For me at that time, when I started to become that person, I felt that there was not so much level of communication, to be honest. And that was the only thing I really felt. It was like, “We have the maximum contract, but are you the type?” I think I was struggling with that.
What do you mean by that?
Viously, obviously, Kyle was there, being a pointer. To me, Kyle was always the best kidnapper of all time. I think it was always like, “I was the boy.” I had the contract, but I never really felt like the man, to be honest.
You wanted them to say, “You know, here’s the maximum contract. You are the boy. You are the centerpiece that will lead us to repeat the championship.
Yes. I never really felt like there was this. And I think those conversations are happening now.
Commercial rumors are part of the business. But there has to be a part of you after this season that says, “Wow, I’ve won a championship for you. I became an All-Star. “Is there any human side that says,” Man, what’s wrapped up? “
Yes. I think it is. Definitely. And I think I’ll probably definitely fight. You know? And I think, just like the negativity of my name. For me, it was weird. Because I call myself “Damn.” I am such a positive person, people who know me. People see my story, understand where I come from and all the things I’ve been able to achieve so far in my career. It’s always been about positivity, right? It’s always like good things. “How can you hate that person”: kind of things.
When I came to Toronto, I always felt it was a perfect mix. Toronto and I were always perfect because, okay, I’m international, I love the diversity of being in Toronto. I understand that I am not in need. Toronto always feels like this kind of underrated city. People always feel that they never receive respect from the American general media.