Toronto Raptors star Scottie Barnes and three Canadian players have been selected for the upcoming NBA Rising Stars game as part of next month’s all-star festivities.
Bennedict Mathurin (Montreal) and Andrew Nembhard (Aurora, Ont.), both of the Indiana Pacers, were invited to the game, as well as Leonard Miller of Scarborough, Ont., who is currently playing for the G League Ignite and is expected to be a first-round pick in the NBA Draft this summer.
Barnes, the reigning rookie of the year in the NBA, is averaging 15.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 49 games this season. Mathurin, who was the sixth overall pick in last year’s draft, is averaging 17.9 points over 52 games off the bench for the Pacers. Nembhard, who the Pacers took with the 31st pick in the 2022 draft, has made 34 starts this season and is averaging 8.5 points over 45 total appearances. Miller is averaging 15.4 points through nine games with the Ignite.
Other notable names selected for the Rising Stars game include Magic star Paolo Banchero and top draft prospect Scoot Henderson.
The 21 NBA players selected will be divided into three teams of seven players each, while the seven NBA G-League players will compete as a fourth team. Team A will face Team B in the first semifinal (Game 1), and Team C will play Team D in the second semifinal (Game 2). The winner of Game 1 will meet the winner of Game 2 in the final (Game 3).
The three-game tournament will be played on Feb. 17 as part of all-star festivities in Salt Lake City. Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah, Jason Terry and Deron Williams will serve as honorary head coaches during the tournament.
NBA Rookies
Paolo Banchero (Frontcourt, Orlando Magic)
Jalen Duren (Frontcourt, Detroit Pistons)
AJ Griffin (Guard, Atlanta Hawks)
Jaden Ivey (Guard, Detroit Pistons)
Walker Kessler (Frontcourt, Utah Jazz)
Bennedict Mathurin (Guard, Indiana Pacers)
Keegan Murray (Frontcourt, Sacramento Kings)
Andrew Nembhard (Guard, Indiana Pacers)
Jabari Smith Jr. (Frontcourt, Houston Rockets)
Jeremy Sochan (Frontcourt, San Antonio Spurs)
Jalen Williams (Guard, Oklahoma City Thunder)
NBA Sophomores
Jose Alvarado (Guard, New Orleans Pelicans)
Scottie Barnes (Frontcourt, Toronto Raptors)
Josh Giddey (Guard, Oklahoma City Thunder)
Jalen Green (Guard, Houston Rockets)
Quentin Grimes (Guard, New York Knicks)
Bones Hyland (Guard, Denver Nuggets)
Evan Mobley (Frontcourt, Cleveland Cavaliers)
Trey Murphy III (Frontcourt, New Orleans Pelicans)
Alperen Şengün (Frontcourt, Houston Rockets)
Franz Wagner (Frontcourt, Orlando Magic)
NBA G League Players
Sidy Cissoko (Frontcourt, NBA G League Ignite)
Scoot Henderson (Guard, NBA G League Ignite)
Mojave King (Guard, NBA G League Ignite)
Kenneth Lofton Jr. (Frontcourt, Memphis Hustle/Memphis Grizzlies)
Mac McClung (Guard, Delaware Blue Coats)
Leonard Miller (Frontcourt, NBA G League Ignite)
Scotty Pippen Jr. (Guard, South Bay Lakers/Los Angeles Lakers)
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2023 NBA All-Star Game: Will Raptors’ Siakam earn a reserve spot?
By: Sportsnet Staff
Title: Raptors’ Barnes, trio of Canadians selected to 2023 NBA Rising Stars game
Sourced From: www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/raptors-barnes-trio-of-canadians-selected-to-2023-nba-rising-stars-game/
Published Date: 02-01-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "We The North” mean?
The Toronto Raptors use the anthem "We The North", also known as We The North Nation. It was created by Drake and Noah Shebib (producer).
Drake wrote the song while staying at his friend's apartment in Toronto. With Kanye West, he finished his album Take Care. Drake also wrote some lyrics about his hometown during the recording process. Drake wanted the song to represent all Canadians. The song speaks about unity and pride as well as hope.
Drake began to work on the melody for We The North after he went to London to film the video for his single "Nice For What". He then recorded the instrumental version in one take.
Drake was working on the lyrics, and 40 came up the chorus. After hearing the hook, Drake thought it sounded like a great idea and asked if he would record it. Together, they came up with the final product.
The official music video to "We The North Anthem", was released October 5, 2018. The video featured Shawn Mendes, a Canadian singer-songwriter, performing with Drake and other musicians.
What was the Raptors' greatest year?
The 2019 championship season was Toronto Raptors' best season. The Raptors won the NBA Championship for the first time in their history. It was an exciting and memorable season. Kawhi Leonard was named Finals Champion after a team record of 58-24. They defeated the Golden State Warriors 6-1 to claim the title.
The Toronto Raptors made a change in 2013 when they replaced Bryan Colangelo (then general manager) with Masai Ujiri. This move would herald a new age for the franchise. They would be one of the best in the NBA.
