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— CH. 1 · EXPANSION AND FOUNDING —

Toronto Raptors

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  • On the 3rd of November 1995, the Toronto Raptors played their first official game against the New Jersey Nets at SkyDome. Alvin Robertson scored the first points in franchise history during a 94, 79 victory. The team had been formalized on the 4th of November 1993, when the NBA Board of Governors awarded its 28th franchise to a group headed by John Bitove for US$125 million. This fee was a record expansion cost at the time. The ownership group included Allan Slaight of Slaight Communications and the Bank of Nova Scotia as minority partners. Before the inaugural season began, sales of Raptors merchandise ranked seventh in the league. The name "Raptors" was unveiled on Canadian national television on the 15th of May 1994. The choice was influenced by the popularity of the 1993 film Jurassic Park. The team colors were bright red, purple, black, and silver. Naismith silver honored James Naismith, the inventor of basketball. Isiah Thomas served as the first general manager.

  • In February 1998, the Raptors traded Antawn Jamison to the Golden State Warriors for Vince Carter, who was selected fifth overall in the 1998 NBA draft. Carter won the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest with emphatic performances that attracted many fans previously uninterested in basketball. During the 1999, 2000 season, the team finished with a 45, 37 record after playing four years at SkyDome before moving to Air Canada Centre. The franchise made its first playoff appearance in 2000 but lost three games to the New York Knicks. In 2001, Toronto defeated New York 3, 2 to win their first-ever playoff series. They advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals against Philadelphia. Game 7 came down to the last few seconds when Carter's potential series-winning shot rolled off the rim. Despite criticism over his attendance at a graduation ceremony, the 2001 season remains a watermark for the franchise. Carter led the team to 47 wins and became the top vote-getter for the All-Star game three consecutive years. He suffered patellar tendinitis in November 2002, missing the rest of the season.

  • Vince Carter was traded mid-season in February 2004 to the New Jersey Nets for Alonzo Mourning and other assets. Chris Bosh emerged as the new franchise player following Carter's departure. Bryan Colangelo was appointed general manager on the 27th of February 2006. The roster included Andrea Bargnani, selected first overall in the 2006 NBA draft. The 2006, 07 season saw the Raptors finish with a 47, 35 record and secure the Atlantic Division title. Sam Mitchell won Coach of the Year honors that same year. However, the following campaign ended in disappointment after injuries derailed progress. Bargnani struggled to play consistently while key players like Garbajosa and Ford missed significant time. In 2008, the team acquired Jermaine O'Neal from Indiana but fired head coach Jay Triano after an 8, 9 start. The 2010, 11 season resulted in only 22 wins after Chris Bosh signed with Miami Heat. Kyle Lowry was acquired from Houston Rockets during the 2012 off-season. The team finished 34, 48 in 2012, 13 despite winning 21 home games.

  • Masai Ujiri became general manager in the 2013 off-season and immediately traded Andrea Bargnani to New York Knicks for Marcus Camby and other assets. The Raptors went 10, 3 after trading Rudy Gay on the 9th of December 2013. They clinched their first playoff berth since 2008 by beating Boston Celtics 105, 103 on the 28th of March 2014. DeMar DeRozan was selected to play in the All-Star game that year. The franchise won its third consecutive Atlantic Division title in 2016 with a 56, 26 record. This marked the best regular season ever for Toronto. The team hosted the 2016 NBA All-Star Game on the 14th of February 2016. In the playoffs, they defeated Indiana Pacers in seven games before losing to Cleveland Cavaliers four games to two. On the 1st of January 2018, DeMar DeRozan scored a franchise-record 52 points against Milwaukee Bucks. The team finished with 59 wins during the 2017, 18 season, setting records for single-season wins and home victories.

  • On the 18th of July 2018, the Raptors traded DeMar DeRozan to San Antonio Spurs for Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green. Leonard became a two-time Defensive Player of the Year. During the trade deadline, Jonas Valančiūnas was sent to Memphis Grizzlies for Marc Gasol. The team started the 2018, 19 season with a 6, 0 record, breaking their franchise record for best start through 20 games. They reached 20 wins quicker than any time in history by winning their 24th game on December 1. In the Eastern Conference Finals, Leonard hit a 15-foot buzzer-beater in Game 7 against Philadelphia 76ers to lift Toronto to 92, 90 victory. This marked the first Game 7 buzzer-beater in NBA playoff history. The Raptors defeated Golden State Warriors four games to two to win their first championship. Leonard earned Finals MVP honors. They became the first team based outside the United States to win an NBA title since the Blue Jays won the World Series in 1993.

