Open Gym Pres. By Bell S11E03 | Uncle Rico

By Robert Dodds May 4, 2023 32 mins read 31729 Views

A blog dedicated to providing true Raptors fans with engaging content in support of our beloved basketball team.

We believe in the culture of hard work, determination, and resilience that has been embodied since day one by Masai Ujiri and his vision for the team. Together we are on a journey to secure a second championship and make our dreams come true. We stand side by side with one mission: to help the Toronto Raptors succeed!

With a fan base as passionate as ours, we invite like-minded individuals who want their voices heard to contribute their opinions and become part of this community. If you would like to write for us, please email us at [email protected].

At Raptors Rumors, we take pride in believing that every single fan is essential, every opinion matters and we believe in “We the North” spirit that unites us all! Your support means everything to us so let's go Raps!

Open Gym Pres. By Bell S11E03 | Uncle Rico

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "We The North” actually mean?

The phrase "We The North," also known as We The North Nation, is an anthem used by the Toronto Raptors. It was composed by Drake and Noah "40" Shebib.

Drake composed the song while he was staying in Toronto with a friend. He finished recording his album Take Care with fellow artist Kanye West. Drake also wrote some lyrics about his hometown during the recording process. Drake wanted it be representative of all Canadians. It speaks of unity, pride and hope.

Drake began working on the melody to We The North in London, when he was filming the video for "Nice For What". The instrumental version of the song was recorded in one take.

While Drake was writing the lyrics for the track, 40 came up with the chorus. Drake loved the hook and asked to record it. Together they created the final product.

The official music video for "We The North Anthem," was released on October 5, 2018. It featured Shawn Mendes, Canadian singer-songwriter and Drake performing with other musicians.

Did Vancouver have an NBA team?

Vancouver does have an NBA team. The Vancouver Grizzlies existed in the city from 1995 to 2001. However, the team moved to Memphis Tennessee in 2001. Vancouver's basketball fans now support the Toronto Raptors. They are the closest NBA franchise to the city. 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 offers many recreational options for fans to enjoy their favorite sport, aside from basketball. The Vancouver Grizzlies Alumni Association, for example, is a group that aims to bring back former players and increase awareness about basketball in British Columbia. The association hosts clinics and viewing parties for Raptors matches.

The city's enthusiasm for basketball has not diminished following the departure from the Grizzlies. This community continues to support the sport through many different ways. Vancouverites continue to show their passion for basketball by attending local games, watching Raptors games and supporting the many initiatives undertaken by former players and other organizations working to spread awareness about basketball within the city.

Who owns Toronto Raptors

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment is the owner of the team. MLSE also holds the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs and MLS's Toronto FC. It also owns the CFL's Toronto Argonauts and the AHL's Toronto Marlies.

What was the Toronto Raptors first season?

The Toronto Raptors won just 21 games during their debut season. The 1995-1996 Toronto Raptors season was the inaugural season of the Toronto Raptors in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Raptors were among two expansion teams that joined the league in 1995, alongside the Vancouver Grizzlies. It was also the first NBA season played outside the United States.

Isiah THOMAS, an All Star point guard from the Detroit Pistons, became the General Manager. He helped with the draft, which yielded Damon Stoudamire, who would go on to win Rookie of the Year. They also acquired Tracy Murray and Oliver Miller in separate trades. Thomas introduced a new primary symbol of a dinosaur playing in basketball and new pinstripe unis with the logo at the front of their jerseys. The Raptors also added red and purple to their color scheme.

Brendan Malone, new head coach for the Raptors, made his debut on November 3 against the New Jersey Nets at SkyDome. The Raptors lost their next seven contests.

Murray was second in scoring with 16.2 points per game. He also led the team with 151 three point field goals. Miller had 12.9 points per game, 1.4 steals, 1.4 assists and 1.9 block per match, while Robertson was responsible for 9.3 points with 4.4rebounds, four assists, two steals per contest off the bench.

Despite having the worst attendance record in the league they still managed to attract over 17283 fans per match at SkyDome (now Rogers Centre).

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 (Raptors) and Delon Wright-C.J. Miles and a 2024 second-round pick from the draft to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Marc Gasol, another multiple All-Star and former Defensive Players of the Year. Jeremy Lin was signed shortly thereafter.

The Toronto Raptors had an extremely exciting offseason. Two major trades sent shockwaves through NBA. DeMar DeRozan was traded first to the Raptors, Jakob Poltl was traded second and a first-round draft pick for 2019 (that was still protected) was sent to San Antonio Spurs. They received Kawhi Leonard from the Spurs in exchange. Then, they traded Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright C. J. Miles and a 2024 second-round pick were traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Marc Gasol, another multiple All-Star and former Defensive player of the year. These trades put the Raptors in an excellent position to contend for an NBA championship this season. Let's have a closer look at each trade.

Kawhi Leonard's trade was a risk-reward deal for the Raptors. Leonard is an MVP-caliber player when healthy, and he's a top-5 player in league. However, Leonard only played nine games last season because of injury and it is unclear if he will continue to play. However, the Raptors decided that the reward was worth the risk and pulled the trigger on 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. He is a true threat to the Raptors' chances of winning an NBA championship if he stays healthy.