Under Ujiri, the Raptors enjoyed a resurgence, reaching the playoffs in 2014 for the first time since 2008. They've won five division titles and had their best season yet 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 a fantastic 2019, clinching their first conference championship and making it to the NBA finals for the inaugural time. They beat the Golden State Warriors in six games.
Ujiri’s tenure with Raptors has been a tremendous success. It is worth recognizing him as the one who changed the team’s fortunes. The Raptors are one of the top teams in the NBA thanks to his leadership and appear poised to remain contenders for many more years.
The 2019 championship season will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the best years in the Raptors' history.
Ujiri as well as the Toronto Raptors must continue to build a culture that supports their players, staff and players. This team is looking brighter with their continued dedication to excellence. The 2019 championship season has set the bar for Toronto Raptors, and it's up to Ujiri and his team to continue building on this success.
What is the name the Toronto Raptors' official mascot?
The Toronto Raptors are a NBA franchise which was established in 1995. They play at Scotiabank Arena.
The Raptors' mascot is Raptor, a giant red dinosaur. Raptor has been entertaining fans since 1995 when he was introduced. He makes regular appearances in Toronto to support community projects and charities. For his many years of support to the Raptors, he was named NBA Mascot of the Years in 2019. Raptor is a well-known figure in Toronto, as well as around the NBA. This makes him one of professional sports' most popular mascots. Raptor has become an international symbol for Canada's basketball fandom.
Many across the country and in cities all over the country agree with Raptor's enthusiasm about his team and its supporters. Raptor was the Raptors' most prominent leader and they won their first NBA championship in 2019. This was a landmark moment for basketball fans in Canada and Toronto. Raptor remains a major source for pride for those who are Raptors fans. As long as he is around, there will be plenty Raptors pride. The Raptor is still around! Go, Toronto Raptors!
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 wanted to provide $60 million in taxpayer funds to team owners to repay their existing debt. This meant that the city would have had to borrow $200m in order to build the arena. While the team owners had only to pay $20 million, this was a huge difference. This would leave the city's taxpayers responsible for the repayment of the remaining 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 the province for financial assistance. While the province provided $150 million for the project, the City Council required another $100 million. That's when the City decided to drop its plans and focus on building a new downtown arena instead.
When were the Raptors able to beat the Chicago Bulls.
The Raptors defeated Chicago Bulls in the final round of the 1996 NBA Championship. Final score was 109-108. Michael Jordan attempted to win the Bulls' game with a last-second shot, but it failed because it occurred after the final buzzer had sounded.
When was the Raptors their first game?
The Raptors played the New Jersey Nets in their first regular season at the SkyDome on November 3, 1995. Alvin Robertson scored the first points in franchise lore. The Raptors defeated Nets 94-79% with contributions from Damon Stoudamire (with 10 points and 10 assists) as well Robertson (30pts).
What was it like to be a Toronto Raptors fan for the first year?
The Toronto Raptors' first season in the NBA was a difficult one. 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 beat the Chicago Bulls once, but overall finished with a 21 - 61 win-loss record.
Toronto drafted Marcus Camby as Rookie-of-the Year in 1996. Camby was also part of the starting team with Alvin Williams at the point guard. Damon Stoudamire was traded later in 1997. Toronto made more roster changes over the years to ensure future success.
Despite all the changes, the team struggles throughout its first few seasons in the NBA. Toronto made its first playoff appearance in 2000 after years of rebuilding and transition. However, it lost the series to New York Knicks.
Statistics
- 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)
- 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)
- 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
en.wiktionary.org
thestar.com
basketball-reference.com
vividseats.com
How To
Tips for where to eat in Toronto before the Toronto Raptors' Game at Scotiabank Arena
Avoiding eating before a game is the best thing to do. Plenty of food will be available for sale inside if you're hungry after arriving at the arena.
There are also concession stands and food stands along the concourse. You can find places that specialize in beer and others that offer hot dogs, pizzas, and burgers.
Concession stands that sell nachos are a popular choice. These cheesy snacks contain toppings such as jalapenos, cheese sauce, sour cream, and bacon bits.
Another option is to purchase tickets to a pregame party. These parties can be hosted at many restaurants so guests can enjoy food or drinks before heading to the arena.
It's a great place to try local cuisine. The menu features ribs, chicken wings, and pulled pork sandwiches.
Several fast food chains are nearby, including Tim Hortons, Subway, and McDonald's.
You can find healthy restaurants within walking distance for those who want to avoid greasy foods. Freshii is a notable restaurant. This chain offers fresh salads and wraps made from organic ingredients.
Other options include juice shops and sushi bars.
If you are looking for something more than just a coffee shop or ice cream parlour, there are plenty of options right around the corner.
There are many places to eat in Toronto, no matter what your taste buds may be. Make sure to leave yourself enough time to get through security and find your seat!
Enjoy cheering for the home team and thank you for reading! Go Raptors! Enjoy the game