  • Kawhi Leonard signed with Los Angeles Clippers after one season following the 2019 championship. Pascal Siakam made his first All-NBA Second Team during the 2019, 20 campaign. The team won 53 games in a season shortened by COVID-19 pandemic. Playoffs began later than usual in August at Walt Disney World in Bay Lake, Florida. Boston Celtics eliminated Toronto in seven games despite OG Anunoby scoring a buzzer-beater to win Game 3. For the 2020, 21 season, home games were played at Amalie Arena in Tampa due to travel restrictions. The Raptors missed playoffs for the first time in eight years after losing 129, 105 to Detroit Pistons on the 3rd of March 2021. Scottie Barnes was selected fourth overall in the 2021 NBA draft from Florida State. He won Rookie of the Year in 2022. Kyle Lowry was traded to Miami Heat on the 10th of September 2021. In January 2024, Pascal Siakam was traded to Indiana Pacers leaving Scottie Barnes as the new face of the franchise.

Common questions

When did the Toronto Raptors play their first official game?

The Toronto Raptors played their first official game on the 3rd of November 1995 against the New Jersey Nets at SkyDome. Alvin Robertson scored the first points in franchise history during a 94, 79 victory.

Who won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest for the Toronto Raptors in 2000?

Vince Carter won the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest with emphatic performances that attracted many fans previously uninterested in basketball. He was selected fifth overall in the 1998 NBA draft before joining the team.

What year did the Toronto Raptors win their first championship?

The Toronto Raptors won their first championship by defeating the Golden State Warriors four games to two during the 2018, 19 season. Kawhi Leonard earned Finals MVP honors and became the first player based outside the United States to win an NBA title since the Blue Jays won the World Series in 1993.

When was the Toronto Raptors name officially unveiled to the public?

The name Raptors was unveiled on Canadian national television on the 15th of May 1994. The choice was influenced by the popularity of the 1993 film Jurassic Park and featured bright red, purple, black, and silver colors.

Which general manager led the Toronto Raptors to their first playoff berth since 2008?

Masai Ujiri became general manager in the 2013 off-season and immediately traded Andrea Bargnani to New York Knicks for Marcus Camby and other assets. The team clinched their first playoff berth since 2008 by beating Boston Celtics 105, 103 on the 28th of March 2014.

