With one of the best GMs in Masai Ujiri, and dedication from the players and coaching staff, we believe we are on our way back to another championship.
Our goal is to provide a platform for people passionate about Toronto Raptos basketball through blogs, forums, news updates and much more. We're looking for people who want to participate in our blog by writing articles and/or sharing their stories about anything related to Raptors culture and great moments of this team's history on the court over the years. If you would like to make an impact on our platform then please feel free to send us an email at [email protected]
We understand that being part of this culture is more than wins or losses but we also have the responsibility of setting a positive example by stressing individual responsibility, showing respect towards others and fostering values within team spirit.
And when times are tough, we'll stand side by side - We The North!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Canadian NBA teams?
The Toronto Raptors were the Canadian NBA's only team in 2001. The Vancouver Grizzlies used to be an NBA team between 1995 and 2001. In 2001, however, they relocated to Memphis where they became the Memphis Grizzlies. Canada had two NBA teams, the Vancouver Grizzlies and the Toronto Raptors, for a short time in late 1990s. However, there is no NBA team in Canada. Canadians are avid basketball fans and often travel to the United States in order to catch games. The Toronto Raptors have been a famous team since their inception in 1995 and continue to draw large crowds for their home games at Scotiabank Arena. Many Canadians travel to the United States each year to enjoy the NBA All-Star Weekend. Canada has more than one NBA team, with a population exceeding 38 million. Many North American basketball fans have debated the possibility of a second team. The Toronto Raptors will continue to be the only Canadian representative in the NBA.
Canadian Elite Basketball League, (CEBL), is a Canadian-based professional basketball league. The league includes six teams representing Canadian towns and cities: the Fraser Valley Bandits, Abbotsford (BC), Edmonton Stingers(Edmonton (Alberton), Guelph Nighthawks) Guelph Nighthawks [Guelph], Ontario], Hamilton Honey Badgers (“Hamilton”), Saskatchewan Rattlers (“Saskatoon”), and the Niagara River Lions (“St. Catharines”) 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 included eight teams from Halifax and Moncton. Saint John. Cape Breton. Summerside. London. Windsor. Kitchener. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NBLC was forced to cease operations in 2020.
Canada also has junior leagues like the Canadian National Basketball League, which is a semiprofessional men's basketball league located in Vancouver, BC. CNB teams come from British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba. Canadian Elite Development League, (CEDL), is another Canadian junior basketball league that focuses primarily on the Greater Toronto Area. AC) and the Canadian Youth Basketball League (CYBL). These leagues offer young basketball players the chance to improve their skills and compete in a friendly environment.
What does "We The North", mean?
The Toronto Raptors' anthem is "We The North", also known under the name We The North Nation. It was composed by Drake and Noah "40" Shebib.
Drake wrote the song at his Toronto apartment with a friend. With Kanye West, he finished his album Take Care. While there, Drake decided to write some lyrics about his hometown. Drake wanted it be representative of all Canadians. It speaks of unity, pride and hope.
Drake began work on the melody of We The North's single "Nice For What" when he went to London to film the video. He recorded the instrumental version in just one take.
Drake was composing the lyrics and 40 came up w/ the chorus. Drake liked the hook so much that he asked 40 to record it. Together they created the final product.
The official music video to "We The North Anthem", was released October 5, 2018. The video featured Shawn Mendes from Canada, who performed with Drake and other musicians.
When was the Raptors' inaugural game?
The Raptors played the New Jersey Nets in their first regular season at the SkyDome on November 3, 1995. 33,306 fans were in attendance to watch Alvin Robertson score the first points in franchise history. The Raptors beat the Nets, 94-79, thanks to contributions from Damon Stoudamire (10 assists and 10 points) and Robertson (30 point plays).
Which was the Raptors' best year?
The 2019 championship season was the Toronto Raptors' greatest year. It was a thrilling and memorable season for the Raptors, marking the first time they won an NBA Championship in franchise history. Kawhi Leonard was crowned Finals MVP. The team's regular season record was 58-24. They beat the Golden State Warriors in six games and took home the title.
2013 saw the Toronto Raptors replace Bryan Colangelo as general manager with MasaiUjiri. This change would bring a new era to the franchise and make them one of NBA's best teams.
