Let’s recap what he’s meant to this franchise, shall we? Drafted as an unknown player who nobody wanted, he made the rotation from the start with energy, then quickly developed and improved. He worked his way up to 2nd option on the NBA champions, he’s led this team in scoring for 4 straight seasons, made all NBA, all star, and has a case for top 5 Raptor in franchise history.

In the last few months, what has he gotten in return?

-Front office, Masai Ujiri in particular, indicating he was part of a “selfishness” core, leaving other unflattering comments, refusing to talk extension.

-Coaching staff that while praising him, has made a clear move to put Scottie in as “the man”

-Fans who have largely shitted on him, forgotten or moved on, and openly discussing trading him for some 3&D role players. Basically wanting him to get out of the way so Scottie can be king.

And despite all that, we expect him to figure it out, slide in as a #2 option again, and be really productive. With his ego, pride, role, all confused and bruised. You know how many times in league history guys who were THE MAN on the team willingly slid off to a younger up and comer, while still in their own prime, without being traded? It’s a very short list, and we expect Pascal to accept it overnight. Even Monta Ellis thought he didn’t deserve to hand the reigns to Stephen Curry, lol.

I really hope Pascal gets shown some more love, and finds his way, and becomes our apex second banana he can be. I haven’t forgotten what he’s done or meant for this franchise.