End of Season Recap 1/3 | Raptors Today

By Robert Dodds April 14, 2023 32 mins read 286 Views

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Frequently Asked Questions

How did the Raptors win 2019's NBA title?

On July 18, 2018, the Toronto Raptors traded DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poltl, and a protected 2019 first-round draft pick to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green.

On February 7, 2019, Jonas Valanciunas was traded to the Raptors for Delon Wright, C.J. Miles, and a 2024 second-round draft pick to the Memphis Grizzlies for Marc Gasol--another multiple All-Star and former Defensive Player of the Year--and signed Jeremy Lin shortly after that.

The Toronto Raptors had an extremely exciting offseason. Two major trades sent shockwaves through NBA. DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poltl, as well as a 2019 draft pick (that was secured) were the first trades made by the Raptors. In return, they received Kawhi Lenard and Danny Green from Spurs. Then, they traded Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright C. J. Miles, and a 2024 second-round draft pick to the Memphis Grizzlies for Marc Gasol--another multiple All-Star and former Defensive Player of the Year. These moves place the Raptors at the forefront of the race for a NBA title. Let's take a closer glance at each trade.

Kawhi Leonard's trade was a risk-reward deal for the Raptors. Leonard is a top-5 league player when healthy and coming off a MVP-caliber season. However, Leonard only played nine games last season because of injury and it is unclear if he will continue to play. But the Raptors decided that it was worth the risk, and they signed the deal. Leonard has been performing at an All-Star level so far. He has been in good health. Leonard is averaging 26 point, 8 rebounds and 3 assists per contest while shooting 49% from 3-point range and 38% from the field. If he can keep his health, he will give the Raptors a real shot at winning the NBA title.

Marc Gasol's trade for Gasol was more of an immediate move than anything else. Gasol is well into his 30s and clearly is past his prime. However, he is still a very good player who brings valuable experience to a young Raptors team. He averages 15 points and 8 rebounds per game. He also shoots 34% from three point range. C.J. and Delon Wright, two of their young players, were traded by the Raptors. They acquired Gasol from Miles, but believe that his experience will prove invaluable in the playoffs.

The Raptors had a great start to the season, starting with a 6-0 victory. They broke the record for their best start in 20 games with a 16-4 record. They reached 20 wins faster that any time in their past history when they beat Cleveland Cavaliers 24 times. The Raptors were cautious with Leonard, resting him for more than 20 games throughout the season to prevent worsening his previous injury. However, they managed to capture 2nd place in East, only trailing behind Milwaukee Bucks.

The Raptors had a great run in the playoffs. They defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic and Milwaukee Bucks to reach their first NBA Finals. Leonard was named Finals MVP and the Raptors won their first title against the Golden State Warriors in game 6.

The Toronto Raptors had a great offseason. Two All-Stars are on the roster and the Raptors look poised to be contenders in the years ahead. They have proven they can take risks and make bold moves when it comes down to building a championship-caliber team. It will be interesting for the future to see how they maintain their success.

Why did NBA leave Vancouver?

The dispute with Vancouver City Council over arena financing led to NBA leaving Vancouver. The City had planned to contribute $40 million toward the construction of a new basketball arena. It would have 12 luxury suites, two restaurants and a bar. The City Council decided to give $60 million to the team owners to help pay off existing debt. This would mean that the city would have needed to borrow $200m to build the arena. The team owners had to only pay $20 million. This would mean that the city's taxpayers would be responsible for paying back the rest of the loan.

The City Council stated that they would be open to the plan if the NBA agreed not to leave Rogers Arena until the new facility opens. But the league refused, saying that the arena wasn’t large enough. They were not interested in playing there anymore, as it was too small. They felt it was unfair to ask them to keep playing in a smaller venue when they were not getting more revenue.

The City Council asked for financial assistance and offered to help the province. The Province agreed to contribute $150 million, but the City Council still required $100 million. That's when the City decided to drop its plans and focus on building a new downtown arena instead.

How was the Toronto Raptors' inaugural year of existence?

The Toronto Raptors first season in the NBA proved to be difficult. Brendan Malone was hired by Isiah Thomas to be the head coach. The team quickly acquired many talented players through drafts and trades. They lost to the Chicago Bulls one time that season, but they ended up with a 21–61 win-loss record overall.

Toronto drafted Marcus Camby in 1996. Camby became Rookie Of The Year and was a part of the starting line up with Alvin Williams, at point guard. Later in 1997, Damon Stoudamire was traded away, and more changes to the roster were made over the following years as Toronto looked to build a foundation for future successes.

Despite all its changes, the team continues to struggle in its first few NBA seasons. After a period of transition and rebuilding, Toronto finally made its first playoff appearance in 2000 but lost the series to the New York Knicks.

Is Canada home to many NBA teams?