All sources

263 references cited across the entry

  1. 1Behind the Name: Toronto Fans Help NBA Squad Find its IdentityNBA Media Ventures, LLC — August 16, 2006
  2. 4NewsRaptors Unveil New UniformsSoheil Jamshidi — NBA Media Ventures — October 15, 2020
  3. 5Press releaseRaptors unveil 3 new uniforms for 2020-21 seasonNBA Media Ventures — October 15, 2020
  4. 8ManagementNBA Media Ventures
  5. 9NewsHow Canada helped kick-start the NBAMike Drolet — Corus Entertainment — June 2, 2019
  6. 11BookNBA Expansion: The Footprint Finally ExpandsBrendan Prunty — Lyons Press — 2017
  7. 12Laying the Groundwork for the NBA in TorontoNBA Media Ventures — August 26, 2020
  8. 13The NBA is coming to TorontoCanadian Broadcasting Corporation — 2021
  9. 14NewsArena wars The Raptors and the Leafs needed new arenas and it would have been smart to shareTheresa Tedesco — December 1997
  10. 15OLG 'hopeful' of adding NBA to Pro-LineMike Ganter — January 27, 2010
  11. 16Pro-Line brings back wagering on all NBA gamesSportsnet — January 26, 2010
  12. 18On 25th anniversary, remembering stuff from the Raptors' (and Grizzlies') 1st gamesJessie Campigotto — Canadian Broadcasting Corporation — November 2, 2020
  13. 19BookThe Name Game: Football, Baseball, Hockey & Basketball How Your Favorite Sports Teams Were NamedMichael Leo Donovan — Warwick Publishing — 1997
  14. 20News'Piston for life' Thomas named Raptors' GM NBA superstar to have 10% stake in new franchiseChris Young — May 25, 1994
  15. 21NewsRaptors' Thomas 'voice of reason' in NBA talksChris Young — August 13, 1995
  16. 22NewsThomas is key player on Raptors' court He handles everything but the ball for new basketball squadDavid Israelson — October 19, 1995
  17. 23NewsThomas to double stake in Raptors Price undisclosed, but thought to be bargain for Toronto GMNeil Campbell — December 29, 1995
  18. 24NewsThomas to up stake in RaptorsDecember 28, 1995
  19. 28Draft flashback: Stoudamire made quick impact with RaptorsZack Rosenblatt — Arizona Daily Star — June 12, 2015
  20. 29Former Raptor arrested on 6 warrantsCanadian Broadcasting Corporation — February 1, 2007
  21. 35NewsAllan Slaight wins control of RaptorsDoug Smith — November 16, 1996
  22. 36NewsSlaight maps out the future: Bitove bows out of Raptors' lifeNovember 16, 1996
  23. 37NewsBattle for ownership of Raptors on horizonOctober 19, 1996
  24. 38NewsThomas' group goes for control: Talks with Slaight under wayFebruary 24, 1997
  25. 40Giant Killers on the RiseNBA Media Ventures
  26. 43NewsThomas vacates Raptors post Toronto GM quits as contract negotiations with Slaight crumble without 'viable resolution'Michael Grange et al. — November 21, 1997
  27. 44NewsDeal between Raptors and Leafs has aTheresa Tedesco — Canwest — February 13, 1998
  28. 48NewsRaptors bought by LeafsTheresa Tedesco — February 13, 1998
  29. 49NewsStunning deal sees Leafs buy RaptorsFebruary 13, 1998
  30. 50NewsNBA approves sale of RaptorsMarch 28, 1998
  31. 78NewsRaptors Announce Basketball Operations StaffNBA Media Ventures — June 7, 2004
  32. 79NewsSam Mitchell Named Raptors Head CoachNBA Media Ventures — June 29, 2004
  33. 150Raptors clinch Atlantic title with win over LakersBrady, Rachel — March 27, 2015
  34. 151NewsRaptors beat Heat, tie franchise win recordReynolds, Tim — April 11, 2015
  35. 153Raptors announce D-League team: 'Raptors 905′Michael Grange — sportsnet — June 29, 2015
  36. 154Raptors beat Hawks 105-97 to notch first 50-win seasonDaniel Girard — NBA Media Ventures — March 30, 2016
  37. 159Raptors' magic season ends with Game 6 loss to CavaliersIan Harrison — CBC.ca — May 27, 2016
  38. 163Game Preview: Raptors vs. RocketsHolly MacKenzie — March 9, 2018
  39. 169NewsRaptors close deal for Marc GasolNBA Media Ventures — February 7, 2019
  40. 171NewsRaptors Sign Jeremy LinFebruary 13, 2019
  41. 172NewsRaptors stop Mavericks for franchise-best start at 6-0Laura Armstrong — Torstar Corporation — October 26, 2018
  42. 173Kawhi Leonard leads Raptors to win over WizardsRogers Digital Media — November 23, 2018
  43. 174Leonard leads Raptors to victory over Cavaliers in eighth straight winTom Withers — Corus Entertainment Inc. — December 2, 2018
  44. 183MagazineRaptors Conclude Winningest Season in Franchise HistoryAaron Rose — August 14, 2020
  45. 184NewsToronto's Nick Nurse Named NBA Coach of the YearKurt Helin — August 22, 2020
  46. 193HEAT ACQUIRE KYLE LOWRYAugust 6, 2021
  47. 203Press releaseRaptors Unveil New Primary LogoNBA Media Ventures — December 19, 2014
  48. 204Press releaseRaptors Unveil New UniformsNBA Media Ventures — August 3, 2015
  49. 206Press releaseRaptors Announce Hardwood Classics Schedule and Unveil Huskies UniformNBA Media Ventures — December 7, 2009
  50. 207Press releaseRaptors unveil their incredible Toronto Huskies throwback courtsbnation.com — November 12, 2016
  51. 208Press releaseToronto Huskies & Chinese New Year UniformsNBA Media Ventures — August 23, 2016
  52. 209Raptors News: Toronto Unveils St. Patrick's Day JerseysPeter Bojarinov — March 17, 2008
  53. 213NewsNBA permanently retires Bill Russell's No. 6Ben Golliver — August 11, 2022
  54. 217Raptors part ways with WilkensCanadian Broadcasting Corporation — April 17, 2003
  55. 218Leonard R. "Lenny" WilkensNaismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
  56. 219Raptors sign senior advisor Embry to extensionThe Woodbridge Company — September 29, 2007
  57. 220Wayne R. EmbryNaismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
  58. 227Ticket sales put Raptors in model franchise territoryDoug Smith — Torstar Corporation — September 5, 2007
  59. 239NewsMeet the Raptor, Toronto's Fun-Loving MascotAbigail Dove — ABG-SI — February 8, 2021
  60. 241Meet the official DJ for NBA team Toronto Raptors 'DJ 4KORNERS'Jay St. Paul — No Bounds — August 31, 2021
  61. 243NewsToronto Raptors fans hungry for 100 point-pizza promoMark Zwolinski — March 28, 2012
  62. 250NewsRaptors' launch of new logo baffles marketing expertsJosh Rubin — December 22, 2014
  63. 252Welcome TorontoNBA Media Ventures
  64. 255Raptors FoundationNBA Media Ventures
  65. 256Who We AreMLSE Foundation — 2020
  66. 257It's time to forgive VinceMichael Grange — Rogers Digital Media — 2015
  67. 260Jefferson, Nets eliminate RaptorsCanadian Broadcasting Corporation — May 4, 2007
  68. 262The closest thing to a Raptors rivalry - Sportsnet.caEric Smith — Rogers Digital Media — January 30, 2015
  69. 263Knicks renew rivalry with RaptorsFOX News Network — February 13, 2013
  70. 2641st-Round Rewind: Raptors knock out Knicks in 2001John Chick — Score Media ventures — 2020