Toronto Raptors Welcome Brandon Ingram on Dunkaversary Night

Brandon Ingram may not be making his on-court debut yet, but the Raptors welcomed their newest player on his first night in Toronto.

Happy Dunkaversary to all who celebrate. Not sure what a Dunkaversary is? Neither did I until a few hours ago! Today is the 25th Anniversary of when Vince Carter participated in the NBA Dunk Contest, cementing a legacy that still follows him today.

Unfortunately, Vince was unable to make it to Toronto for the occasion, but the team still celebrated with lots of fun activations.

On top of that, this was the first time the team had been back in Toronto since the Trade Deadline, so they held an introductory press conference for Brandon Ingram as well.

Lastly, the Toronto Raptors also hosted the Cleveland Cavaliers, but that was probably least important of all. Mostly because they lost real bad.

Before the game, Ingram was given the grand tour of his new home, with all the welcome signs. Then, he was brought to his introductory press conference, filled with local media — something that shocked him. As he turned the corner into the room, he startled, taken aback by the full room.

Right before this press conference, the Raptors made the Ingram contract extension official. He signed a three-year $120 million deal with Toronto. The deal seems to be on a sliding scale, meaning his yearly salary will increase year by year. He also has a player option in the final year of the deal.

The one thing that is clear through the Ingram news the past week? He wants to be in Toronto. The quick contract extension with Toronto proves that, along with the team-friendly deal that still allows the Raptors a bit of wiggle room over the summer.

Brandon wanted to be here. We’ve been big fans of his for many years, dating back to his high school and college days. So we feel very fortunate to be able to bring him on board. - Raptors GM Bobby Webster

Though he is sidelined with an ankle sprain and may not even play a single game in Toronto this season, the Raptors are thinking of the long-term plan. Ingram is already being integrated into the team culture, apparent by the multiple players and members of the coaching staff who snuck into his press conference to show support.

Ingram was also welcomed in the arena during the game, with the crowd roaring in support of their newest Raptor.

Well, the first thing that I heard is they want to make me a all-star again. I’m going to be a big part of what they do going forward and I want to come here and learn. I want to come here and be a sponge. Shift the culture. Make it a winning culture again. — Brandon Ingram

The former New Orleans Pelican reflected on how the media in NOLA was not always reaching the national or global scale, and he did not always get the recognition he deserved. With Bobby Webster saying Ingram is “heading into his prime,” the organization is confident in Ingram’s capabilities.

Again, patience is key here for fans as Ingram rehabs his ankle. Coach Rajakovic is in no rush to get Ingram on the court, saying the team will re-evaluate him every two weeks and make sure he is 100% before he gets back onto the court.

For now the Raptors will have to make due with the players they have. This season seems to be heading in a clear direction already, with the Raptors’ 17-38 record. The hope is to get a top draft pick this summer and re-evaluate next season.

Tonight’s game against the Cavaliers was... interesting? With the Cavs absolutely demolishing the Raptors from distance and having a 30+ point lead for most of it.

What has remained strong through the losing season though, has been this team’s connection. Shockingly, they have an undeniable amount of chemistry and camaraderie among the team and coaches despite their record. You can see it through everything they do. Whether it’s celebrating each other on the court, getting goofy behind the scenes, or even the conga line the bench players do before every game — this team is connected.

It’s a little gem of hope within a rebuilding season. The fact that even if there are not wins or playoff runs or whatever, that the team is building a bond that will make them want to work hard to turn the team around.

We have a very unique group. I’ve been in the NBA now for 12, 13 years. This is the most connected group that I’ve been part of. They really cheer for each other. They love each other. They support each other. They really want each other to succeed. — Darko Rajakovic

For now though, we will have to take a 23-point loss to the Cavaliers, as the Raptors lost 131-108 to Cleveland tonight. The Raptors are now on their extended All-Star Break and will not play for eight days.