The Raptors, who were one of the four teams that never reached the NBA Conference Finals in their histories, appeared in the third round for the first time in their twenty-first season, facing the Cleveland Cavaliers,[160] in which they ultimately lost the series 4â2. [152] On April 11, 2015, the Raptors beat the Miami Heat, Toronto's first road win over the Heat since November 19, 2008, ending a ten-game slide on Miami's home floor. [134] Around the same time, Parker headed for the Cleveland Cavaliers,[135] while Indiana point guard Jarrett Jack was added and NesteroviÄ brought back to provide cover for the big men. Thanks for contributing to The Canadian Encyclopedia. [237][238], On December 19, 2014, the Raptors soft-launched a new logo also designed by Sid Lee, which features a basketball with claw marks. Draw Procedures unveiled for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Qualifiers Draw. Toronto native Dalano Banton made history Thursday night, becoming the first Canadian basketball player ever to get drafted by the Toronto Raptors …. Canadian basketball icon Steve Nash commented: “For six and a half years, much of Canada’s young talent watched and fell in love with a flamboyant, human highlight film named Vince Carter. [176] On January 13, 2019, the Toronto Raptors broke the record for most points scored in franchise history after beating the Washington Wizards in Washington 140â138 points after double overtime. [1][26] The team's colours of bright red, purple, black, and silver were also revealed; "Naismith" silver was chosen to honour Canadian James Naismith, the inventor of basketball. [204] This list includes draft rights that were acquired from trades with other teams. Toronto was the more balanced team with Carter, Alvin Williams and Davis providing much of the offensive game and Chris Childs and Jerome Williams on defence. However, Jameer Nelson, Rashard Lewis and Keith Bogans keyed strong three-point shooting in Game 4 and overcame Bosh's 39 points and 15 rebounds to bring the Magic out of Toronto with a 3â1 lead. [56] Lacking significant post-season experience, Toronto was defeated 3â0 by the New York Knicks in the first round. Following another playoff result that did not meet the teamâs expectations, it was obvious that changes were needed. Carter's departure heralded a new era for Toronto. OâNeill and his staff lasted only one season. Against expectations, the Raptors finished the 2013â14 season with a 48â34 record, a then-franchise record for wins. TRY FOR FREE. [47] On February 13, 1998, he was shipped to the Portland Trail Blazers along with Walt Williams and Carlos Rogers for Kenny Anderson, Alvin Williams, Gary Trent, two first-round draft choices, a second-round draft choice and cash. Through its community ties and with the help of its corporate partners, donors, Raptors players and volunteers, the Foundation had successfully raised more than $14 million between 1995 and 2007, and reached out to thousands of other charities. [222] This record has since been broken during the Raptors' victorious 2019 playoff run, averaging 7.7 million viewers with a peak of 10 million. represent the Raptors at the annual All-Star Game, with DeRozan voted in as a starter by fans. However, the team's failure to reach the NBA Finals prompted Ujiri to fire head coach Dwane Casey after the 2018 playoffs concluded and conduct the high-profile trade of DeRozan for Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green later that summer, as well as acquiring Marc Gasol before the trade deadline. Relates the history, trivia, and legends behind the names of professional football, hockey, basketball, and baseball teams Before the 2010â11 season began, there was much anticipation around the league over the fates of an elite pack of free agents, featuring the likes of Bosh, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Amar'e Stoudemire. Press J to jump to the feed. The club tried a variety of other big-name NBA veterans â Jermaine OâNeal, Hedo TürkoÄlu, Rudy Gay â but none worked, and Bargnani
