Over the past few decades, the Toronto Raptors have become one of the most exciting and successful expansion franchises in the NBA. From their humble beginnings as an expansion team to their rise as NBA champions, the Raptors have captured the hearts of basketball fans across Canada and beyond.
Founding of the Franchise
The Toronto Raptors were officially created in 1993 when the NBA awarded an expansion franchise to a group led by Canadian businessman John Bitove. The team and the Vancouver Grizzlies became the first NBA franchises based in Canada. The Raptors’ name was unveiled on May 15, 1994, influenced by the popularity of the film Jurassic Park. The team’s bright red, purple, black, and silver colors were chosen to honor Canadian James Naismith, the inventor of basketball.
Early Years and Struggles
Like most expansion teams, the Raptors faced significant challenges in their early years. The team began play in the 1995-96 season, finishing with a record of 21-61. Their first-ever draft pick, Damon Stoudamire, became a bright spot for the franchise, winning Rookie of the Year honors. However, the team continued to struggle, posting losing records in each of their first three seasons.
It’s worth noting that while NBA games typically last 48 minutes of playing time, many fans transitioning from college basketball to the NBA often wonder, “how long is a college basketball game?” College games are actually shorter, lasting 40 minutes, initially challenging some players to adjust to the longer NBA format.
The Vince Carter Era
The Raptors’ fortunes began to change after acquiring Vince Carter through a draft-day trade in 1998. Carter quickly became a superstar, earning the nickname “Air Canada” for his spectacular dunks and athleticism. Under Carter’s leadership, the Raptors made their first playoff appearance in 2000 and advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals in 2001. Carter’s impact extended beyond the court, as he helped set league-attendance records and put Toronto on the NBA map.
Chris Bosh and Continued Growth
Following Carter’s departure in 2004, the Raptors entered a new era led by Chris Bosh. Bosh, drafted in 2003, became the face of the franchise and led the team to two more playoff appearances in 2007 and 2008. During this period, the Raptors also saw the emergence of international talent like Andrea Bargnani and José Calderón, reflecting the team’s global approach to building a competitive roster.
The Rise of DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry
The Raptors’ next phase of success came with the drafting of DeMar DeRozan in 2009 and the acquisition of Kyle Lowry in 2012. This backcourt duo became the franchise’s cornerstone, leading the team to five consecutive playoff appearances from 2014 to 2018. DeRozan and Lowry became multiple-time All-Stars and helped establish the Raptors as a perennial contender in the Eastern Conference.
The Championship Season
The 2018-19 season marked a turning point in Raptors history. In a bold move, the team traded fan-favorite DeRozan for superstar Kawhi Leonard. This gamble paid off spectacularly as Leonard led the Raptors to their first NBA championship. Toronto defeated the Golden State Warriors in six games, with Leonard earning Finals MVP honors. The championship run featured several iconic moments, including Leonard’s buzzer-beater against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Post-Championship Era
Following their championship victory, the Raptors faced new challenges. Leonard departed in free agency, but the team remained competitive under the leadership of Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, and Fred VanVleet. The Raptors reached the Eastern Conference semifinals in the 2019-20 season, showcasing their resilience and depth.
Recent Years and Current Status
In recent seasons, the Raptors have entered a period of transition. The team missed the playoffs in the 2020-21 season, which was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and saw the Raptors playing their home games in Tampa, Florida. The 2021-22 season saw a return to form as the team made the playoffs, led by emerging star Scottie Barnes, who won Rookie of the Year.
As of the 2024-25 season, the Raptors are in a rebuilding phase. As of early March 2025, the team had a record of 18-41, placing them 13th in the Eastern Conference. Despite the struggles, the Raptors have shown promise, with young talents like Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley leading the way. Under head coach Darko Rajakovic, the team’s focus has shifted towards developing young players and building for the future.
Records and Achievements
Throughout their history, the Raptors have compiled an all-time regular-season record of 1114-1255 (.470) and a playoff record of 57-66 (.463). The franchise’s best regular season came in 2017-18 when they won 59 games.
DeMar DeRozan holds the franchise record for most games played with 675, followed by Kyle Lowry with 601. Regarding consecutive games played, Morris Peterson holds the record with 371 straight appearances from February 12, 2002, to November 22, 2006.
Several Raptors players have made significant impacts over multiple seasons. DeRozan and Lowry played nine consecutive seasons for the team, the longest streak in franchise history. Other notable long-term Raptors include José Calderón and Pascal Siakam, who each played eight consecutive seasons.
Final Thoughts
From their inception as an expansion team to their rise as NBA champions, the Toronto Raptors have become integral to the NBA landscape. The franchise has seen its struggles and triumphs, with legendary players like Vince Carter, Chris Bosh, DeMar DeRozan, and Kyle Lowry leaving indelible marks on the team’s history. The 2019 championship stands as the crowning achievement for the organization, validating years of hard work and perseverance.
As the Raptors navigate their rebuilding phase, the team’s focus on player development and strategic planning suggests a bright future. With a passionate fanbase, a history of success, and a commitment to excellence, the Toronto Raptors remain poised to make their mark on the NBA for years. The journey from expansion team to NBA champions has been remarkable, and basketball fans across Canada and around the world eagerly anticipate the next chapter in Raptors history.
