Toronto Raptors

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The Toronto Raptors are a National Basketball Association team based in Toronto, Ontario. They are currently the only NBA team based outside of the United States. The team is owned by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd.

Today

At present, the Toronto Raptors have a solid, but success-starved fan base. With only one playoff series win in the teams entire ten year existence, and a high draft pick nearly every year (for which the Raptors have become famous throughout the NBA for poor selections, e.g. Rafael Araújo, 8th overall), fans are becoming tired of the "rebuilding" mantra offered up by team management each year.

Chris Bosh is currently the face of the Raptors. He took over from Vince Carter who is now infamous for being paid millions and admitting to not having put his best effort on court.

As well as the poor draft choices, the Raptors' pourous defense has hindered the somewhat high powered offense. After losing the first nine games of the 2005-2006 season, and fifteen out of sixteen overall, Toronto's difficulties continued when the team gave up an 18 point lead to the Los Angeles Lakers in a January 22, 2006 game, and allowed Laker star Kobe Bryant to score 81 points, second highest one game total in NBA history.

On January 26, 2006, the Raptors fired G.M. Rob Babcock, and replaced him with interim G.M. Wayne Embry.

Franchise History (By Seasons)

1995-96

After Isiah Thomas was named the general manager in 1995, he quickly staffed the management with his own personnel, including the first head coach Brendan Malone (who was later reunited with Thomas in the Knicks organization in 2003). During the summer of 1995, the league had an expansion draft to fill out the rosters of the new Toronto Raptors and Vancouver Grizzlies. As a result of a coin flip, the Raptors had the first pick of the expansion draft, and selected Chicago Bulls point-guard and 3-point specialist BJ Armstrong. In a move that would seem to be a constant theme throughout Toronto's early days, BJ threatened not to come to camp and Isiah Thomas promptly moved him. Thomas selected a wide range of players in the expansion draft, including veterans Jerome Kersey, Willie Anderson and John "spider" Salley.

Thomas chose to build the franchise around Damon Stoudamire, a point guard out of Arizona. The Raptors' selection of Stoudamire was met with boos from those present at the 1995 NBA Draft at SkyDome in Toronto, many of whom bought into the hype surrounding UCLA star Ed O'Bannon. However, Stoudamire proved to be the one bright point in a terrible first season as he won Rookie of the Year honours by averaging 19 points and 9.3 assists per game. This team will also be known for beating the 72-10 Bulls despite being a first-year franchise.

Record: 21 Wins - 61 Losses

1996-97

The team's win record improved by nine games from its inaugural season and attendance was rising. Analysts predicted a playoff-contending or even a championship caliber team in a matter of a few seasons. Marcus Camby who was drafted second overall in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Raptors had a disappointing rookie season.

Record: 30 Wins - 52 Losses

1997-98

All optimism evaporated when the team was hit by numerous injuries in early 1997-1998 season. Thomas, a brilliant player and skilled evaluator of talent but lacking in management skills, failed to stop the downfall of the team which led to the dismantling of the core players and resignations of the head coach Darrell Walker and eventually of Thomas himself. When Glen Grunwald was named to succeed Thomas in 1998, virtually nobody thought he could turn the team around, demonstrated by the booing from the crowd when he made his first appearance to Maple Leaf Gardens for a speech. However, the players reacted by playing harder and Marcus Camby earned the first two triple doubles of his career in the last four games of the season. Isiah Thomas made a great first pick in selecting Tracy McGrady 9th overall in the 1997 NBA Draft.

Record: 16 Wins - 66 Losses

1998-99

Grunwald showed his better management ability than his predecessor by trading Camby to the Knicks for proven veteran Charles Oakley, whose tough mentality and playoff experience helped the maturity of the young players. Many thought the trade would hurt the team, since he was trading away a promising prospect for an aging veteran. However, Oakley's leadership proved crucial to the success of the 1998-1999 Raptors. The coaching staff temporarily solved the lack of a true point guard by rotating Dee Brown, Alvin Williams and Doug Christie to play the position. This was an excellent move, as Christie greatly refined his defensive game and became one of the elite defenders in NBA. Alvin also showed improvement, on the offensive end. Kevin Willis, another veteran acquired from trade, solidified the center position. With those two holes temporarily filled, the team won more games than ever before. The new coach Butch Carter, besides doing an excellent coaching job, also helped develop the young players on the team, especially future All-Star Tracy McGrady. Although the team did not make the playoffs, many were optimistic with the brilliant performances from the Rookie of the Year Vince Carter and a much improved McGrady.

