Toronto Raptors, Say It Loud: Interview with Jamaal Magloire

As of this afternoon, the Raptors defeated the Brooklyn Nets 117-92, and are currently 3-0 in their Round 1 playoff series. The original concept of continuing the NBA season amidst the global pandemic was slightly awkward in theory, even just thinking of the logistics and energy with the crowd-less games at Walt Disney World Resort’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Most importantly, since the season temporarily paused back on March 11, there have also been countless incidents (aside from the pandemic) to bring cause for concern, apprehension, and doubt.

It’s been a few weeks now, and the return of the season has become a welcome distraction, much like the Michael Jordan documentary “The Last Dance” provided entertainment and normalcy back in April/May, the season is beginning to feel refreshing. Familiar. Enjoyable!

In addition to the good vibes, there’s also the familiar feeling of validating and imminent victory looming in Toronto. If you’re able to overlook the relative silence, the face masks, the digital fans, and the other changes to the NBA energy...the game is still the game, and Toronto is still playing exceptionally well. They did, after all, still finish the season only behind the Bucks in the east.

But because it’s 2020 and “anything goes,” we also know that there aren’t distractions in the world big enough to hide the fact that--aside from the pandemic--there are also explosive moments of racial inequality, community violence, systemic oppression, police brutality, and other larger-than-life concepts and behaviours at stake. In the midst of COVID-19 and the exciting return to basketball/professional sports...there are life-altering and generation-defining movements forming on every level of society from our Jurassic Park outside the Scotiabank Arena, to the White House.

This week was filled with paradoxical emotions for Raptors fans. The exhilaration of the start of the playoffs, followed by the release of the body cam video exposing the ugly truths of society in plain sight, with Raptors’ President of Basketball Operations Masai Ujiri in the middle of the storm. The Raptors’ championship, this week, has been at the forefront of our collective minds from the best of our NBA memories...to the worst.

We were all Masai Ujiri in that moment. Celebrating the victory of our beloved home team...yet experiencing the utmost form of disrespect and racial discrimination in spite of the greatest moment of celebration and pride. While victory on this level for Toronto basketball was a new feeling...sadly, the feeling of blatant injustice was not. It was all too familiar for many of us. Instantly recognizable.

Toronto native Jamaal Magloire has been a part of the National Basketball Association since 2000, when he was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets. Since then he has been immersed in the league culture as a player, an All-Star, and he has experienced NBA life from the coach’s vantage point as well. Currently serving as the Raptors’ Basketball Development Consultant and Community Ambassador, Jamaal has been with the team from 2012, first as a player, and now in his role as MLSE staff.

Reflecting on the Raptors’ performance in Orlando, and also the intersection of his work on and off the basketball court, we spoke to Jamaal about his experiences with race, racism, and how the Raptors are pushing through the social uneasiness this year to maintain their championship title with their heads and spirits held high.

KYA PUBLISHING: As someone who navigates the world not only as a Black man, but also as a public figure, someone with privilege, and someone that is recognizable (and almost seven feet tall), how has your experience with racism been? Do you feel as though you have had any exceptions or advantages because of the role you have played in society as a professional athlete? 

“I have definitely experienced racism,” said Jamaal. “It’s been like a double-edged sword, generally speaking. There are people in our demographic that know about basketball and know enough about our culture to put clues together—my height, my stature, what I’m wearing, etc.—to understand who I am or who I am around. But not everybody. Some people just see the colour of your skin, that you’re Black, and maybe that you’re not smiling...and the treatment is exactly the same as anyone else. People walk to the other side of the street or grip their purses when they see me. I’ve been followed around in stores. And because I’m big, that can be overwhelming for people, too. A big, Black man...that ain’t saying hello? I’ve definitely felt the judgement. Regardless of where I work, or where I’ve been.”

We’ve all learned quickly, through the actions of the NBA players and the league itself, that being Black and having a level of social/public commitment are a challenging combination in this moment in history. Wanting to play and wanting to be there for the fans...but also wanting to protest and speak up, for example. As someone who understands the positioning of the players, as well as the community, Jamaal has joined forces with the Raptors’ new Vice President of Organizational Culture & Inclusion John Wiggins and is a part of the team’s advisory board on Black issues and initiatives.

