Article content

Doug Christie’s days as a Raptors are long gone, but he still keep tabs on the team.

As one of the franchise’s early pillars, Christie left the Raptors with his name in the record books, including the club’s all-time leader in steals.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or All-time Raptors great Christie tips his hat to bulldog Lowry Back to video

When Kyle Lowry broke Christie’s mark earlier this season against Milwaukee, Christie reach out.

“I love Kyle Lowry,’’ said Christie. “I love this kid because he’s come a long. It wasn’t given to him. He worked for it and I appreciate that.

“I obviously love Kawhi Leonard (who didn’t play Tuesday) because I love two-way players (which was Christie’s calling card). I’m so impressed with Pascal Siakam. I liked him last year, but he’s taken his game to another level this year.

“One of my favourites is Fred VanVleet. I followed him on Twitter last year. And then I saw him. I said to myself: ‘This kid can play.’”

Christie is well aware of the DeMar DeRozan trade, flashing back to Christie’s time in Sacramento when Jason Williams, whom Christie and the rest of his Kings teammates liked, was traded for Mike Bibby, a move that changed the fortunes of the team.

“Sometimes moves can take your breath away,” said Christie.

DeRozan returns next month.

“I’ve been booed by these fans, cheered by them. And I appreciate that because that’s what being a fan is all about. They are going to give him a standing ovation and it’s going to be longer than normal.

“These fans appreciate what you bring to them.”