For three decades, the Toronto Raptors have carved out a unique identity in the NBA and the hearts of Canadian sports fans. While several books have documented the team's journey, a new bestseller aims to tell its history through a different lens: the voices of the players themselves.
A Pandemic Project Becomes a Bestseller
"We the Raptors: 30 Players, 30 Stories, 30 Years" is the brainchild of longtime Raptors radio broadcaster Eric Smith and his brother-in-law, English literature professor Andrew Bricker. The idea was born during the pandemic, when extra time at home allowed for reflection and planning. The goal was to mark the franchise's 30th anniversary by spotlighting a diverse mix of players, from iconic stars to beloved role players.
"I think the rest of the country sort of looks on Toronto like we're this snooty, centre of the universe in Canada, but we appreciate, I think, as sports fans, blue collar and hard workers," Smith told the Toronto Sun. He wanted to create a collection of stories featuring players who may not always be in the spotlight but were crucial to the team's fabric.
Untold Stories and Human Moments
The book, published by Simon & Schuster Canada in November 2025, features interviews with a wide array of former Raptors. The list includes franchise stalwarts like Antonio Davis, Jonas Valanciunas, Jose Calderon, and Alvin Williams, as well as more recent contributors like RJ Barrett and Norman Powell. It also gives a platform to players deeply familiar to long-time fans, such as Matt Bonner, T.J. Ford, Anthony Parker, and Jerome Williams.
Smith conducted the interviews without pre-written questions, aiming for a natural, conversational flow. This approach led to revealing and often humorous anecdotes. One standout story came from Jonas Valanciunas, who recalled his early days in Toronto as a young man from Lithuania.
"One of the first things he did in the city was go to Home Depot to get groceries, because he thought going to Home Depot is like, 'well, they have home stuff and they have food,'" Smith recalled with a laugh. "He didn't realize it was like lumber and tools. Little human moments like that."
The Stamp of Approval from a Franchise Great
A significant boost for the project's credibility came when Kyle Lowry, widely regarded as the greatest Raptor of all time, agreed to write the foreword. Smith had hoped to secure one of the team's top five iconic players—a group including Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, Kawhi Leonard, Vince Carter, and Chris Bosh—to endorse the book's concept.
"It means nothing if one of those top five, top 10 doesn't put their stamp of approval and say, 'Yes, this the whole genesis or thesis behind this book is legit,'" Smith said. He noted that Lowry was a perfect fit because his journey in Toronto began with him as a determined, blue-collar player before he evolved into a cornerstone star.
In his foreword, Lowry shared his initial perception of the Raptors, noting that when he arrived, the team was informally known around the league as "the EuroLeague team of the NBA."
The book has been a commercial and critical success since its release, quickly landing on bestseller lists. It is structured to appeal to both new and longtime fans. For those who joined during the Kyle Lowry/DeMar DeRozan and championship eras, it provides a history lesson. For the die-hard fans who have been there since 1995, it offers a nostalgic journey with new insights.
"I hope it reaches all Raptor fans, certainly, but basketball fans or even sports fans in general, because I think the human element of the stories certainly comes through," Smith said. "We the Raptors" stands as a unique tribute to the players, personalities, and collective memory that have defined Canada's NBA team for 30 years.
