Early Morning crying session. Everyone, get in here.
“Basketball can take me all over the world. But like I said: This is home.”
Legend.
UnsolvedParadox
I will always appreciate the spicy one.
IanicRR
I don’t know that I can read this right now at work. Always love for Pascal. Hope he gets a ring.
Winter_Purpose8695
Goddamn Pascal got me tearing up. Love you P and hope we retire you’re jersey here someday
WorldTwisting
Really sucks it ended the way it did. Top 5 Raptor
Altaccount_man
😭😭 I’m not crying, really touching final message TORONTO FOREVER
jdterraforce
An amazing article and tribute . Siakam spoke from the heart
Cheechers23
WHO’S CHOPPING ONIONS ON A FRIDAY MORNING
lillithfair98
goddammit P.
I hope the ovation lasts a full 5 minutes when he’s back next month man – if you’re going in person, let him know.
sirachasamurai
What a great guy. We were lucky to have him. Expect a massive reception for his first game back.
leofet
Fucking hell I’m at work and did not expect this. “I’m Toronto forever.” Legendary.
nmad95
Nah, this got me actually crying
Gonna miss Pascal Siakam a lot man. Going to my first game EVER this coming April, and while I knew what direction we were likely going in…I can’t lie, part of me was hoping he’d still be a Raptor by then.
Beautiful write up by P. Hope only the best for him in Indy. Hope he gets another chip – and I don’t doubt he will.
Also, retire this mans jersey.
TraanPol
We better light up Scotiabank with #43 when the Pacers visit next goddamnit
cantyouseeimblind
Lmao big Jak taught Spicy P how to shotgun a beer
sighjongs
fuck man. i hope masai will send over plantains for him regularly
1columbia
I imagine when his career is over he’ll come back here and settle with his family hopefully. Hell, maybe he’ll even sign here again one day to close out his career, would be nice. Thanks for everything Pascal, we’ll miss you
TofieLilou
Geez… someone please pass me a tissue! This was not on my bingo card when I woke to start work at 7AM this morning.
DotCompetitive3326
That was beautiful. Man going to see lots of 43 Jersey everywhere now.
JustIncredible240
Just realized Houston is in town Feb. 9 and Indy is in town Feb. 14. Gonna be an emotional week.
kyoshirocks
im going to miss him 🙁 saw him in pacers gear and it just felt so wrong. i watched his first ever game in a raptors jersey and watched his last without even knowing.
Ballislyfe91
Spicy, you got a grown man crying at 9am. RETIRE his jersey and everyone that is going to the game on the 14th, WEAR A SIAKAM JERSEY
Musicferret
The ovation this man deserves when he returns to Toronto should be long and strong. What an absolutely great man.
ironfunk67
I have never been so upset by a trade. The only one that even comes close would be Sundin…. I will cherish my #43 jersey for life. Maybe Spicy can rejoin the Raptors to retire. Either way, thanks for the great memories, and thanks for representing our city and team in such a classy way.
TrustyAndTrue
Love that you can tell he wrote this. Got me in my feelings man. Coming to terms with it but still a bit sad. Sending blessings his way. We were better for him, Toronto was better for him, and Africa will continue to be better, because of him.
Sweaty_Crow_5050
I’m not ready to say goodbye
Hussizle
Very heartfelt and touching piece by Pascal. I’ve been a fan of this team since their inception and been through all the ups and many downs and follow the Leafs, TFC and Blue Jays pretty closely as well. I want to reiterate and I hope Pascal in some way knows… he is the greatest story not just in Raptors history, but in all of Toronto sports history.
The way he just stumbled into that basketball camp as a teen that was on nobody’s radar to becoming a good but raw college prospect to making a mark as a solid bench player to a starter, to MIP, all star, all nba level player that was the 2nd best player on a championship team… you can’t write this shit any better, tell me that’s not some fairytale shit.
I will forever appreciate Pascal the Raptors legend, but also Pascal the human story of hard work and perseverance and a testament to “anything is possible.” I will root for this man for the rest of his career and I hope current and future Raps fans never forget the absolute legend this man was to this franchise, this city, and this country.
kyoshirocks
that story at the end 🥹🥹🥹 the love you give and the hate you give to these players can seem unimportant but its real and the kind of energy you put out into the world matters. i am so unbelievably proud of the love pascal got here in toronto. i hope we can keep that love & passion for everyone who walks through our doors.
