We know that a second championship is within reach, and until that day, we stand together to support our team through thick and thin.
If you feel the same way, we invite you to join us in our mission by contributing your global perspective on all things Raptors.
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"We The North” was never just a slogan; it embodies how much we believe in this franchise, city and country alike. This is more than a game - it's a movement driven by authenticity, attitude, sportsmanship, excitement and honour between Raptors fans across North America.
This is why thousands of voices come together when cheering for the raptors victory during every game - We The North!
Join us as we shout out "Let's Go Raptors" everyday! Let us show our unconditional support for the hometown heroes- Toronto Raptors! Let us display true pride because its what makes every fan of this franchise believe that the ‘impossible’ could be possible someday.
With your support, Our small yet strong community can grow into something bigger and truly remarkable. Together, great things are Possible!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canada home to many NBA teams?
The Toronto Raptors were the Canadian NBA's only team in 2001. From 1995 to 2001 the Vancouver Grizzlies had been a NBA team. However, they moved to Memphis to become the Memphis Grizzlies. Canada did have two teams--the Toronto Raptors and Vancouver Grizzlies--for a brief time during the late 1990s, but no other Canadian cities currently have an NBA team. Despite the lack of an NBA team in Canada, Canadians are still avid basketball fans, and many make their way to the United States to catch games. Since 1995, the Toronto Raptors have been a well-known team and draw large crowds to their Scotiabank Arena home games. The NBA All-Star Weekend is attended by hundreds of Canadians each year. Canada can host more than one NBA basketball team with its 38 million population. Many North American basketball enthusiasts have discussed the possibility of adding a second team. The Toronto Raptors, Canada's only representative in the NBA, remain as such.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is a professional basketball league based in Canada. The league has six teams from Canada, including the Fraser Valley Bandits (Abbotsford), Edmonton Stingers [Edmonton], Alberta], Guelph Nighthawks—Guelph. Ontario), Hamilton Honey Badgers—Hamilton. Ontario), Saskatchewan Rattlers—Saskatoon. Saskatchewan and the Niagara River Lions—St. Catharines. Ontario). The CEBL is Canada's only professional league for basketball.
From 2011 to 2020, there was a professional male basketball league called the National Basketball League of Canada. It was home to eight teams, including those from Halifax, Moncton Saint John and Cape Breton as well as Summerside, London Windsor, Windsor, Windsor and Kitchener. The NBLC ceased operations in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Canada also has junior leagues like the Canadian National Basketball League, which is a semiprofessional men's basketball league located in Vancouver, BC. CNB includes teams from British Columbia (Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario). Canadian Elite Development League - Another junior basketball league in Canada, the CEDL features teams mostly from 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 was the Toronto Raptors first season?
The Toronto Raptors' debut season was a disaster, with only 21 wins. The 1995-1996 Toronto Raptors season was the inaugural season of the Toronto Raptors in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Raptors, along the Vancouver Grizzlies were two expansion teams that joined this league. It was also the NBA's first season outside of the United States.
Isiah, an All-Star point guard who is also a Detroit Pistons legend, was appointed the team's General manager. He was involved in the draft that produced Damon Stoudamire. He would go on to win Rookie-of-the Year. They also acquired Tracy Murray and Oliver Miller in separate trades. Thomas also introduced a brand new primary logo, featuring a play by basketball dinosaur and new pinstripe jerseys with the logo. The Raptors added purple to their color scheme.
Brendan Malone became the Raptors head coach on November 3. They beat the New Jersey Nets at SkyDome to win their debut. But they lost the next seven games.
Murray finished second on the team in scoring, averaging 16.2 points per game, and led them with 151 three-point field goals during that season. Miller provided the team with 12.9 points, 7 .4 rebounds, 1 .4 steals, and 1 .9 blocks per game, and Robertson contributed 9 .3 points, 4 .4 rebounds, four assists and two steals per game off the bench.
Despite their worst record in the league, they had a very high attendance, with over 17283 people per game at SkyDome (now Rogers Centre).
How did the Raptors win in 2019 the 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 C.J. was traded by the Raptors to the Memphis Grizzlies. 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 a very eventful offseason, making two big trades that sent shockwaves through the NBA. DeMar DeRozan and Jakob Poltl were traded to the Raptors. A 2019 first-round draft selection (that was protected) was also traded to the San Antonio Spurs. In exchange they received Kawhi and Danny Green from Spurs. They traded Jonas Valanciunas and Delon Wright C. J. Miles and a 2024 2nd-round draft pick to Memphis Grizzlies were traded for Marc Gasol--another All-Star, 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 look at each trade.
Kawhi Leonard was traded to the Raptors as a risk-reward trade. Leonard, who is coming off an MVP-caliber year, is one of the top-5 players in the league when he is healthy. But, injury limited Leonard to just 9 games last season, and there are doubts about his long term health. However, the Raptors decided that the reward was worth the risk and pulled the trigger on the deal. Leonard has been healthy thus far and is playing at an All Star standard. He's averaging 26 points per game, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and shoots 49% from the floor and 38% from three point range. If he can keep his health, he will give the Raptors a real shot at winning the NBA title.
The trade for Marc Gasol was more of a short-term move than anything else. Gasol, who is in his mid-30s, is clearly past his prime. Yet, he is still a solid player who can bring valuable experience to a young Raptors roster. He averages 15 points and 8 rebounds per game. He also shoots 34% from three point range. C.J., Delon Wright and other young talents were given up by the Raptors. Miles was able to purchase Gasol, but the Raptors feel his experience is invaluable when it comes time for playoffs.
The Raptors began the season strong with a 6-0 win. They broke the franchise record for winning 16 consecutive games, which was set by a record 16-4 record. On November 23, the Raptors won their 24th game against Cleveland Cavaliers. They also reached 20 wins faster than any other time in their history. 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 continued to be successful in the playoffs. They beat the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, and Milwaukee Bucks to make it to the NBA Finals for first time in their history. Leonard was named Finals Champion and the Raptors took home their first title.
The Toronto Raptors had a great offseason. The Raptors have two All-Stars and are ready to compete for the title in years to come. 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.
Statistics
- 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)
- 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)
- Thomas named Raptors' GM NBA superstar to have 10% stake in the new franchise". (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)
- By 2018, estimated the Raptors were worth $1.4 billion, 12th in the NBA. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
bleacherreport.com
basketball-reference.com
assets1.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/teams/toronto-raptors
sportingnews.com/ca
How To
Best time to visit a Toronto Raptors game
Toronto Raptors' games take place between October and April on weekdays. Weekends are usually reserved for concerts and festivals.
You should book tickets in advance as they sell quickly.
Wednesday is the most popular date to attend a Toronto Raptors match. This is because so many people show up early to catch pregame warmups.
After the game, fans head over to Nathan Phillips Square, next door to the ACC. They stay there until it ends.
The best time to visit a Toronto Raptor game is 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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