Raptors President Masai Ujiri has put his team in the front and center of the Kevin Durant sweepstakes. After a 5th place finish last season, the Raptors could become contenders if they are able to pair two-way wing Pascal Siakam with one of the greatest scorers the game has ever seen.
But the idea of Durant relocating to Toronto doesn’t sit well with everyone, including FOX Sports broadcaster Chris Broussard. In a recent episode of First Things First, he explained some of the negatives about living in the ‘6ix’ during a long and controversial tangent.
“Great city, but it’s not America and you feel it when you’re there,” Chris Broussard said on Monday’s edition of First Things First. “Especially as an African American, it’s a different situation than African Americans are used to being in. I’ve talked to people in that organization pre-Ujiri about can they keep African American superstars there?”
The full clip from Chris Broussard also includes:
-him comparing Scottie Barnes to Ben Simmons
-saying maybe a Ben Simmons trade makes sense for the #Raptors
-"The best players they have tend to be the international guys… or DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry, who weren't superstars." pic.twitter.com/iaSQnVeOcs
— Adam Laskaris (@adam_la2karis) July 4, 2022
Toronto has been considered a dark horse candidate for Durant, with their odds of acquiring him rising almost every day. Ujiri has taken big risks in the past, and the Raptors could have enough to compete for a title if they manage to acquire Durant without gutting the team.
But does KD really want to be there long term? If you ask Broussard and others who think like him, the answer is probably no, and it’s not just about winning and losing.
As the only NBA team outside the borders of the USA, playing for the Raptors is a particularly unique experience, and living in Toronto isn’t like living in OKC, Golden State, or New York City.
And while countless players, fans, and executives vouch for the city and franchise, there is a sense that it will never become a location on par with some of the high-market areas. Broussard may have just revealed the reason why.
