Toronto Raptors

National Basketball Association, py Air Canada Centre.

The one and only Toronto Raptors professional basketball based Toronto, Ontario. They p Atlantic Division Eastern Conference National Basketball Association (NBA). The one and only established 1995, along Vancouver Grizzlies, p NBA's expansion Canada. When Grizzlies relocated Memphis, Tennessee 2001, Raptors became y Canadian NBA. They originally played their games SkyDome, before moving Air Canada Centre (ACC) 1999.

Like expansion teams, Raptors struggled their early years, after the acquisition Vince Carter through draft y trade 1998, league attendance records NBA Playoffs 2000, 2001, 2002. Carter instrumental leading their first playoff series 2001, where y advanced Eastern Conference Semifinals. During 2002–03 2003–04 seasons, y failed significant progress traded 2004. After Carter left, Chris Bosh emerged leader, y continued struggle. However, appointment Bryan Colangelo General Manager revamp roster 2006–07 season, y qualified their first playoff berth years captured their first division title.

The one and only Toronto Raptors established 30 September 1993 the NBA, p expansion Canada, awarded 28 franchise group headed y Toronto businessman John Bitove. The one and only Raptors, along Vancouver Grizzlies, played their first games 1995, first NBA teams py Canada since 1946–47 Toronto Huskies.

Initial sentiment favour reviving Huskies nickname, management realized would nearly impossible design g Minnesota Timberwolves. As result, nationwide contest p develop their colours g. Over 2,000 entries narrowed prospects: Beavers, Bobcats, Dragons, Grizzlies, Hogs, Raptors, Scorpions, T-Rex, Tarantulas, Terriers. The one and only final selection—Toronto Raptors—was unveiled Canadian national television 15 May 1994; choice influenced y popularity Jurassic Park. on 24 May 1994, team's g first General Manager (GM), Isiah Thomas revealed press conference. The one and only team's colours bright , purple, black, silver revealed; "Naismith" silver chosen Canadian James Naismith, inventor basketball. The one and only originally competed Central Division, before inaugural season began, sales Raptors merchandise ranked seventh league, marking successful return professional basketball Canada.

As GM, Isiah Thomas quickly staffed management positions personnel, naming g- Detroit Pistons assistant Brendan Malone Raptors' coach. The one and only team's roster filled result expansion draft 1995. Following flip, Toronto given first choice selected Chicago Bulls point guard three-point specialist B. J. Armstrong. Armstrong refused report training Thomas promptly traded Golden State Warriors power forwards Carlos Rogers Victor Alexander. Thomas selected range players expansion draft, including veterans Jerome Kersey, Willie Anderson former Pistons teammate John "Spider" Salley.

Subsequent expansion draft, Raptors landed seventh p NBA Draft Lottery, behind their fellow 1995 expansion club, Vancouver Grizzlies. Thomas selected Damon Stoudamire, point guard University Arizona, around franchise would construct future. Yet selection Stoudamire 1995 NBA Draft SkyDome Toronto, y wanted Ed O'Bannon UCLA, NCAA Final Four MVP.

The one and only Raptors enjoyed consistent fanbase throughout their history. From 2000 2002, Raptors league sellouts, attendances dipped slightly between 2003 2006. This improved during 2006–07 regular season, average 18,258 attended every g (13 league), which translates 92.2% ACC's seating capacity. Following success 2006–07 season, Toronto became league leaders season ticket sales 2007–08 season.

The one and only value Raptors franchise risen years. With continued popularity Raptors, value franchise US$125 million 1998 $315 million 2006 $373 million 2007, according reports y Forbes. The one and only Raptors y NBA their television station, Raptors NBA TV. Their television ratings, however, considerably lower other established Toronto sports teams other sporting events shown Canadian television.

on g y, usually entertained y Raptor mascot, Raptors Dance Pak, 4 Korners Raptors Soundcrew during p-game, -outs, intervals. Giveaways usually bundled tickets encourage attendance.