Toronto Raptors Open Training Camp in Quebec City With Local Flair and Poutine on the Horizon
The Toronto Raptors and star player Kawhi Leonard opened their one-week training camp Tuesday morning at Université Laval’s PEPS gymnasium in Quebec City, launching a promotional and athletic schedule that includes an upcoming stop at local snack bar Chez Gaston. Barrett, the trip back to the provincial capital represents both a homecoming and a chance to embrace local culinary traditions. When asked what circulated in the locker room about their host city, Barrett pointed straight to the famous local dish.
Barrett Steps Into Local Ambassador Role Ahead of Exhibition Matches
Having missed out on game action for Canada against Argentina during the international window, Barrett is fully cleared to play this week. He confirmed he will see minutes during Thursday’s intra-squad scrimmage at PEPS and Saturday’s exhibition match against the Miami Heat, declining to comment publicly on the final year of his contract and leaving those discussions to agent Bill Duffy. Unlike the Raptors’ previous visit in 2019—when Chris Boucher carried the mantle of Quebec representation—Barrett serves as the primary local focal point this week. Fluent in French after learning the language during his family’s four-year stay in France where his father played professional basketball, Barrett embraced media duties by conducting a six-minute interview in French with local radio host Guillaume Dumas.
Head Coach Darko Rajakovic Embraces Cultural Integration
Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic praised the historic capital during his first visit to the city. The Serbian-born coach, who led Toronto to a 46-36 record last season before a first-round playoff exit against the Cleveland Cavaliers, emphasized the importance of regional outreach. Rajakovic noted that taking the team outside of Toronto helps build chemistry and connects the franchise with supporters across different Canadian provinces. While his own command of French remains limited to a polite greeting, Rajakovic welcomed the opportunity to explore local culture alongside his players and staff.
Roster Health and Young Players Learning From Leonard
On the floor, the Raptors roster remains largely healthy as camp gets underway. Only Nate Bittle and Andrew Jackson missed Tuesday’s opening session, while Alijah Martin and Kawhi Leonard participated under non-contact restrictions. Leonard’s presence has already left a strong impression on younger members of the squad, including 21-year-old South Carolina native Collin Murray-Boyles. The young forward described watching Leonard’s meticulous attention to detail during practice as a valuable learning experience for his own development in the NBA.
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