JPhilp97
I really hope he comes back as a vet and his 43 is swinging in the rafters when all is said and done, people forget how hard it’s been for us to attract Free Agents, and this man never wanted to leave. One of the Raps best players, and an even better person
scoottzee
I should have waited for the sun to come up before reading this so I could at least throw some shades on to cover up the tears.
neobowman
Spicy P 😭
Moostronus
This was a punch in the gut to read. I’ll always love Pascal no matter where he plays, he’s done so much for the team, the city, the country. I feel like he and Kyle have symbolized the underdog mentality that the #WeTheNorth era thrived off of, and it truly is hitting right now that this is the end of the most thrilling, invigorating era of Raptors basketball.
Thanks for everything, Spicy. I hope they treat you right in Indiana.
RoosterVking
Man why do his and Norm’s articles always end off in such a bittersweet note that makes me emotional. These 2 guys fucking loved us and wanted to be Raptors for life.
RaptorBuckets
Sitting here working from home in a meeting I barely care about. Reading this and tearing up as a fully grown ass man.
earlyearlgray
The tears are STREAMING – now I understand why Masai cried so much for Pascal. He will always be a Toronto Raptors LEGEND. We wouldn’t have a chip if it wasn’t for you Spicy 🌶❤️
SongFit9585
Damn, crying uncontrollably. I wish you nothing but success P, you deserve it all!
alexdoggg
I have a new favourite non-Raptor. Pascal is a Raptors legend and nothing will change that.
leslieohene
Damn. He doesn’t talk about the championship. Rather the journey and the city. Pascal is a gem and he deserves our respect forever.
drewtheblueduck
what’s you’re favourite part? Mine is:
​
***I think it was our second year, Jak and I went to Cancún during All Star??? He taught me how to shotgun a beer. I didn’t even know it’s a thing!!! It doesn’t make much sense. (I wasn’t good.)***
cutedogowner
Damn that last line really got me. I’ll always be a fan of this guy. I don’t know how anyone could ever put him down or call him selfish. He was a raptor through and through.
I know we had Vince but I view Siakam as the first player that we truly developed and turned into a star. He really made me believe in our development program and the possibility of having even more players like him.
I think I failed to realize that even with a great development program, you still need to be someone like Pascal to succeed and continue succeeding and wanting more. You can’t replicate that.
I doubt Pascal or even OG for that matter ever win a championship with their respective teams but they’ll forever be on my GROAT list along with DD and Kyle. Especially Siakam.
I will gladly wear his jersey until I’m too old to wear them (which is never!).
supernaturalfor
Him saying he sees himself in Toronto in five years even though everything was happening says alot….this hit pretty hard. I know him and OG had to be traded but it’s tough to let go of players when there was a time when players wouldn’t even want to come to the team let alone want to spend their entire career with us
Roday77
“But now I’m realizing the sad part…. that it’s about to be my journey in reverse: probably a few less RAPTORS 43’s in the crowd at the next home game, then a few less at the game after that, then a few less, a few less, a few less. And that’s OK.”
This is sad. At least he can say that players come and go, but banners live forever. The same Siakam will always hang in the rafters, jersey number should follow.
Barnicus57
It’s pathetic that there were people trying to discredit Pascal and his character by saying he intentionally tanked his trade value to screw the team over. He’s one of the most solid players to even put on a Raptors uniform, and this letter plus Masai breaking down yesterday are proof of that. Shame on all of those jerks.
Sometimes his play on the court would be frustrating in the moment, but I never once questioned his love for the game and the city. He deserves a heroes welcome next month.
TipDecent
Pascal’s jersey should be up in the Scotiabank Arena rafters. He is Toronto forever.
Edit: Thanks for everything P! We will never forget what you did for this city!