Record: 23 Wins - 27 Losses (a shortened 50-game schedule)

1999-2000

Grunwald decided that the solution to the Raptors' lack of a true point guard and a strong front court presence would have to come from mature veteran players. He also knew that the aging Willis and Oakley would eventually have to play fewer minutes or risk injury. Thus, during the 1999 draft, he decided to trade first-round draft pick Jonathan Bender for veteran power forward Antonio Davis from the Indiana Pacers, who had been forced to play off the bench behind teammate Dale Davis. In the backcourt, Butch Carter rotated Carter, Christie, Williams and Dell Curry at the shooting guard position and Williams and Muggsy Bogues at point guard. Rotation of Antonio, Oakley and Willis in the front court and the maturation of both Carter and McGrady helped the team make its first ever playoff appearance. However, without significant playoff experience, the Raptors were swept by the New York Knicks in the playoffs.

Progressive team improvements and the rise to fame of Vince Carter attracted many fans around Toronto, many of whom were not previously basketball fans. Increased attendance and change of fan base also helped contribute to the decline of the Toronto Blue Jays. This was also the first full season at the Air Canada Centre, after four years of games at the cavernous SkyDome.

Record: 45 Wins - 37 Losses; eliminated in the first round of the playoffs

2000-01

Playoff failures (and Carter's media altercations surrounding Marcus Camby) led Grunwald to replace Butch Carter with Lenny Wilkens, who was a Hall-of-Fame coach and player with more than 30 years of coaching experience. In addition, the team finally found a true point guard, when Grunwald signed veteran playmaker Mark Jackson to a 4-year deal with the team. The season marked the development of Alvin Williams as a clutch performer. He scored three quarters of his points in the 4th quarter during regular season. Jackson was later traded to give more minutes for Williams.

As Vince Carter familarised himself with the shooting guard position and played less time at small forward, Christie became expendable and was traded for forward Corliss Williamson. However, he was a disappointment and was traded during the season for defensive workhorse Jerome Williams. The loss of former star small forward Tracy McGrady was also a factor in the Williamson trade. Although McGrady and Carter showed impressive improvement at the same time, much of the media and fan attention was focused on Carter, who dunked more often and thus was more entertaining to fans. Furthermore, McGrady's natural position is at small forward, the same position as Carter. Therefore, Raptors management decided to trade McGrady to the Magic during the 2000 offseason for a first-round draft pick in a sign-and-trade deal.

As predicted by analysts, the team clinched a playoff berth without much difficulty. Toronto beat New York in the first round. Wilkens was credited for having Williams defend shooting guard Allan Houston and Carter defend small forward Latrell Sprewell, the two major offensive threats of the Knicks. In addition, Charles Oakley's remarks incited Vince to "play it like a man", and steady contribution from Antonio Davis prevailed over the less-focused Knicks. The Raptors were also lucky, as Larry Johnson was shut down by a career-ending injury and Marcus Camby was plagued by his family kidnap. These, however, were non-factors, as it was abundantly clear that the Raptors were vastly superior to the overhyped, undertalented Knicks.

The next series against the Philadelphia 76ers was a landmark of exciting, entertaining play, and the best playoff performance by the Raptors so far. The Sixers relied on Allen Iverson and Dikembe Mutombo for their respective offensive and defensive abilities, along with steady help from Aaron McKie and other teammates. Toronto's was much more balanced with Carter, Williams and Davis providing much of the offensive game and Chris Childs and Jerome Williams providing the defensive pressure. Philadelphia took full advantage of its mismatch at center whereas Toronto counteracted with a fast-break offense with their shorter but quicker players. The series came down to the last 4 seconds of Game 7, when Vince Carter narrowly missed a fadeaway jumper hitting the back rim, losing the series by 1 point. Despite the loss, the season is generally considered the high water mark for the franchise.

Record: 47 Wins - 35 Losses; eliminated in the second round of the playoffs

2001-02

The Raptors' exciting playoff performance attracted even more fans and put unprecendented trust from the owners on Grunwald. In an attempt to satisfy Vince Carter so that he would re-sign with the team, long-term contracts were given to Alvin Williams, Jerome Williams and Davis, and former All-Star center Hakeem Olajuwon was signed, to provide Carter with a good supporting cast. Although the team was guaranteed a powerful starting line-up for one season, it was a dangerous gamble as overall player salary almost reached the cap, making significant free-agent signing impossible. Expiring contracts had also been traded away, so unless the Raptors succeeded with their 2001-2002 lineup, it was unlikely they would remain a very competitive team.