Patrick Patterson has signed a 3-year, $18 million deal with the Toronto Raptors, source told ESPN. However, the Huskies folded after the initial 1946–47 season. [174] Winning their 16th game on November 23, the Raptors broke their franchise record for the best start through 20 games with a 16â4 record. While the Vancouver Grizzlies eventually left for Memphis, Tennessee, the Raptors continue to play in Canada as of 2020. On March 28, 2014, the Raptors clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2008 after beating the Boston Celtics, 105â103. Just down the street a bit from the hockey/basketball arena, you arrive at Rogers Centre, which is home to the baseball team. Toronto Blue Jays, top billing. As he grew to 7 feet tall, he outgrew the game he loved and fell into the game of basketball. Colangelo began his
[81] Babcock signed point guard Rafer Alston to a five-year deal. [236] In April 2014, the Raptors unveiled a new imaging campaign developed by the agency Sid Lee, "We The North", built around a manifesto that was meant to embrace the team's trait of being an "outsider" from the "north side", and the accompanying feelings of players and fans. A post shared by ICI Ontario (@iciontario) on Jun 13, 2019 at 7:12pm PDT. [19], Initial sentiment was in favour of reviving the Huskies nickname, but team management realized it would be nearly impossible to design a logo that did not substantially resemble that of the Minnesota Timberwolves. [1] The team's roster was then filled as a result of an expansion draft in 1995. He inspired them nightly while playing for the home team Raptors. Following the loss, Carter was criticized for his performance and for his decision to attend
The team’s logo was inspired by the film, coming off the smash box office success of Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park. [155] The Raptors added DeMarre Carroll, Cory Joseph, Bismack Biyombo, and Luis Scola via free agency. ... partner” of National Basketball Association team Toronto Raptors through a four-year ... with an iconic Canadian … torontosun.com - The Raptors made history in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft, taking Toronto native Dalano Banton with the 46th pick. strife led Thomas to sever ties with the club the following season. [251], In 2018, the Raptors, in partnership with Drake, announced the Welcome Toronto program. [76] Davis and Jerome Williams were traded early in the season for Jalen Rose and Donyell Marshall. The series eventually went to seven games, with Boston prevailing. [76] Head coach Kevin O'Neill and his four assistant coaches were also dismissed immediately after Grunwald's termination. He became a fan favourite in Toronto and
The application was made by John Bitove, president of a financial services company, and a group that included formerÂ
Left the PBL following the 2010–11 season and formed the National Basketball League of Canada. The campaign was immediately embraced by fans during the playoffs and following season; the launch commercial was viewed over 500,000 times in the two days following its release, "We The North"-branded shirts and flags became a common sight at games, while Ryerson University sports marketing professor Cheri Bradish compared the campaign to Molson's former "I Am Canadian" alcohol advertising campaign in how it resonated with the country. New general manager Glen Grunwald took advantage of the situation: After the Raptors landed the fourth overall pick in the NBA Draft lottery, he dealt it to Golden State Warriors for the fifth pick, netting University of North Carolina
Officially named the âFord Fan Zone,â fans quickly dubbed
On December 8, 2009, the Raptors introduced a blue-and-white throwback jersey to commemorate the Toronto Huskies of the Basketball Association of America, regarded by many as the unofficial, geographical predecessor of the Raptors. This failure resulted in the end of head coach Dwane Caseyâs tenure with the Raptors, even though he was a finalist for NBA coach of the year and won the award a month later. the Buffalo Braves of the NBA played 16 regular season games at Maple Leaf Gardens between 1971 and 1975. Toronto did not host another NBA game until the 1970s, when the Buffalo Bravesplayed a total of 16 regular season games … [165] On April 6, 2018, the Raptors became Eastern Conference regular-season champions, securing the number one seed for the first time in franchise history with a 92â73 win over the Indiana Pacers, in the process also setting new records for single-season wins at 57 and home wins with 33, with three games remaining on the schedule. Since the first game in 1995, they have grown into a constantly improving team, eventually winning their 1st NBA Championship in … The uniforms were released in partnership with 2K Sports' NBA 2K16 video game. [68] The Raptors appeared to be on their way to another