ResolveLost2101
“ And I’ll always be a part of this community. That’s what I meant about putting roots down — it isn’t just, you know, “oh I have a house in Toronto.” It’s where I live. It’s where so many of the things I care about are, and where my brothers and sisters are, and where my PS43 Foundation is and will continue to be. Man…. I’m so excited to continue that work. This isn’t “thanks for the memories,” then I go someplace else. Basketball can take me all over the world. But like I said: This is home. “
Damn
earlyearlgray
I wish we could find those racist trolls and take a collective dump on their faces
46 Comments
Fuck why am I tearing up at 9 am
Early Morning crying session. Everyone, get in here.
“Basketball can take me all over the world. But like I said: This is home.”
Legend.
I will always appreciate the spicy one.
I don’t know that I can read this right now at work. Always love for Pascal. Hope he gets a ring.
Goddamn Pascal got me tearing up. Love you P and hope we retire you’re jersey here someday
Really sucks it ended the way it did. Top 5 Raptor
😭😭 I’m not crying, really touching final message TORONTO FOREVER
An amazing article and tribute . Siakam spoke from the heart
WHO’S CHOPPING ONIONS ON A FRIDAY MORNING
goddammit P.
I hope the ovation lasts a full 5 minutes when he’s back next month man – if you’re going in person, let him know.
What a great guy. We were lucky to have him. Expect a massive reception for his first game back.
Fucking hell I’m at work and did not expect this. “I’m Toronto forever.” Legendary.
Nah, this got me actually crying
Gonna miss Pascal Siakam a lot man. Going to my first game EVER this coming April, and while I knew what direction we were likely going in…I can’t lie, part of me was hoping he’d still be a Raptor by then.
Beautiful write up by P. Hope only the best for him in Indy. Hope he gets another chip – and I don’t doubt he will.
Also, retire this mans jersey.
We better light up Scotiabank with #43 when the Pacers visit next goddamnit
Lmao big Jak taught Spicy P how to shotgun a beer
fuck man. i hope masai will send over plantains for him regularly
I imagine when his career is over he’ll come back here and settle with his family hopefully. Hell, maybe he’ll even sign here again one day to close out his career, would be nice. Thanks for everything Pascal, we’ll miss you
Geez… someone please pass me a tissue! This was not on my bingo card when I woke to start work at 7AM this morning.
That was beautiful. Man going to see lots of 43 Jersey everywhere now.
Just realized Houston is in town Feb. 9 and Indy is in town Feb. 14. Gonna be an emotional week.
im going to miss him 🙁 saw him in pacers gear and it just felt so wrong. i watched his first ever game in a raptors jersey and watched his last without even knowing.
Spicy, you got a grown man crying at 9am. RETIRE his jersey and everyone that is going to the game on the 14th, WEAR A SIAKAM JERSEY
The ovation this man deserves when he returns to Toronto should be long and strong. What an absolutely great man.
I have never been so upset by a trade. The only one that even comes close would be Sundin….
I will cherish my #43 jersey for life. Maybe Spicy can rejoin the Raptors to retire. Either way, thanks for the great memories, and thanks for representing our city and team in such a classy way.
Love that you can tell he wrote this. Got me in my feelings man. Coming to terms with it but still a bit sad. Sending blessings his way. We were better for him, Toronto was better for him, and Africa will continue to be better, because of him.
I’m not ready to say goodbye
Very heartfelt and touching piece by Pascal. I’ve been a fan of this team since their inception and been through all the ups and many downs and follow the Leafs, TFC and Blue Jays pretty closely as well. I want to reiterate and I hope Pascal in some way knows… he is the greatest story not just in Raptors history, but in all of Toronto sports history.
The way he just stumbled into that basketball camp as a teen that was on nobody’s radar to becoming a good but raw college prospect to making a mark as a solid bench player to a starter, to MIP, all star, all nba level player that was the 2nd best player on a championship team… you can’t write this shit any better, tell me that’s not some fairytale shit.
I will forever appreciate Pascal the Raptors legend, but also Pascal the human story of hard work and perseverance and a testament to “anything is possible.” I will root for this man for the rest of his career and I hope current and future Raps fans never forget the absolute legend this man was to this franchise, this city, and this country.
that story at the end 🥹🥹🥹 the love you give and the hate you give to these players can seem unimportant but its real and the kind of energy you put out into the world matters. i am so unbelievably proud of the love pascal got here in toronto. i hope we can keep that love & passion for everyone who walks through our doors.
