Former Toronto Raptors forward Thaddeus Young recently opened up about his struggles living in Toronto during his time with the team, revealing that while the city was great for short visits, the reality of playing and living there was much more difficult.
Speaking on the Out The Mud podcast, Young candidly shared his experiences and frustrations, particularly when it came to travel logistics, customs, and adjusting to life in Canada.
“I ain’t going to lie, being in Toronto is kind of tough. It’s cool to visit, be there for like four or five days—that’s cool. But to live there? Yeah, it’s tough. It was tough on my family.”
“Kid was ready to come home, man. It almost felt like you were at a disadvantage. We had to go through the airport every single time. You gotta go through customs. And then customs?”
“You’re telling me I just paid for the package, and now I gotta pay you more money just to get my package from you? Like, come on, man. Customs? Then getting stuck at the border? Come on, man.”
“I got stuck at the border for three, four hours. I was over it. Two years—that was tough. I ain’t gonna lie. And I had re-signed there, went back there. That was tough.”
“My kids were hurting. My wife was like, ‘Look, if you go back there, you might be going back by yourself. We’re staying at the crib.’ She told me the same thing about Minnesota too, though.”
Young, who played for the Raptors from 2022 to 2024, described the challenges that came with being in Toronto as an NBA player. Unlike playing for a team based in the United States, Raptors players must frequently cross international borders, deal with customs regulations, and face longer-than-usual airport security checks.
Beyond the logistical challenges, Young also admitted that the move to Toronto was difficult for his family. His son, who appeared on the podcast, was clearly ready to return to the United States, and Young’s wife also disliked the experience so much that she warned him she wouldn’t go back.
Young joined the Raptors in 2022 and re-signed with the team on a two-year, $16 million extension. In his 103 games with Toronto, he averaged 5.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, shooting 53.4% from the field and 28.9% from three-point range.
While he was a respected veteran presence on the team, his comments suggest that his off-the-court experiences played a significant role in his time there.
Young’s comments aren’t entirely surprising. Over the years, several NBA players have expressed concerns about playing in Toronto, with taxes, travel issues, and lifestyle differences being common complaints. However, other players have embraced the city, praising its passionate fanbase and vibrant culture.
Despite his frustrations, Young remained professional during his tenure, but it’s clear that Toronto was not the ideal situation for him or his family. His experience highlights the unique challenges that come with playing for the NBA’s only Canadian team, something the Raptors must constantly navigate when attracting and retaining talent.
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