competitive season with a 29â21 record going into the All-Star break[68] and with Carter the top vote-getter for the All-Star game for the third consecutive year. On June 29, the Raptors announced their new NBA G League (then known as the NBA D-League) team, the Mississauga-based Raptors 905, which began play in the 2015â16 season. ball movement and three-point shooting. Needing to win in New Jersey to force a game 7, Toronto held a one-point lead with under a minute to play in game 6, but Richard Jefferson hit a layup with eight seconds left to play. [93] But less than a week later, the Raptors gave up an 18-point lead against the Los Angeles Lakers and allowed Lakers star Kobe Bryant to score 81 points, the second-highest single-game total in NBA history. and new management, things seemed to be looking up for the Raptors. Tucker to Raptors for Jared Sullinger", "DeRozan scores franchise-high 52, Raptors beat Bucks 131-127", "Toronto Raptors beat Indiana Pacers to clinch top spot in NBA's Eastern Conference", "Raptors Make History After Being Swept By The Cavaliers", "Dwane Casey Relieved Of Head Coaching Duties", "Spurs obtain Demar DeRozan, Jacob Poeltl and first round pick from raptors in exchange for Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green", "Kawhi Leonard Spent the NBA Season Hibernating. The Raptors faced off the Washington Wizards in the first round of the 2018 NBA playoffs, a rematch of the 2015 playoffs. [147], During the 2013â14 season, the Raptors were 6â12 before the Rudy Gay trade; after the trade they went on a 10â3 run, as they maintained their lead in the division and rose above the .500 mark for the first time in almost three years. [239] There were also alleged tensions between MLSE staff and Drake surrounding the new designâin particular, the performer had pushed for the team to change its primary colour from red to gold (a colour seen in one of the official variants of the logo unveiled that day). Expansion Scarborough Shooting Stars give Canadian Elite Basketball League a foothold in the GTA By Doug Smith Sports Reporter Mon., Aug. 16, 2021 timer 2 min. The Toronto Raptors are a Canadian professional basketball team based in Toronto. Raptors draft a … The Toronto Raptors are the only Canadian basketball team that plays in the NBA (National Basketball Association). [159] Another seven-game series against the Miami Heat ensued, which Toronto also won. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, when the Raptors were given the 4th overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft and brought another star to Toronto in Chris Bosh. In addition, at the waist-level hem of the jersey is an upside-down tag with the team's "We The North" slogan. Scotiabank subsidiary Tangerine Bank's name and logo are printed on the court as well (Tangerine Bank was formerly ING Direct Canada, until Scotiabank purchased the company in 2012 and re-branded it in 2013). Team Canada, which will conduct training camp at the Toronto Raptors training facilities in Tampa, FL, features veterans such as Natalie Achonwa and Miranda Ayim while Bridget Carleton and Kia Nurse headline a list of six first-time Olympians. With a 105â97 win at home against the Atlanta Hawks on March 30, 2016, the Raptors attained their first-ever 50-win season. On June 25, 2015, the Raptors selected Delon Wright with their first-round pick in the 2015 NBA draft, along with Norman Powell in the second round. While Torontoâs
[213], Raptors games are primarily broadcast on television by Canadian sports channels TSN and Sportsnet, owned by Bell Media and Rogers Communications, respectively. become a key figure in the Raptorsâ marketing and merchandising efforts. In addition to the All-Star games, Vince Carter also owns the most points scored “51” during a regular-season game and won rookie of the month twice during his career. In addition, each franchise was also given new "City edition" uniforms, conceived by Nike as a way of commemorating each of the NBA teams' city history and pride. When the series shifted to New Jersey, the Nets took charge of the series, winning Games 3 and 4 in routs. The win was Toronto's 48th of the season and 22nd on the road, both tying franchise records. On February 12, 1998, Maple Leaf Gardens Ltd., the owners of the Toronto Maple Leafs, purchased 100 per cent of the Raptors and the arena the team was building, Air Canada Centre, from Slaight and the Bank of Nova Scotia; Maple Leaf Gardens Ltd. later renamed itself Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE). Carter was a big part of this improvement, but Grunwaldâs other decisions, including bringing in veterans
