the most."

TORONTO, ON- APRIL 26: Fans cheer after Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph makes a three as the Toronto Raptors beat Indiana Pacers in game five 102-99 in their first round NBA playoff series at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. April 26, 2016. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

Indianapolis isn’t The 6ix

RJ: What’s been the biggest change going from Toronto to Indiana?

"CJ: For me it’s all the same, just another city. It’s a lot more quiet than Toronto for sure, Toronto’s really busy. But I’ve been to San Antonio and it felt just the same to me too, nothings really different. Just a new start for me."

RJ: What are you most excited about playing for the Indiana Pacers now?

"CJ: I’m excited for a bigger role in Indiana. Toronto is always going to be home, but I’m ready to take on this role and start a new chapter. If that means I start or I backup [Darren Collison] it doesn’t matter. I’m just happy to be here."

RJ: Any parting words for your fans in Toronto?

"CJ: I appreciate everyone who supported me while I was there. I’ll never forget everything I learned there and how kind everyone was to me, but I’m ready for this next chapter. I’m ready for my role in Indiana, I’m not looking back and I don’t have any regrets. To represent the city on my jersey every night was a blessing, but I know it’s a business… There’s gonna be some emotion going back, (to face Toronto.) but it’s not the first time I’ve been on another team (San Antonio Spurs) in Toronto. I’m ready for it."

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 21: Patrick Patterson /

Toronto will always be home for Cory, and he appreciates the Raptors fans the most. It’s time to move on from Joseph and see if Delon Wright can fill his shoes. Pacers take on the Raptors in Toronto on December 1st and Raptors fans should keep an eye out for Joseph.

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