VIDEO: Raptors mascot to return March 23 following ACL rehab

Fans of the Toronto Raptors and the NBA alike were devastated when the team's beloved mascot suffered a torn ACL while attempting a back-flip during training camp.

It was initially feared that The Raptor would miss the entire season, but an update on Friday provided some good news.

Head coach Dwane Casey announced the news prior to Friday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Raptor has been the team's mascot since their inaugural season in 1995, and as he revealed to Zach Lowe of Grantland back in October, it's been just one man playing the role from the beginning.