Marc Gasol traded for Marc Gasol in a more short-term move. Gasol is now in his 30s and clearly has reached his peak. But, he's still a good player that brings valuable experience and talent to the young Raptors. He is averaging 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists per game while shooting 45% from the field and 34% from three-point range. The Raptors gave up some young assets in Delon Wright and C.J. Miles was acquired by Gasol. However, the Raptors believe his expertise will prove to be valuable during playoffs.

The Raptors got off to a 6-0 start, winning their 16th game on November 23rd (breaking their franchise record for the best start through 20 games with a 16-4 record); reaching 20 wins quicker than any time in their history when they won 24th game of the season on December 1st against Cleveland Cavaliers; breaking the franchise record for most points scored in franchise history after beating Washington Wizards 140-138 points after double overtime on January 13th. The Raptors were careful with Leonard and did not allow him to play more than 20 games during the season in order to avoid aggravating his injury. The Raptors still managed to capture the 2nd East seed, trailing only behind the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Raptors went on to have a successful run in the playoffs, dispatching the Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks to reach the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. Leonard was named Finals' MVP as the Raptors won the first title against the Golden State Warriors.

The Toronto Raptors enjoyed a successful offseason. This has been a huge success. With two All-Stars on the roster, the Raptors are poised to be contenders for 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 interesting to see if their success continues in the future.

How many years has the Raptors been around?

Toronto Raptors are an NBA NBA franchise. The Raptors, along the Vancouver Grizzlies, joined the NBA in 1995 as an expansion team. The Grizzlies relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, in 2001-02, making the Raptors the only Canadian-based team in the NBA.

Toronto Raptors' home games are played at Scotiabank Arena. The city's NHL team also uses the arena, the Maple Leafs. The Raptors have appeared in the NBA playoffs 13 times since their founding, most recently in 2021, where they lost in 6 games to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs.

The Raptors made their first playoff appearance in 1999-2000. The Raptors were swept in round one by New York Knicks, their division rivals.

Fans were rare and few, and the team was not very exciting. There wasn't anything to root for, nor was there anyone who cared. After years and years of failure, the team decided it was time to change. They went to great lengths to appeal to the masses.

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

The slogan was used to promote the fact the games were sold out. All they needed was a catchy phrase and a great logo to go along with it. This is where creativity shines through. They combined "hear me roar" and "never forget to die", a popular saying. This became the Toronto Raptors' official motto.

Statistics

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)
Thomas named Raptors' GM NBA superstar to have 10% stake in the new franchise". (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)
By 2018, estimated the Raptors were worth $1.4 billion, 12th in the NBA. (en.wikipedia.org)

External Links

How To

How to Get a Toronto Raptors Authentic Jersey

The authentic Toronto Raptors jersey will make you a true fan. Authentic jerseys are made with quality materials and feature the same cut and designs worn on the court by the players. There are many options for authentic Raptors jerseys, from replicas to modified versions.

The first and easiest way is to visit the official Toronto Raptors online store. Here you'll find a wide selection of jerseys for men, women, and kids. There are many options to choose from, including home, away and alternate designs. This will ensure that you get the look you desire. The store also carries a range of accessories to complete your authentic Raptors game-day look.

If you're looking for something extraordinary, the Toronto Raptors team shop at Scotiabank Arena is worth a visit. The shop offers a wide selection of jerseys as well other team merchandise. This includes limited-edition items like autographed Jerseys.

If you want to purchase an authentic Raptors jersey online, you will find many sellers who specialize in it. Do your research to ensure that the seller is legitimate before you buy. You might also be interested in special discounts or promotions that could save money.

The Toronto Raptors jersey is much more than just a piece of clothing. A Toronto Raptors jersey is more than just a piece of clothing. It's a symbol for pride for all sports fans. Fans treasure the team jerseys. But it's not just another piece of apparel. These jerseys are special to the wearers.

They represent excellence in basketball. These jerseys are cherished by fans because they have seen their stars grow up and play on the court.

Fans love watching the game live and seeing the players perform. Fans feel a closer connection with the athletes.

Toronto Raptors jerseys are a great way to show players' support while enjoying the game's action.

Here are the steps to get an authentic Toronto Raptors jersey :

Shop at Official Retailers or Stores - If your goal is to purchase a Toronto Raptors Jersey, then you need to visit an official store such as Nike, Adidas, Fanatic or Mitchell & Ness. These items can also be found at most sports shops.
Look for Authenticity – Every item should have a certified of authenticity. Make sure the jersey looks genuine and has the correct player name and numbers. Make sure you check if the patch or sticker is still on the jersey. Check for any damage to the jersey.
Buy Online - You may be able purchase your jersey online even if you don't live near an official shop. Make sure the seller offers free shipping
Wait for your item - Once you have received your jersey, take good care. Wear it indoors. Only wear it when you are watching the game. It should never be washed.

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