Raptors 905 open new practice facility
Global News
AJ Lawson couldn't help himself when he stepped on Raptors 905's new practice court.
AJ Lawson couldn’t help himself when he stepped on Raptors 905’s new practice court.
Lawson, who is on a two-way contract that has him playing regularly for the G-League team in Mississauga, Ont., and the Toronto Raptors, its parent club, had to try every move he could think of on the 905’s new practice court at Paramount Fine Foods Centre.
“I tried to do some trick shots to be able to say I’m the first to ever do this on this court,” said Lawson on Friday. “But it never felt as good as when I dunked it, so I think it’s a good gym.”
Lawson and his 905 teammates have had a few practices at the new facility attached to their home arena — allowing him to break in the rims — but the practice court was formally unveiled in a ceremony attended by Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish, NBA G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment chief operating officer Nick Eaves and Raptors 905 vice-president Courtney Charles.
The brand new 16,000-square foot practice facility was built in a partnership between the City of Mississauga and MLSE, the owners of the Raptors and Raptors 905.
It features a full-sized court, including three baskets, revamped state-of-the-art locker rooms, a large fitness and training space, an extensive medical and rehabilitation area and a dining room and player lounge.
Raptors 905 head coach Drew Jones said that the facility will help with his team’s mission of developing basketball talent for the NBA team.
“It allows us to train with a great purpose and consistency,” said Jones. “In the G League, with the roster turnover and the travel, the level of consistency can vary tremendously.
