Raptors Q&A with Toronto city councillor Norm Kelly

Our intrepid Contributor Sandro reaches out to high-profile Toronto City Councillor Norm Kelly to get his thoughts on the Raptors.

Norm Kelly must be one of the most recognizable people currently walking the streets of downtown Toronto. He boasts nearly a million followers on Twitter, has shared the stage with the likes of Drake and has been dubbed the “6 Dad” of Toronto. I caught up with Norm to talk Raptors basketball.

Which Raptors player jersey do you own?

Norm: You know what? I own my own, they gave one to me!

How far do you expect the Toronto Raptors to go this season? Any concern on their recent performance?

Norm: Well it’s not how you start, but how you finish and I think they’ll do better than they did last year.  I think they’ll get to the finals and well cross our fingers and hope that they win.

Who is your favourite Toronto Raptors player past or present?

Norm: Well, there are two of them DeRozan and Lowry, they’re not only pretty good players, but I met them socially, I met their wives, those are two lucky guys by the way. They’re not only good players but they’re very approachable and easy going. They’re an excellent representation of the team and the organization.

Do you feel Toronto is becoming a popular destination for free agents?

Norm: It should be! Man do you realize that measured by population, Toronto is the fourth largest city in North America. Mexico City, LA, New York, Toronto, this is a big town and its got a lot going for it. The dining, the cultural activities, the recreational activities, this is a big-time city and you know the training facilities that we built on exhibition place? That was one of my legacy projects since deputy mayor, to make sure that thing got through to city council in time for the All-Star game. We have so much going for us, this should be a magnet for free agents up here.

Sandro: Do you think the cold winters play a role in landing players here?

Norm: Haha, well you know what, it’s not as cold now as it used to be, there’s nothing nicer than sitting in front of a fire with a drink in your hand.

Sandro: I have a feeling that you will be handing out a few of your “6 Dad” touques for any free agents coming in?

Norm: Absolutely haha!

What is your fondest memory as a Raptors fan?

Norm: Couple of years ago, on Drake Night when hotline bling was dominating the airways, I had a chance to try and replicate his dancing style, that was good fun, that got a lot of media exposure and you know it wrapped everything together, the Raptors, Drake, the city, good fun all sports anonymous.

What is the city of Toronto doing to grow the game of basketball?

Norm: Well you know the city of Toronto itself is trying to grow the game at the youth level, I cant give you details on this but I do remember the debate of a few years ago lead by councilor Thompson, and I know that there are a number of initiatives out there to help grow the game, because in growing the game with kids, you grow the fanbase number one and number two you get identify the kids that one day may play for the Raptors or somewhere else in the NBA.

If you could choose any player in the league to bring to the Toronto Raptors, who would it be?

Norm: Well you know Curry is the guy that first popped into my mind, that guy knows how to shoot and it’s becoming a shooters league, you know the problem with bringing superstars to a team is that the teams a pretty good team and we keep forgetting it’s a team sport and you always have to respect the chemistry of the team, its always interesting to debate who you’d like to bring to the Raptors, but whoever you choose its got to be someone that fits into the team and will be a positive influence. I’ll tell you,

I’ve toured the Raptors facility and they have an incredible program that measures the performance of almost every player in the NBA so you know they’ve got a list and they’ve worked hard at it, so when you see signings they just don’t happen, they’re well thought out.

Should Vince Carter have his jersey retired in the ACC?

Norm: I would hope that when he retires and when he gets elected to the hall of fame, hell be wearing a Toronto jersey but let’s wait till these things play out, hes still an active player.

Sandro: Exactly, who knows how many more years hell be playing haha

Norm: Jeez you know what, the way athletes take care of themselves these days, who knows. Look at Brady in football, this guy can probably play till hes 50.

When is your single with Drake dropping?

Norm: Well Sandro, If I told you that, I’d have to kill ya haha

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