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:
Last night, Kawhi Leonard struggled against his former team. Did the Toronto Raptors provide a blueprint for stopping the Clippers star?
The Toronto Raptors might be defending NBA champions, but they lost Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka to injury. How will the team adjust?
The Toronto Raptors recently signed Pascal Siakam to a max extension. The deal also sets them up for success beyond this season.
The Toronto Raptors are deciding whether they will rebuild or make another run at the finals. Let's look at their most recent move.
Pascal Siakam made weaves during his breakout NBA season and playoff run. Without Kawhi Leonard, is it Siakam's time become the next NBA superstar?
When the 2020 NBA All-Star game happens in Chicago, these five players could make their debuts and rub shoulders with the game's best.
NBA star Kawhi Leonard does things on his terms, and that includes the way he said goodbye to Toronto and loyal Raptors fans.
The Toronto Raptors rolled the dice when they traded for Kawhi Leonard, but it led to an NBA title. So how much is the team worth now?
Kawhi Leonard won the 2019 NBA Finals MVP award after leading Toronto to its first title, but did he really deserve the award?
Vince Carter has one more NBA season left in him, and no matter what, we'll always remember his high-flying 2000 dunk contest.
