Nikola Jokić post game interview after eliminating the Phoenix Suns in Game 6

By Jordan Ketler May 12, 2023 28 mins read 479 Views

We believe in Raptors culture, one of hard work, resilience and optimism. We trust Masai Ujiri, the current team GM and his masterful vision for our current roster and their destiny as a championship-contending team.

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.

You can email us at [email protected] with any content suggestions or ideas - we want your take on Canada's most loved basketball team!

"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!

Nikola Jokić post game interview after eliminating the Phoenix Suns in Game 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Vancouver was there a NBA team?

Vancouver does not have a NBA team. The Vancouver Grizzlies were the city's basketball team from 1995 to 2001. In 2001, they moved to Memphis Tennessee. Vancouver basketball fans support the Toronto Raptors, as they are the nearest NBA team to their area. Additionally, there are other professional basketball clubs that play in the Greater Vancouver Area. These include the BC Tigers from the Canadian Elite Basketball League as well as the Vancouver Volcanoes from the 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. For example, the Vancouver Grizzlies Alumni Association is a group that strives to connect former players from the team with each other and also bring awareness of basketball in British Columbia. This association organizes events like viewing parties for Raptors games or clinics to help young athletes develop their game.

The city's love for basketball has not diminished since the departure of the Grizzlies, and it remains a community that supports the sport in myriad 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 is the longest time that the Raptors have been together?

The Toronto Raptors are an NBA franchise located in Toronto, Ontario. The Raptors, along the Vancouver Grizzlies, joined the NBA in 1995 as an expansion team. In 2001-02, the Raptors became the only Canadian-based NBA team after the Grizzlies moved to Memphis, Tennessee.

The Raptors, based in Toronto, play their home games at Scotiabank Arena. The Maple Leafs, the city’s NHL team, also use the arena. Since their inception in 1921, the Raptors have played in the NBA playoffs thirteen times. Their most recent appearance was in 2021 when they were defeated in six games by the Philadelphia 76ers.

In 1999-2000, the Raptors qualified for their first playoff appearance. They were swept by New York Knicks their division rivals in the first round.

There weren't many fans, and the team wasn’t exciting. There was nothing to root for or watch, and no one knew why anyone cared. After years of being mediocre, the team made a decision to improve its image and make it more appealing to the general public.

The team hired an agency to create a marketing strategy that would bring them national fame in 2001. They came up with the slogan "Hear us roar" using creative thinking.

The team was experiencing financial difficulties at the time so the slogan was used to highlight the fact that all of their games had sold out. They needed a catchy slogan and a great logo. This is where the agency's creative genius shines. They combined the phrase "hear them roar" with another well-known saying, "never let go." This became the Toronto Raptors' official motto.

How many NBA teams are there in Canada?

As of 2001, the Toronto Raptors are the only Canadian NBA team. The Vancouver Grizzlies, a former NBA team, moved to Memphis in 2001 and became 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. 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. The Toronto Raptors are a renowned team that has attracted large crowds to Scotiabank Arena since 1995. Hundreds of Canadians also travel annually to attend the NBA All-Star Weekend in the United States. 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. Until then, the Toronto Raptors remain the only Canadian representation in the NBA.

The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), a professional league of basketball, is located in Canada. This league features six teams, including the Fraser Valley Bandits in Abbotsford, BC, Edmonton Stingers in Edmonton, Alberta, Guelph Nighthawks in Guelph Ontario, Hamilton Honey Badgers and Saskatchewan Rattlers in Saskatchewan. The Niagara River Lions are located at St. Catharines, Ontario. The CEBL is currently the only Canadian professional basketball league.

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. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NBLC was forced to cease operations 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. CNB is home to teams from British Columbia. Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Manitoba. Canadian Elite Development League, (CEDL), is another Canadian junior basketball league that focuses primarily on the Greater Toronto Area. AC) or the Canadian Youth Basketball League. These leagues provide opportunities for young basketball players to develop their skills while competing in a competitive environment.

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)
By 2018, estimated the Raptors were worth $1.4 billion, 12th in the NBA. (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)
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)

External Links

How To

Time to attend a Toronto Raptors Game

Toronto Raptors games usually take place during the weekdays between October and April. Weekends are often reserved for other events, such as concerts and festivals.

Book tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Wednesday is the most common day to attend a Toronto Raptors team game. Many fans show up early for pregame warmups.

Fans move on to Nathan Phillips Square after the game. It is located next door to ACC. They remain there until the final whistle.

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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