John recently told the Canadian Press about his initial concerns expressed to Masai Ujiri, that the impending basketball season might distract from the social issues simultaneously at play. With the league embracing the issues, and supporting players in their desires to inform and educate fans through their widespread visibility, John and his colleagues have recognized they are in a position to create an impact utilizing "one of the strongest platforms across Canada, in the Raptors and MLSE."

Along with John, the organization, and the Toronto community of which he is proud member, Jamaal is also prepared to contribute to the change, ensure that Black voices are heard, and that the Black community is supported and uplifted. In a recent conversation between Jamaal and John, they’ve discussed making a particular—and quantifiable—impact on the violence in Toronto. This is an issue of importance, out of concern for their city, their peers, and the generation arising.

KYA PUBLISHING: For the past twenty years, you have had the opportunity to travel across the U.S., across Canada, and even around the world through the NBA and related activities. How do you feel about your experience with racism in your home country of Canada, in comparison to racism that you’ve felt in other locations?

“I find it’s the same stereotypes...I just think America, in particular, is more outspoken with their racism. They’re wild with it. Of course, some Canadians are racist, too, but we have some manners to it,” said Jamaal. “Americans are a bit more defiant, in that they don’t want to be told what to do. For example, right now in the middle of the pandemic, they are going to party if they want to party. Whereas here in Canada, we’re following suit. I think it works the same way in racism: whether in Canada, or in the U.S.A. I’m still Black. The only difference is, if someone doesn’t feel comfortable around me in America, they might tell me to **** off. In Canada...they might just follow me around until they eventually ask me to leave their establishment. In Canada, from what I’ve personally experienced...racism is basically the same thing, but just a little bit more subtle.”

KYA PUBLISHING: Witnessing the way the Raptors have approached the Black Lives Matter movement, and their responses to social causes, I feel proud to know that they’re representing Toronto. Is this my Canadian bias, or is this something that you believe is also evident from a League-wide lens?

“I definitely think the Raptors are a lot further ahead, and trend-setting the way these issues need to be recognized,” said Jamaal. “I still feel there are other teams that need to catch up! It’s not a one-man show. We need all hands on deck, and we need to make changes.”

KYA PUBLISHING: Do you feel that the Raptors’ strong history of Black leadership has something to do with their position on these matters, and the confidence with which they have embraced their voices? With Dwane Casey for seven seasons, and now with Masai as the President, for example?

“Oh, absolutely. Dwane and Masai: those brothers have strong belief systems, as men, first and foremost. Before their jobs come into play. Their characters are solid, and their intentions are solid,” said Jamaal. “At this point, we all realize we have a platform, and it’s our obligation to act on it. Having strong leaders at the forefront of the movement is a definite bonus. Dwane previously and Masai right now with the Raptors: they’re way ahead of the game.”

KYA PUBLISHING: I'm really impressed with the way the NBA has taken on this subject matter and embraced the messaging and passions of their players. It’s a difficult moment to navigate, but they seem to have handled it with grace and respect. They’ve managed it in a way where you don’t have to feel guilty watching games or wanting to feel excited and joyful about sports...even in spite of what’s going on in the world. It feels safe.

“The NBA has done an outstanding job. With the court, and the commercials—they are taking this moment seriously,” said Jamaal. “As far as the individual teams, I am proud of the body of work that the Raptors have accomplished with their individual movement. In comparison to others...it’s like night and day.”

KYA PUBLISHING: One thing that is evident is that the team is focused, and confident, and that they are truly defending their title. I had my doubts about the bubble games initially, but right now I can see the fight in the Raptors’ eyes and that they're determined to win. I'm a big Raptors fan, so I believe they're going to get another ring this year...I imagine, you can't help but feel the same way?

“Oh, we’re going to win again. It’s our objective,” said Jamaal. “Last season we believed we could win...this season, we KNOW we can win. The mentality has changed in that way, and that’s how we feel. We’re more than ready.”

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Written by Stacey Marie Robinson for Kya Publishing's blog.