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This is it, the stage is set, and the NBA All-Stars of the 2015-16 season are in Toronto. This morning, kicking off at 11, was the customary media day for NBA All-Star weekend. The show got started with the competitors in the three point and dunk contest, before giving way to both super squads, first West and then East.
Here's what our Raptors HQ cameras and mics managed to capture.
First player sighting: J.J. Redick! pic.twitter.com/w6XV2zPUgM
— Daniel Reynolds (@aka_Reynolds) February 12, 2016
Aaron Gordon, humouring bizarre questions. pic.twitter.com/WDD0E4bpht
— Daniel Reynolds (@aka_Reynolds) February 12, 2016
In back-to-back interviews, Gordon and then the Blazers' CJ McCollum were asked about Toronto. Gordon compared the city to Chicago, citing its cleanliness and friendliness. Then McCollum went all in on Toronto's New York feel. We're moving on up.
Future Toronto Raptor Kevin Durant. pic.twitter.com/yMAeZL1fZo
— Daniel Reynolds (@aka_Reynolds) February 12, 2016
I heard Durant say "I love Toronto" and then I blacked out. So, just go with that.
Pau being a pal. pic.twitter.com/XHlGyEIEBt
— Daniel Reynolds (@aka_Reynolds) February 12, 2016
Draymond Green, kicking it. pic.twitter.com/1ccXlkVya6
— Daniel Reynolds (@aka_Reynolds) February 12, 2016
Westbrook in a rather demure outfit (for him). pic.twitter.com/hTKpWbT2A9
— Daniel Reynolds (@aka_Reynolds) February 12, 2016
The highlight of Westbrook's scrum was definitely the fact that he was casually cleaning his sunglasses for a chunk of the time he was out there. Honestly, Westbrook is just too cool a dude.
Here's Kobe getting out of the wrong seat. A literal media stampede follows in his wake. pic.twitter.com/oZUbLlx6tU
— Daniel Reynolds (@aka_Reynolds) February 12, 2016
Had to include this pic because the whole sequence was too funny. Basically, a huge huge mob of media people had set up to Kobe's eventual appearance. Then, out of nowhere, he sets up at the other end of the room, which means of course that now everyone is running over to that spot to get their questions in. But then, after sitting down for five seconds, Kobe gets back up and goes over to the place he was supposed to sit at. Total pandemonium. Classic Kobe, am I right?
Being this close to the Brow is mesmerizing. pic.twitter.com/Aipt6AgvvP
— Daniel Reynolds (@aka_Reynolds) February 12, 2016
Coach Pop holding court. pic.twitter.com/XFfHyZnn4X
— Daniel Reynolds (@aka_Reynolds) February 12, 2016
Can confirm: Coach Popovich is a Jean-Luc Godard man and he does really enjoy French film. I've never been happier in my life.
Finally, some Raptors!
DeRozan holding it down. Note Alvin Williams in the background. pic.twitter.com/g1TH4DOQNf
— Daniel Reynolds (@aka_Reynolds) February 12, 2016
DeMar: "Toronto has always been cool. Drake just made it cooler." pic.twitter.com/vgbEn4RAO9
— Daniel Reynolds (@aka_Reynolds) February 12, 2016
The best part of DeMar DeRozan's scrum came when, from across the room, Kyle Lowry sat down at a table with a live mic. What's a best pal to do? Lowry started busting DeRozan's chops of course. DeMar's exasperated sigh and "who gave him a mic?" were tops in my book. I won't lie, it continues to be a delight to watch DeRozan and Lowry joke around.
Lowry, living large. pic.twitter.com/pLRAVeACUQ
— Daniel Reynolds (@aka_Reynolds) February 12, 2016
If Drake signed a 10-day contract with the Raptors, what would his role be? Lowry: [light applause]
— Daniel Reynolds (@aka_Reynolds) February 12, 2016
There were obviously more players to see and good times to be had, but what you learn very quickly about All-Star Media Day is that there's basically no way to see it all.
Keep an eye open for Celebrity Game updates tonight.