The Toronto Raptors, as of 2001 are the only Canadian NBA basketball team. From 1995 to 2001, the Vancouver Grizzlies was an NBA team. They moved to Memphis and became known as the Memphis Grizzlies. Canada did have the Vancouver Grizzlies (and the Toronto Raptors) for a time, but there are no NBA teams in Canada. Canadian basketball fans are still passionate, even though Canada does not have an NBA team. Many Canadians travel to the United States to see games. Since 1995, the Toronto Raptors have been a well-known team and draw large crowds to their Scotiabank Arena home games. Every year hundreds of Canadians make the trip to the United States for the NBA All-Star Weekend. Canada can have multiple NBA teams, as it has a population greater than 38 million. Many basketball fans in North America have discussed and debated its potential for a second team. The Toronto Raptors will continue to be the only Canadian representative in the NBA.

The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), a professional league of basketball, is located in Canada. Six teams are represented in this league, which includes the Fraser Valley Bandits (Abbotsford BC), Edmonton Stingers, Edmonton, Alberta, Guelph Nighthawks, Guelph Nighthawks, Guelph (Ontario), Hamilton Honey Badgers, Hamilton, Ontario, Saskatchewan Rattlers, Saskatoon (Saskatoon), Saskatchewan, and Niagara River Lions, St. Catharines (Ontario). The CEBL, Canada's only professional basketball league, is currently in operation.

From 2011 to 2020, there was a professional male basketball league called the National Basketball League of Canada. It had eight teams representing eight cities: Moncton (Moncton), Saint John, Cape Breton; Summerside, London; Windsor, Windsor, and Kitchener. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of operations at the NBLC in 2020.

Canada also has junior basketball leagues, such as the Canadian National Basketball League (CNB), a semi-professional men's league based in Vancouver, BC. The CNB features teams from British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario. The Canadian Elite Development League (CEDL) is another junior basketball league in Canada that fields teams primarily from the Greater Toronto Area. AC) as well as the Canadian Youth Basketball League. These leagues give young basketball players an opportunity to learn and compete in a competitive setting.

Vancouver ever had a team in the NBA?

Vancouver doesn't have a NBA franchise. From 1995 to 2001, the city was home to the Vancouver Grizzlies. However, the team moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 2001. Vancouver is home to the Toronto Raptors, the local NBA team. Other professional basketball teams also play in the Greater Vancouver Area such as the BC Tigers, Canadian Elite Basketball League, and Vancouver Volcanoes, International Basketball League. A number of amateur and semiprofessional teams participate in various local leagues.

Vancouver has many recreational opportunities for basketball fans. Vancouver Grizzlies Alumni Association aims to help former players connect with each other, and raise awareness about the game in British Columbia. They host clinics for young players and offer viewing parties for Raptors games.

The city's love of basketball has not decreased since the departures of the Grizzlies. And it continues to be a supportive community in numerous ways. Vancouverites continue their love for basketball by supporting former players, attending Raptors games and supporting other initiatives that help spread awareness about the game within the city.

Why are the Toronto Raptors called Raptors?

The NBA's expansion into Canada in 1995 saw the founding of Toronto Raptors. The team's name and logo were inspired by the film Jurassic Park, released that same year. The team colours are silver, bright red, purple, and black.

In the first season of Raptors basketball, the team struggled to find their footing in the league and finished with a 21-61 record. The team improved each year and they made their first playoff appearance in 1999.

The Raptors' most memorable moment came in 2019 when they won their first NBA championship title. Toronto won their first title in thrilling six-game series against Golden State Warriors under the leadership of Kawhi and Kyle Lowry, the Raptors' backcourt duo.

The Raptors have been one of Canada's most beloved teams since that time. Toronto continues bringing excitement to basketball fans across the world with its international superstars as well as local talent.

Canada's basketball heritage is proudly represented by the Toronto Raptors. Young athletes are inspired by their success on the court. It is clear that the Raptors will be a favorite team for many years due to their loyal fans, innovative play style, and dedication to excellence.

Statistics

By 2018, estimated the Raptors were worth $1.4 billion, 12th in the NBA. (en.wikipedia.org)
In November of the 1996–97 season, Bitove sold his ownership interest in the team to Slaight for $65 million after Slaight had activated a shotgun clause in their partnership agreement,[32][33] giving Slaight 79 percent control of the team, [34] (en.wikipedia.org)
This improved during the 2006–07 regular season to an average of 18,258 fans (13th in the league), 92.2 percent capacity at the Air Canada Centre. (en.wikipedia.org)
After Thomas attempted to execute a letter of intent with Slaight to purchase the team failed, he resigned from his position in November and sold his 9 percent stake in the team to Slaight. (en.wikipedia.org)
This improved during the 2006–07 regular season to an average of 18,258 fans (13th in the league), 92.2 percent capacity at the Air Canada Centre. (en.wikipedia.org)

External Links

How To

When is the best time to see a Toronto Raptors team play?

Toronto Raptors games are usually played during weekdays from October through April. Weekends are often reserved to attend concerts or festivals.

It is best to reserve tickets early as they are likely to sell quickly.

Wednesday is the most common day to attend a Toronto Raptors team game. This is because many fans show up early to watch pregame warmups.

Fans move on to Nathan Phillips Square after the game. It is located next door to ACC. They stay there till the end of game.

It is best to attend a Toronto Raptor home game after 8 pm. The best time to visit a Toronto Raptor game is after 8 pm. Fans are welcome to return to celebrate the team’s victory.

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