Under Ujiri, the Raptors enjoyed a resurgence, reaching the playoffs in 2014 for the first time since 2008. They've won five Division titles since then and had their best regular season in 2018. Ujiri also made a risky, but profitable trade that year and sent DeMar DeRozan over to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Kawhi Leonard.
The Raptors had an amazing 2019, winning their first conference championship and reaching the NBA finals for a record-breaking second time. In total, they beat the Golden State Warriors six times.
Ujiri's tenure as a Raptors player has been a huge success and should be recognized for changing the Raptors' fortunes. He has led the Raptors to become one of NBA's best teams and looks poised for continued success.
The 2019 championship season will be remembered as one the greatest years in Raptors history.
Ujiri, and all of the Toronto Raptors should continue to work towards creating a winning culture for their players and staff. With continued dedication to excellence, the future looks bright for this team. The Toronto Raptors' 2019 championship season was a milestone. It is up to Ujiri, his team and their continued success to improve on this achievement.
Why are Toronto Raptors called Raptors
The NBA's expansion to Canada saw the creation of the Toronto Raptors in 1995. The logo and name of the team are based on Jurassic Park, which was released in 1995. The team colours are silver, bright red, purple, and black.
The Raptors' first season of basketball was a struggle. They finished the season with a record of 21-61. The team improved each year and they made their first playoff appearance in 1999.
The Raptors' most memorable moment occurred in 2019, when they won their inaugural 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.
Since then, the Raptors have become firmly entrenched as one of Canada's most beloved sports teams. Toronto continues bringing excitement to basketball fans across the world with its international superstars as well as local talent.
The Toronto Raptors are a proud part of Canada's basketball heritage, and their success on the court inspires young athletes around the country. The Raptors will continue being a favourite team because of their passionate fans and unique style.
Did Vancouver have an NBA team?
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 basketball fans support the Toronto Raptors, as they are the nearest NBA team to their area. 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.
Aside from playing basketball, there are many other recreational outlets for fans in Vancouver to connect with their favourite sport. Vancouver Grizzlies Alumni Association aims for former players to get together and promote basketball in British Columbia. It hosts clinics and viewing parties at Raptors games.
Although the Grizzlies have left Vancouver, the city's love and passion for basketball is not diminishing. The community continues to support the sport in numerous ways. Vancouverites are still passionate about basketball and continue to support the many initiatives of former players and other organizations that promote basketball in the city.
What was the first year of existence of the Toronto Raptors in 1985?
The Toronto Raptors first season in the NBA proved to be difficult. Brendan Malone, who was then hired by Isiah as GM, became the head coach for the Raptors' 1995 franchise. They soon acquired many talented players through the draft and through trades. They defeated the mighty Chicago Bulls once that season, but overall they finished with a 21-61 win-loss record.
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. Damon Stoudamire left Toronto in 1997. More roster changes were made as Toronto sought to create a foundation for future success.
Despite all its changes, the team continues to struggle in its first few NBA seasons. Toronto lost the 2000 series to the New York Knicks after a period of rebuilding and transition.
Statistics
- 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)
- By 2018, estimated the Raptors were worth $1.4 billion, 12th in the NBA. (en.wikipedia.org)
- As predicted by analysts, the team easily secured a berth in the 2001 NBA playoffs with a franchise-high 47 wins. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Thomas named Raptors' GM NBA superstar to have 10% stake in the new franchise". (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
nba.com/raptors
sportingnews.com/ca
raptorshq.com
- Tip In: Toronto Raptors' Game Post Game: Not Just Any Williams
- Raptors HQ, a Toronto Raptors community
assets1.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/teams/toronto-raptors
How To
How to get from your location to the Toronto Raptors' game
Toronto Raptors games occur at Air Canada Centre (ACC) in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. TTC's subway system can take you to ACC. Union Station takes 30 minutes to reach ACC. Bay Street Station is the closest station to ACC.
If you come to ACC directly from Union Station, you should go through Bay street station. Follow the signs to ACC from there. Please follow the signs to Bay Street Station if you are coming from another direction.
Follow the signs for the ACC from Bay Street station.
The venue can be accessed by people with disabilities. Special seating areas are available for people with disabilities. The ACC also offers sign language interpretation services.
The ACC does not charge a parking fee. Parking is not available on the streets nearby.
Resources:
Did you miss our previous article...
https://raptorsrumors.com/news/raptors-family-apparently-im-only-here-for-the-money-what-is-a-real-raptors-fan
