Terrence Ross may have been traded away from the Toronto Raptors, but the player isn't planning to forget the organization or its hometown anytime soon. The 26-year-old took some time out this week to express his love for the city of Toronto, a place he called home for almost five years. It's a relationship that goes back to 2012, when the Raps selected Ross with the eight pick in the NBA Entry Draft. Shortly thereafter, the high-flying player won over the hearts of fans across the country with, among other things, incredible highlight reel dunks.
With all of this in mind, it makes sense to hear that T-Ross would share some mutual admiration for those of us north of the border. Still, it was an amazing surprise to find out that the dude penned a lengthy and totally heartfelt letter for the Players' Tribune this week. Clocking in at more than 3,500 words, Ross poured out his heart to the entire nation who had his back for multiple seasons. Oh, and the way he starts off his piece is perhaps the most amazing thing you'll hear all week. "F**k Brooklyn," Ross begins, hearkening back to his former GM's famous slight during the 2014 playoffs. Along with the thank you note, Ross also shared some Raptors memories on his Instagram account.
"When I first found out earlier this month that I was getting traded to Orlando, man, I won’t lie to you: It definitely hurt," Ross states in the Tribune piece. "Everything that I was a part of in Toronto, with this team, and these fans, and this journey that we were all on together… it meant so much to me," Soon however, he reflects on the support he and his teammates experienced throughout their many campaigns. “It was just this massive … endless … sea of red and white: waves on waves of Raptors fans, gathered there together, in Jurassic Park. It was more hype than I’d ever seen it. Honestly, it might have been more hype than I’d seen any crowd ever. Must have been thousands deep. And they were all there for us. Well — for us, but for more than just us. They were there for our city."
Terrence also let Raptors fans everywhere know that just because he's gone, it doesn't mean he won't support his old squad. "I wanted to write this letter to you all, to let you know how much my time as a member of your franchise meant to me," he reiterates. "The country, the city, the front office, the team, the fans … everyone was always so good to me, and made me feel like I belonged. Like I was a part of this movement that we were all building together. And though I’m a member of another franchise now, just know: In my heart, in my own way, I will always be a part of that movement."
You can read the entire letter over at the Players' Tribunehere.
