We are nearing the end of the 2015-16 D-League season and the expansion Raptors 905 sit at 16-26. Not the record they probably thought they would have at this point, but they’ve been better than expected for an expansion team. They had a real outside chance at making a playoff push coming out of All-Star weekend but a knee injury to star power forward Ronald Roberts Jr. and two call ups (Axel Toupane and Greg Smith) have likely put the kibosh on those chances.
PREVIOUS ENTRIES: Training camp | 905 struggles, success | Team dynamics
Upside & Motor has been privileged all season to have All-Star forward Scott Suggs give us inside looks at the expansion season, and today’s post focuses on his experiences at All-Star weekend. Scott doesn’t like to talk about himself but he’s having a stellar season for the 905 with averages of 17 points and 3.2 rebounds while shooting 42 percent from 3-point land on 5.7 attempts per game. Suggs is also one of only five players to amass 100 made 3-pointers this season. He’s a true marksman from distance.
Diary Entry
Been a minute since I’ve had the chance to check in with you guys! But last time I wrote I was headed to All-Star Weekend, which ended up being really fun! Some of my family got to come to Toronto and watch me that weekend (Mom, Dad, and 2nd oldest brother, Skyler) so that was really cool! I participated in the 3-point contest and was selected as an injury replacement to the All-Star game as well. Mannn praise God for that! What a blessing and an honor to be selected. I can’t thank God enough for the opportunity!
Along with myself we had John Jordan (dunk contest) and Ronald Roberts (All-Star game) participating in the weekend festivities and representing Raptors 905! Let’s start with John Jordan aka the first ever Raptors 905 DUNK CHAMPION!! Boyyyyy does he have bounce!! If you guys missed the dunk contest, here’s a video of him missing one of his attempts but it’s one of the craziest misses I’ve seen lol. Keep in mind John is like 5-10 doin this. But I have to give a shoutout to DJ Stephens as well because they both put on a real show and it was super fun to watch.
Ronald and I played in the All-Star Game and also made some history becoming the first Raptors 905 players to win an All-Star Game! Lol. Ron also showed off his newly found 3-point shot by knocking down a smooth corner 3. Might have to add “corner 3 specialist” to his scouting report! Lol.
As far as the rest of the weekend, it was just a real fun time hanging out with players from the other teams and getting to know some of them. We’re always competing against each other during the season so you don’t really get a chance to see other players outside of that competitive game mode. It was definitely a nice change to talk with guys on the bus rides and at the hotels, etc. Just a real fun experience! Not to mention we were shoulder-to-shoulder with a lot of the NBA guys since we practiced and did community service at some of the same spots. Shoutout to Isaiah Thomas for representing UW as a first time NBA All-Star! Couldn’t be more proud of the work he’s put in! And finally starting to get the recognition he deserves!
Oh yeah, one more thing. On Saturday night my brother and I went to the NBA Dunk Contest and OH. MY. GOODNESS!!! What an experience!!! We had a BLAST!!! And it had to be up there with the best dunk contest ever seen at All-Star Weekend!!
P.S. – I’m going to be writing another diary that should be coming out very shortly after this one where I’ll talk about our two call-ups, Axel Toupane and Greg Smith! So happy to see them living their dream!
Lastly, just want to thank God one last time for the blessings and favor He has had on me not just now, but my entire life! I give Him all the praise!
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