Toronto Raptors
In 1946, the Toronto Raptors competed against the New York Knickerbockers in the first game in NBA history. At the time, the NBA was known as the American Basketball Association; the Raptors were known as the Toronto Huskies. The Huskies folded shortly thereafter. But the franchise reemerged in 1993 when NBA Commissioner David Stern's recommendation for a Toronto expansion team was approved.
Toronto team management chose “Raptors” from 11 team names submitted by NBA fans. Isiah Thomas, the franchise's first general manager, helped create the roster via the NBA's 1995 expansion draft. After the Raptors endured several years of poor seasons, draft-day acquisition Vince Carter guided the team to its first playoff series in 2001. Chris Bosh led the team for several seasons of success in the post-Carter years.
After Bosh's departure to Miami, Toronto experienced a slump that only ended when DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry arrived, helping Toronto earn five Division titles. Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green, and Marc Gasol joined the team — sans DeRozan — in 2018. The Raptors won their first NBA championship in 2019, the finale of a successful season that also included Toronto's first Eastern Conference title.
- Founded: 1995
- Championships: 1 championship (2019)
- Additional achievements: 1 conference title (2019) and seven division titles (2007, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020)
- Arena: Scotiabank Arena
- Former team name: Toronto Huskies
Featured Articles:
Kawhi Leonard Reveals an Unexpected Reason Why He Couldn’t Stay With the Raptors
Kyle Lowry Once Found Himself Facing a Battery Charge After Things Got Heated During a Pickup Game
Visit the Toronto Raptors at NBA.com.
Read the latest articles about the Toronto Raptors:
After five years of tutelage from Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet has assumed his place as the Toronto Raptors' leader.
Chris Bosh made millions with the Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat throughout his legendary NBA career that saw him earn 11 All-Star selections and win two championships. But the big man’s first major purchase wasn't a car, house, or any other typical big-money item. It was something that went in his man cave.
Vince Carter still feels he made the right choice by attending his graduation ceremony at UNC on the morning of a do-or-die NBA playoff game.
Kyle Lowry left the Toronto Raptors after nine seasons, but still has fond memories of his time in The North. He spoke about that and playing with Kawhi Leonard on CJ McCollum's podcast.
The Toronto Raptors are standing in the way of Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic playing with countryman Goran Dragic.
The NBA draft is just hours old, but it's never too early to declare some winners and losers from the annual pro basketball selection event. The Houston Rockets, Montverde Academy, and Zion Williamson are among the winners and the Sacramento Kings, Franz Wagner, and New York Knicks fans are some losers.
Ben Simmons to the Toronto Raptors? Not for the reported trade offer from the Sixers.
It's tough to remember Hakeem Olajuwon in a Toronto Raptors uniform.
In this post lottery 2021 NBA mock draft, the Pistons win big with Cade Cunningham, No. 2 prospect Evan Mobley falls to No. 3, and Baylor’s Davion Mitchell takes the biggest tumble. There are no trades in this mock draft and every team takes all it picks, even if a trade is likely.
Kawhi Leonard is a top player in the NBA; he has not only led the Clippers to success, but he won titles on the Spurs and Raptors. However, he's also one of the most mysterious stars, as he shows no emotion and isn’t on social media. His former coach just added to that mystery.
