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:
Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri wanted to celebrate the NBA title with his team. A rogue deputy had other ideas. Video now shows exactly what happened.
With Tyson Wheeler, the circumstances of his NBA departure had nothing to do with injuries. It involved luck and the 1999 NBA lockout.
During his time with the Toronto Raptors, Pascal Siakam has developed into an NBA star. What is his salary and net worth?
Kyle Lowry is a six-time All-Star and an NBA champion, but he's not regarded as a surefire Hall of Famer. Well, maybe he should be.
Many NBA fans are writing off the Toronto Raptors without Kawhi Leonard, but they proved Saturday night they aren't going anywhere.
Vince Carter became a superstar with the Toronto Raptors. He made $172 million in his 22-year career but never won an NBA championship ring.
Vince Carter capitalized on his NBA superstardom with a $50 million shoe deal from Puma. He ended it because the shoes hurt his feet.
Vince Carter became an NBA legend for his dynamic dunks. Back in high school, he showed off his vertical skills on the volleyball court.
Vince Carter's legendary career is now over. Over the course of his excellent career, he has ultimately racked up a massive net worth.
Tracy McGrady almost joined Allen Iverson on the 76ers in 1999, but Stephen A. Smith stopped the trade from happening.