The first half of the season ran well with expected contributions from the starters and the improvement Morris Peterson and Keon Clark. In spite of an injury to Antonio Davis in January and a subsequent injury to Carter, the team made a record comeback to clinch a playoff berth.

However, the injuries to Davis and Carter were highlighted in the 3-2 series loss to the Detroit Pistons. Ben Wallace and Jerry Stackhouse's performances overwhelmed the offensively-limited Raptors.

Record: 42 Wins - 40 Losses; eliminated in the first round of the playoffs

2002-03

The 2002-03 season began with the same optimisim that the Raptors furnished in three straight playoff appearances. However, right from the beginning of the season that optimism was lost: Carter went through a series of injuries, Davis started to express disinterest in Toronto (reportedly because his wife could not land a TV job in Toronto) and Wilkens' laissez-fair attitude created a team that lacked the motivation and spirit of the previous years' teams. Pretty much the entire team was ravaged by the injury bug, as they lost an NBA record number of player games due to injury, and that was another main reason. Almost right from day one, the Toronto media went straight for the jugular when it came to Wilkens, chastizing him for his inability- or, perhaps, unwillingness- to really clamp down on his players when he had to (The Toronto Star's Dave Perkins once wrote that all Wilkens could do during a game where the Raptors self-destructed was sit and stand, instead of yelling at his players like Perkins says he should have been doing). This was the year that Wilkens overtook Bill Fitch for the lead in most losses by a NBA coach, with his loss total getting dangerously close to his win total. At the end of the disastrous season (a year marred by defensive breakdowns that still occur today), Wilkens was unceremoniously dumped, ending a three-year stint with the team that started with so much promise but ended with too much disappointment.

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Record: 24 Wins - 58 Losses

2003-04

The Raptors were inconsistent throughout 03-04, partly due to injuries to key players Jalen Rose, Alvin Williams and Vince Carter, with Davis traded early in the season for Rose. After 50 games, though, they were 25-25 and in position to make the playoffs. The team then suffered through a nine-game losing streak in February, dealing them a serious blow in the standings. With eight games to go in the regular season, the Raptors fired Glen Grunwald, the general manager on April 1. Grunwald had been the GM since 1997. The Raptors finished up the season 3 games out of the eighth and final playoff spot. The star individual performers were Carter, with 22.5 points per game, Donyell Marshall, who led the team with 10.7 rebounds per game, and rookie Chris Bosh, a 6-10 forward-center who averaged 11.5 ppg and 7.4 rpg and was named to the rookie all-star team.

Immediately following the season, on April 17, head coach Kevin O'Neill was fired after making some remarks which were taken to question the team's commitment to winning. He was replaced with Sam Mitchell, a former NBA forward who had been an assistant coach of the Milwaukee Bucks the previous two seasons. Rob Babcock was named general manager on June 7, 2004.

Record: 33 Wins - 49 Losses;10th in the Eastern Conference

2004-05

With new GM, Rob Babcock, new assistant general manager, hall of fame ex-general manager and player Wayne Embry, new director of player personnel, Alex English, and head coach Sam Mitchell, it was evident that restructuring of the organization was in operation. Soon after, franchise player Vince Carter, demanded a trade during the off season. Thus, much of the 2004-2005 season's action played itself out off the court.

The eventual trade of Carter finally came to fruition mid-season, ending his seven-year tenure with the team. Later in the year Carter admitted to half-hearted on court performances, forcing GM to trade him. From that deal, the Raptors received former All-Star Alonzo Mourning, forwards Eric Williams and Aaron Williams, and two mid-to-late future first round picks from the New Jersey Nets (Joey Graham, picked 16th overall in the 2005 NBA Draft). Mourning chose to not report to Toronto, forcing Babcock to buy out the remainder of his contract at a reported $10 million, leaving Mourning free to sign with the Miami Heat, where he had spent seven years of his career prior. The two Williamses were believed to be able to add defensive toughness and rebounding; however, they saw few minutes, and were generally under-utilized for the entire season. Many believe that first year GM Babcock got the bad end of the deal to Nets President of Basketball Operations, Rod Thorn's, and there were calls from Raptors fans for Babcock to step down.