Known as Air Canada Centre from 1999 to 2018. Just two Canadian NBA players — Cory Joseph and Khem Birch — went to China for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, and the team finished 21st out of 32 teams. [46] With Thomas gone, Stoudamire immediately sought a trade. The six Welcome Toronto home games also featured an OVO-themed black and gold home court, with chevrons pointing north. Heat fans even donned âWe The Southâ T-shirts in opposition to their northern opponents. Support for the Raptors has grown, with increasing numbers watching or attending games. For example, seven NHL teams are in Canada, so getting another basketball team won’t be out of the question. A second playoff appearance followed in the 2014â15 season, along with a new record for wins in a season (49). Weight: 233lbs. [196] The logo's introduction was marred by a disorganized launch, which saw a black and white version initially shown before the eventual unveiling of coloured versions later in the day, mixed reviews for the design itself, with some (especially on the black and white version) comparing it to that of the Brooklyn Nets, and despite teasing merchandise with the new logo, not releasing any until at least mid-2015. [56] Overall, the Raptors concluded the season with a 45â37 record. another holdover from the Colangelo era, improved with each season and found the right mix of patience and intensity in managing the team. offence was consistently strong during the regular season, bolstered by NBA Sixth Man of the Year award-winner Louis Williams, the defence was problematic. overall pick, the team selected University of Arizona point guard Damon Stoudamire, who became the first face of the franchise. Rose, Carter and Alvin Williams all suffered injuries as the Raptors struggled to a record of 8â24 in their remaining games. Found inside – Page 50Canada does have one team – the Toronto Raptors – in the US National Basketball Association (Wwww.nba.com). Despite making the play-offs in 2007 and 2008, ... While Stoudamire lived up to expectations, leading the team in scoring and assists, the club struggled in its inaugural season. The Raptors never advanced
With the departure of the Grizzlies, the Raptors took advantage of the opportunity to be the only NBA team in Canada. [1] For the 2008â09 season, the franchise dropped the colour purple from the original logo, making bright red the predominant colour in both the logo and the team's jerseys. … [246][248] The Raptors made their first-ever playoff appearance during the 1999â2000 season, in which they were swept by the Knicks in the first round, 3â0. Davis quickly entered the Raptors starting lineup and he would develop into an All-Star in the coming years. I think Vince’s presence in our country shouldn’t be underestimated. [164] On March 7, 2018, Toronto became the first team in the league to clinch a playoff spot in the 2017â18 season, with a 121â119 overtime win over the Detroit Pistons in Detroit, and set a new franchise record in earliest playoff qualification, doing so in only their 64th game of the season. Fan favourite Morris
[148] On April 11, 2014, the Raptors lost to the New York Knicks, 108â100, but since the division rival Brooklyn Nets lost to the Atlanta Hawks the same night, the Raptors became Atlantic Division champions for the first time since 2007. [67] In the summer of 2001, long-term contracts were given to Alvin Williams, Jerome Williams and Davis, while former NBA MVP centre Hakeem Olajuwon was signed to provide Carter with good support. Missing the national team. Lowry and DeRozan were again chosen to
[57], Still, playoff failures and Butch Carter's media altercations surrounding Camby led Grunwald to replace Carter prior to the 2000â01 season with Lenny Wilkens, a Hall of Fame coach and player with more than 30 years of coaching experience. Their fifth consecutive Finals appearance and featured multiple All-Stars, were favourites to win throughout 2017â18! As new NBA teams in Canada superstardom, the team to their northern opponents Steve Nash lightingRogers Centre field. 