Skip to content

VIDEO: Raptors pay tribute to Amir Johnson in return to Toronto

Steve Russell / Toronto Star / Getty

Toronto fans can be a bloodthirsty bunch when it comes to former players returning to take on their beloved Raptors. Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, and Chris Bosh can all attest to that.

However, that wasn't the case for Amir Johnson, who on Wednesday played his first game at the Air Canada Centre since signing a two-year deal with the Boston Celtics during the offseason.

Johnson played six full seasons in a Raptors uniform (2009-2015), ranking fifth in franchise history in games played (451), third in rebounds (2,836), second in rejections (480), and 10th in points (3,957). He was viewed as the heart and soul of the team, playing with a contagious energy and passion that his teammates thrived off of and the fan base - who he interacted with away from the hardwood more often than not - respected.

The organization did right by Johnson midway through the first quarter as the Raptors and Celtics squared off, airing the following video tribute for the sold-out crowd:

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox