One year ago, there was pure, unadulterated joy in the streets of Toronto and across the nation. Nearly two million people turned out to celebrate Canada’s first ever NBA championship in an hours-long parade. It was glorious.
Today, it seems especially poignant to look back at that historic moment. Now, things are…different, to say the least.
If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s resiliency. And innovation.
In the old days, arranging for a famous sports star like Danny Green to speak at a live event would have been a logistical puzzle, an experience available to the very few. But in our new, virtual reality? Talking to him can be as easy as a mouse click from your home office.
On Monday June 15th, CDW Canada and Cisco hosted a live Q&A on Webex with the NBA champ and former Raptors star.
“The money man from three-point land,” as Green is known, fielded questions as varied as his talents.
On current events and the Black Lives Matter movement: He believes in the power of using his platform to enact change, starting at the local level. “It’s our job not just to play basketball but to step up and be a voice for change,” he said. He also expressed appreciation for the heroes on the front lines fighting the pandemic. “We can’t thank you enough.”
On the historic win: “Canadians are amazing!” he exclaimed. Winning in Toronto, in an organization and a country that hasn’t experienced it before, was really special. “Nothing could ever match that.”
On coping with the quarantine and keeping in shape: It’s an imperative when you have to stay in shape for a living, Green explained. “If you want to be in this league you have to keep on top of your game. You don’t want to let your team down.”
At first, Green and his teammates did online coaching, using home equipment. Now, they’re back to the gym in a modified fashion that honors social distancing.
His dedication isn’t surprising, when you hear him describe his upbringing. From a young age, he trained for hours every day. It wasn’t uncommon to work out for 2-4 hours at a time, making 500 shots a day, he said. It was his Dad who got him into the game, and is still his “number one fan, coach, and critic.”
How does he feel about the way games will be played this year, without fans? He’s just happy to be back—and happy for the fans—although he acknowledges it’ll be a little strange for the players.
Green has a lot to be excited about this year. Not only will he be back in the game soon, he recently got engaged to his long-time girlfriend. The romantic proposal took place in a secluded spot on the California coast, an event he had planned for more than 6 months.
So what does he miss about Toronto? Not the cold or snow. Nor the bagged milk or weird A1 sauce. “It’s the people and the energy,” he said.
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