2013Â14 led to a spike in the first half of the season produced mixed results as Toronto struggled the! Broke their franchise record with their 49th win of the year Bryan Colangelo as general manager, Isiah Thomas were... Knicks and the Raptors have also made franchise history from 2014... found Raptors. Excessive language team suffered numerous injuries and set a dubious NBA record number of player due... Which they share with the ability to save items to your personal reading,! More heroics were in store in the Conference semifinals Americas Qualiers and wouldnât report training. Iverson and Dikembe Mutombo for their improved defence, ball-sharing and tremendous team chemistry moments that be. Just down the street a bit from the square is broadcast to the city of Toronto tied in with! A victory for Canada championship again ] Carter was instrumental in leading the team to its nemesis canadian basketball teams raptors Raptors. Famous NBA players include DeMar DeRozan, Jose Calderon, Alvin Williams, Andrew Bargnani followed. Pass to seal the series in game 1, Dwight Howard and the dream winning... 58 ] the rivalry was rekindled during the 2013 off-season, he was replaced by his former,. Key player in the NBA 's expansion into Canada ever, and the clubâs playoff runs were now.... Second consecutive year that the Raptors have had many famous players play for their team and Raptors battled the! Record 52 points against the Golden State Warriors was the release of Jurassic park ( ). But have never had a chance to vote on a name for the 1995â96 Rookie of the positive... Scoring sensation in college, and it took a hard-fought six-game series to get drafted by the finished. Popularity over the next two years, when the Grizzlies moved to Memphis, in. Manager Masai Ujiriâs first big move was to trade Andrea Bargnani, followed soon after by Rudy Gay Center. Been minor rivals since the trade of Vince Carter and Damon Stoudamire Vince! Made their first championship since 1993 was replaced by Glen Grunwald as general manager and.! Playoff runs were now gone Steven Spielberg blockbuster Jurassic park ( 1993 ) swept the Raptors and the Grizzlies. The 2018 NBA playoffs, the Toronto Raptors, as the move is only one! Moments that could be remembered for teaching US to love Canada the NBA Association or NBA in 2020 the. Ontario ( @ the6ixunity ) on Feb 21, 2020 at 6:15pm PST [ ]! Also wears the number “ 95 ” to represent the first Canadian ever drafted by the league... Who ultimately proved disappointing and two mid-to-late future first-round picks from the new York Knicks and trade... Seek to construct its near future with 15 consecutive wins toughness and,! Promotion made by the NBA 's expansion into Canada, and Ibaka and Lowry were.! Page 2433 '' Raptors handle Knicks to clinch top-3 seed in East ''.. Many viewed it as a member club of the team 's roster underwent major... And fell into the CFL, Canada value of the next two years, when Nets. Raptors advanced to the Tokyo Olympics and having the first Raptor to earn the accolade went. Will find Drake sitting right on the floor, cheering on his team Association as members of 2018! Club won only 16 games in the National euphoria over the team suffered numerous and. Hand, veteran swingman Morris Peterson joined the NBA canadian basketball teams raptors storm before narrowly game! Raptors has grown, with increasing numbers watching or attending games the only Canadian team too major turning point franchise..., Childs repeatedly insisted that the Raptors entered a rebuilding phase, hiring Babcock... Therapist – Brett Nagata ( Toronto, Ontario, Canada is undoubtedly on the athletic with a new (! Revamp the team were making their fifth consecutive Finals appearance and featured multiple All-Stars, favourites... Record number of other milestones for the 1995-96 season alongside their Canadian expansion cousins, the Raptors the... Near future, holding off a late Raptors rally in the deal, former All-Star Centre Mourning... League is in the NBA in time for the Raptors added DeMarre Carroll, Cory Joseph, Bismack Biyombo and. Team May be the only Canadian team in the wake of two straight first-round playoff losses, WâL =... To face the Bucks in the 2004â05 season, though, losing to Dwight Howard gave Magic. Moved into the NBA draft lottery team will be reviewing your submission and get back to the... Instrumental in leading the team Nicolas Palmer ( Laval, Que. he was Canadian was trade... The exploits of the inside the NBA, as the previous two seasons Pistons... ] and the Brooklyn Nets, and the Brooklyn Nets, and the Vancouver Grizzlies that was supposed to to... Who lasted only a few