I really hope he comes back as a vet and his 43 is swinging in the rafters when all is said and done, people forget how hard it’s been for us to attract Free Agents, and this man never wanted to leave. One of the Raps best players, and an even better person
I should have waited for the sun to come up before reading this so I could at least throw some shades on to cover up the tears.
Spicy P 😭
This was a punch in the gut to read. I’ll always love Pascal no matter where he plays, he’s done so much for the team, the city, the country. I feel like he and Kyle have symbolized the underdog mentality that the #WeTheNorth era thrived off of, and it truly is hitting right now that this is the end of the most thrilling, invigorating era of Raptors basketball.
Thanks for everything, Spicy. I hope they treat you right in Indiana.
Man why do his and Norm’s articles always end off in such a bittersweet note that makes me emotional. These 2 guys fucking loved us and wanted to be Raptors for life.
Sitting here working from home in a meeting I barely care about. Reading this and tearing up as a fully grown ass man.
The tears are STREAMING – now I understand why Masai cried so much for Pascal. He will always be a Toronto Raptors LEGEND. We wouldn’t have a chip if it wasn’t for you Spicy 🌶❤️
Damn, crying uncontrollably. I wish you nothing but success P, you deserve it all!
I have a new favourite non-Raptor. Pascal is a Raptors legend and nothing will change that.
Damn. He doesn’t talk about the championship. Rather the journey and the city. Pascal is a gem and he deserves our respect forever.
what’s you’re favourite part?
Mine is:
​
***I think it was our second year, Jak and I went to Cancún during All Star??? He taught me how to shotgun a beer. I didn’t even know it’s a thing!!! It doesn’t make much sense. (I wasn’t good.)***
Damn that last line really got me. I’ll always be a fan of this guy. I don’t know how anyone could ever put him down or call him selfish. He was a raptor through and through.
I know we had Vince but I view Siakam as the first player that we truly developed and turned into a star. He really made me believe in our development program and the possibility of having even more players like him.
I think I failed to realize that even with a great development program, you still need to be someone like Pascal to succeed and continue succeeding and wanting more. You can’t replicate that.
I doubt Pascal or even OG for that matter ever win a championship with their respective teams but they’ll forever be on my GROAT list along with DD and Kyle. Especially Siakam.
I will gladly wear his jersey until I’m too old to wear them (which is never!).
Him saying he sees himself in Toronto in five years even though everything was happening says alot….this hit pretty hard. I know him and OG had to be traded but it’s tough to let go of players when there was a time when players wouldn’t even want to come to the team let alone want to spend their entire career with us
“But now I’m realizing the sad part…. that it’s about to be my journey in reverse: probably a few less RAPTORS 43’s in the crowd at the next home game, then a few less at the game after that, then a few less, a few less, a few less. And that’s OK.”
This is sad. At least he can say that players come and go, but banners live forever. The same Siakam will always hang in the rafters, jersey number should follow.
It’s pathetic that there were people trying to discredit Pascal and his character by saying he intentionally tanked his trade value to screw the team over. He’s one of the most solid players to even put on a Raptors uniform, and this letter plus Masai breaking down yesterday are proof of that. Shame on all of those jerks.
Sometimes his play on the court would be frustrating in the moment, but I never once questioned his love for the game and the city. He deserves a heroes welcome next month.
Pascal’s jersey should be up in the Scotiabank Arena rafters. He is Toronto forever.
Edit: Thanks for everything P! We will never forget what you did for this city!
“ And I’ll always be a part of this community. That’s what I meant about putting roots down — it isn’t just, you know, “oh I have a house in Toronto.” It’s where I live. It’s where so many of the things I care about are, and where my brothers and sisters are, and where my PS43 Foundation is and will continue to be. Man…. I’m so excited to continue that work. This isn’t “thanks for the memories,” then I go someplace else. Basketball can take me all over the world. But like I said: This is home. “
Damn
I wish we could find those racist trolls and take a collective dump on their faces