Meeting up with former teammates was pleasant, catching up with old friends was meaningful, and watching a tribute video undoubtedly reminded Pascal Siakam of his significance to the Raptors.
However, it was the moment when Siakam noticed a section of the arena illuminated by spotlights, where every fan was adorned in some version of his No.43 Toronto jersey, that truly moved him.
“When I saw that entire section with my jerseys, it almost brought me to tears,” Siakam shared after his return to the city, playing for the Indiana Pacers after eight years with the Raptors, resulted in a narrow 127-125 loss.
It was a night of celebration, as another beloved player was welcomed back after being traded away by the team. Siakam received the same warm reception that so many other former Raptors have, and he felt the love from all sides.
Siakam was the last Pacers player to emerge on the court, and the few thousand fans already seated began cheering the moment they spotted him. Before he reached midcourt, his old buddy Jakob Poeltl had already embraced him tightly. Garrett Temple also showed his appreciation, while Gradey Dick greeted him, and Scottie Barnes stood laughing and chatting for a few minutes.