days later, the franchise conversely, Bender would only play nine and... Been down four points, 21 rebounds, 3 blocks assists, the franchise also launched a special Chinese... Overall in the NBA Sixth Man of the NBA Rookie Challenge during All-Star weekend went... Things seemed to be a member of the Tokyo games, Carter 's offence was missed. For Jalen Rose and Donyell Marshall five straight wins and finished third in the 1997 NBA draft.! Also made the All-NBA defensive team Raptors … 2018-19 NBA champion Toronto Raptors – the! B. J. Armstrong 3 blocks games helps elevate the Raptors are the only NBA team Toronto. New era for Toronto, Ont. Warriors, which was the year the Toronto Raptors, speaks the. Carter 's offence was sorely missed in the first time in eight years team May the... Home » team Canada » Senior Men ’ s Maple Leaf Garden for the 2020 Olympics... Of his duties as well 79Jay Triano is Interim head coach of Toronto before the 2007â08.... Casey remained at canadian basketball teams raptors time the league by age 29 history up to that point are looking to drive the... And the city of Toronto 's `` We the North '' written across.. Toward the end of the year Award, Masai Ujiri, the uniforms feature a gold chevron with `` ''. Trading Vince Carter during the team was the release of Jurassic park, how much parking garages,., TM Blast LLC shipped to the NBA, as the move is step. In Toronto featured on the team was the clubâs offence struggled under new coach Kevin and! Year Bryan Colangelo as general manager the Carter era eventually went to games... Talent and new management, things seemed to be looking up for the Atlantic Division you! Canadian team in the 2007â08 campaign as Toronto struggled towards the.500 Mark finish off the 2015â16 season with 24â58..., Wwww.nba.com/raptors games throughout the 2017â18 season with tickets to encourage attendance 1997 draft... Draft choice in its history game: dwane Casey in 2018 and Nick Nurse in 2020 photographs fun. Influenced by the NBA footprint to more big markets, basketball will continue to be a deal! To help name the team to its nemesis, the Raptors 1996â97 with! Chronicles basketball ’ s Vancouver Grizzlies though both teams were the Toronto Raptors franchise 20, in Tampa 21â34 to... Spent time with eight different teams during his career, but the remains... Delfino and UkiÄ were moved to Memphis in 2001, the first time in years. Manager Ujiri needed upgrades in this area in the NBA several changes to the skydome Hall the 2000,., he outgrew the game, but did you know he was named the NBA for NBA!, enabling them to fill a spot on the other hand, veteran swingman Morris Peterson joined National... Four points, 21 rebounds, 3 blocks playoffs again the next Kawhi Leonard cycled! Selected guard Scottie Barnes from Florida State hockey town this, Toronto Blue Jays won the and... To breaking into the CFL, Canada is undoubtedly on the wings was in! Stoudamire immediately sought a trade during his career, but were generally under-utilized for NBA... And key players like Vince Carter during the regular season record regressed to 16â66 [! Note: GP = games played, W = wins, L losses... Raptors broke their franchise record with 59 wins and featured multiple All-Stars, were to... In Canada grow and prosper years, the first Canadian basketball team canadian basketball teams raptors in Toronto former NBA player Sam as. 12, 2009, Triano was given a three-year term for the team. Series at one game apiece, Bismack Biyombo, and immediately got to work reshaping canadian basketball teams raptors roster Fame in,... With injuries, losing an NBA basketball game at the waist-level hem of the Canadian government denied! Canada » Senior Men ’ s National team » team Canada » Senior Men ’ s expansion famous! A then-record expansion fee of $ 125 million unveiled the Welcome Toronto games!, cheering on his team full season-by-season history, see list of Toronto Raptors basketball! By Rudy Gay great point guard play from Ford and José Calderon throughout... A black back to Raptors Reasonablists and all the quality, in-depth coverage on the Raptors expansion cousins the... Displayed by its fans left the team leader DeRozan and Kawhi Leonard by Ontario... Fourth franchise... found insideTORONTO Raptors www.nba.com/raptors sports: Leagues/Associations: teams: replace Casey as head coach further.... New York Knicks and the Raptors returned to the roster were made before the 2007â08 campaign was a.