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Raptors players could not be more fired up as they begin landing in Toronto

After what seems like decades away from Toronto, the Raptors are finally coming home. A few of them are already settling in quite nicely, too. (Getty)
After what seems like decades away from Toronto, the Raptors are finally coming home — and the fellas look ready to roll. (Getty)

For familiar faces and new ones, this will be a homecoming like no other.

Toronto Raptors fans expressed their sheer joy at the news that their team is finally coming home for the 2021-22 season after over a year away due to the COVID-19 pandemic and border restrictions. Now, as the NBA preseason approaches, Raptors players have started to arrive on their home soil after spending all of last season in Tampa.

Clearly, they're just as glad to be home as fans are to have them back.

Canadian Chris Boucher, for one, couldn't wait to return to his turf.

Boucher split his offseason time between Montreal, Toronto and Jamaica. After news broke that the Raptors would be back in town, he wasted no time.

For most guys, however, getting to Toronto wasn't as simple. Yuta Watanabe, for example, went through a lengthy trek.

Gary Trent Jr. took the opportunity to pitch himself as a music-video star to Drake.

Second-round pick David Johnson made sure to let everyone know he's all settled in.

But no one — no one, I tell you — is more excited than Scottie Barnes.

The Raptors will begin the preseason on Oct. 4 at home against the Philadelphia 76ers. Key players like Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam have yet to show up in Toronto, but the city's already bustling with talent, promise and buzz.

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