Sunday 4 May 2014

Letter for the Raptors

Letter for the Raptors

I wanted to write a letter to the Raptors players and personnel to express my gratitude for the pride that they have left me and the rest of Raptors Nation with. I also want to give them positive thoughts as I'm sure they're all as upset as Raptors Nation is right now. 140 characters isn't enough for me to work with.

I want you all to know that you have absolutely nothing to be disappointed about. You've brought more than just a city together, as Raptors Nation spreads all across the globe. You've brought optimism for the future as you showed us all what you're capable of. This team and it's players have a very bright future. Every last one of you brought your A game in the playoffs and that was all we could ask for.

In the very last game of the NBA season, the Nets and Cavs game, everyone wanted the Nets to win. This way we would face Washington in the first round. I knew that it didn't matter who won that game, because we have what it takes to beat either of those teams. When we had Brooklyn as our first round choice, many people counted you out of making noise. This is because the Nets have a ton of playoff "experience". We proved that their experience meant nothing however as we came very close to winning this series. The fact that you were able to get there is incredible, you showed tons of heart and character and we are all very proud of you. You were the better team out there and the Nets know that, I just hope you know that as well. As far as Raptors Nation is concerned, you beat the Brooklyn Nets, you just couldn't beat the referees. I know you're all disappointed and have this unnerving feeling. I want you to remember this feeling. Remember it and build off of it. You never want to feel this way again, you now know that ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN. You should even put those words up in your locker room. Also, anything can happen doesn't have to be a bad thing, it just means that a game can be won or lost at any given time before the final horn.

Buycks, you didn't play in the playoffs, but in the limited amount of time you played in the regular season, you helped contribute to the team's success. I only see you getting better from here.

De Colo, you played a very short time in the playoffs, but when you did, you got an important rebound. In the regular season, with a more regular role, you chipped in perfectly. Like Buycks, with more opportunity, I can only see you flourishing.

DeRozan, all I can say about you is that you're an absolute beast. There's a clear reason why you were named an all-star this year. You led the team in points per game in the playoffs, including some huge game changing shots. You keep bringing your A game and the sky is the limit for you. You're a future hall of gamer and you should be a large part of the Raptors future going forward. Keep up the great work!

Lowry, you were an absolute monster in the playoffs. You were the definition of the word clutch. You knocked down so many threes during the playoffs. So much so that I had to create a new nickname for you. I now refer to you as Kyle LowThree. The fact that you were passed over for the all star game is an absolute shame. Everyone knows that you should've been named to that team and you proved it in the regular season and especially in the playoffs. If you keep bringing it every night, there is no reason that you won't be inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame at some point in your career. The sky is the limit for you. You will be a large part of the Toronto Raptors future. Keep up the great work!

Fields, during the playoffs, you were a defensive monster. When you were on the court, you gave us a valid chance to win every time. It's one thing to make baskets, but it's even bigger to stop the opposition from making baskets. Keep up the great work on the defensive end. With more opportunity, I fully expect you to make the most of it.

Hansbrough, you were given a limited amount of playing time in the playoffs. You however made the most of it. You drew some big fouls and knocked down some huge free throws. With more opportunity, I'm sure you will relish in the scenarios.

Hayes, I got to see one of your best games in the playoffs live. I was in the building for game 5 and I was honestly impressed with what I saw. Your rebounding is impeccable, and the free throws you nailed were humongous. Keep up the great work!

Johnson, you were a monster during the playoff run. Game 7 you set personal bests and would've done much more had you not fouled out (and you don't have to acknowledge that you agree, but Raptors Nation knows it was bullshit). You did a great job and you know your position and your responsibilities well. You can knock down the huge baskets and make the big defensive plays to set the pace of the game. Keep up the great work! Raptors Nation is lucky to have you.

Novak, you were given a limited role during the playoffs. When you were called upon however you did an admirable job. You never looked out of place and were never a liability on the court. Keep up the solid play and you will do great things in your career.

Patterson, you were humongous during the playoffs. After missing the free throws, you stepped your game up completely. I noticed you didn't miss any more free throws after that. You also knocked down some humongous difficult shots. Keep doing what you do, and I'm sure we'll see your game elevate even further.

Ross, you were absolutely humongous in the playoffs. I don't think people realize that you're only 23 years old. That's because you play like you've been in the league for a very long time. You knocked down some humongous shots and you weren't afraid to get right into the paint to make the big drives. Keep up the great work and I can only see your game getting better with experience.

Salmons, you provided the veteran leadership that the Raptors don't have too much of. When you came on to the court, Raptors Nation was guaranteed that something big was going to happen.

Stone, you didn't play in the playoffs, but in the limited amount of time you played in the regular season, you helped contribute to the team's success. I only see you getting better from here.

Valenciunas, you were an absolute monster in the playoffs. You were more often than not posting double doubles. The fact that you are only 21 yet playing amongst some of the best is absolutely incredible. You never look out of place and you have a nose for the paint. You aren't afraid to get in tight and make some humongous baskets. You use your size to your advantage and show your value in the offensive and defensive ends of the game. Given that you're still very young, and very good at what you do, I can only see you getting much better from here. You will be a large part of the Toronto Raptors future and will be a large contribution to their success.

Vasquez, you were an absolute work horse. Every time you came onto the court, you gave it your all and it really showed out there. It was also guaranteed to be an exciting time wherever you were on the court. When you came off the bench to fill in for Lowry, you never missed a beat. Your positive attitude was inspiring to see on the court. I only see you getting better from here and elevating your game. Keep smiling because Raptors Nation loves it.

All of you, it has been one heck of a ride that we have all enjoyed being a part of. You have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. You have made us all proud. Keep your heads up! Remember, you won the Atlantic division which isn't an easy task so be proud of yourselves. You are a part of our lives and we feel what you feel. When you win, we're happy. When you lose, we're as devastated as you. I for one look forward to the next season and plan to be along every step of the way inviting you into my living room every game day like the family that I see you as. Raptors Nation loves you guys. Thanks for the memories!

Lets Go Raptors!

Sincerely,

Abdalla Freihat (@AbTheLeafFan) proud member of Raptors Nation.

P.S. I may be Ab The Leaf Fan, but I'm also a Raptors fan.

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