After the Carter trade, Chris Bosh stepped up to take the helm of franchise player, and performed admirably in his sophomore campaign; he ranked tenth in defensive rebounds for the season. Apart from Bosh's emergence, the restructuring looked to take a bit of a hit with rookie 8th first round draft pick, Rafael Araújo, struggling to keep a spot in the line-up during the Raptors' half-hearted run for a playoff spot during the last month of the season.

Veterans Jalen Rose and Donyell Marshall also shined on an otherwise lackluster team. There was much speculation that Marshall would be traded before the trade deadline since he was up for free agency in the up coming season. However, Babcock held on to Marshall, a move which many believe helped create an identity crisis for the Raptors, after clearly being unwilling to commit to rebuilding or winning. Marshall would eventually have a good finish to his 2004-2005 campaign, hitting 12 three-pointers versus the 76ers on March 13, 2005, tying an NBA record.

The Raptors' inability to win on the road (11-30) and generally poor defense made Sam Mitchell's first year as head coach unimpressive. However, the home fans were generally entertained as the team managed to thrive off the often well attended Air Canada Centre putting up a record of 22-19 at home. Coach Mitchell was also mired in controversies off the court. Of note, point guard Rafer Alston in a post-game interview contemplated retiring after a tough loss, as he continued to butt heads with Mitchell. Later in the season, Alston was suspended two games for "conduct detrimental to the team" for reportedly walking out of a scrimmage practice. In addition, Eric Williams requested a trade, unhappy with the lack of minutes he was receiving. Vince Carter's mother also made comments to the media about an alleged "wrestling match" that took place in the locker room between the coach and her son prior to his departure. Currently, the team's only potential All-Star is Chris Bosh, as he is shaping up to be one of the Eastern Conference's better Center/Power Forward players.

Record: 33 Wins - 49 Losses; 4th in Atlantic Division, 11th in Eastern Conference

2005-06

The Raptors entered the 2005 NBA Draft with two first round picks (7th and 16th) and two second round picks (41st and 58th). They selected Charlie Villanueva (7th overall) out of Connecticut and Joey Graham (16th overall) out of Oklahoma State. In the second round, they selected Roko Ukic (41th overall) out of KK Split (Croatia) and Uros Slokar (58th overall) out of Snaidero Udine (Italy). Once again, the Raptors' high selection of a player ranked much lower in the draft (Villanueva) caused a stir amongst basketball pundits and Raptors fans alike. Many fans feared a repeat of the Rafael Araujo situation. However, those fears were soon put to rest as Villanueva's early season play impressed both fans and former critics alike, more than justifying his selection number.

After a quiet offseason, the Raptors started their training camp by trading Rafer Alston to the Houston Rockets for Mike James. For free agents, the Raptors signed point guard José Calderón, who played the past six seasons in Spain, to back up the starting Mike James. They have also re-signed Pape Sow and Matt Bonner. Along with that, they lost Donyell Marshall to free agency and released Lamond Murray.

The Toronto Raptors started the 2005-2006 season on Wednesday, November 2nd, 2005 with a loss against the Washington Wizards at the Air Canada Centre. Over the next two and a half weeks, the Raptors set a franchise record by losing their first nine games of the season. The losing streak ended with a surprisingly decisive victory over the Miami Heat (albeit minus Shaquille O'Neal) on November 20, 2005.

With losses mounting, and media scrutiny intensifying, Raptors management hired legendary ex-Purdue coach Gene Keady as an assistant off the bench, helping develop the young nucleus of Raptors as well as establishing a defensive persona for the team.

Sitting with the NBA's worst record, media rumours surrounding the likely imminent future departure of young Raptors star Chris Bosh heated up, adding to an already dismal start to the 2005-2006 season.

On January 15, 2006, the Raptors set a franchise record for points in a game with a 129-103 win over the Knicks when Charlie Villanueva hit the 3 pointer late in the game. In contrasting conditions however, on January 22, 2006, the Raptors found themselves on the wrong side of history, gaining the dubious distinction of being the team Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant scored his record-breaking 81 points against.

With media scrutiny intensifying once more, it was announced on January 26, 2006, that the Raptors had fired GM Rob Babcock, replacing him with senior advisor Wayne Embry on an interim basis. Management followed up Babcock's departure with the release of Pete Babcock and Scott Howard, clearing the way for a new set of staff in the off-season.

On January 31, 2006, the Raptors traded Aaron Williams to the New Orleans Hornets for second round draft picks in 2006 and 2009.

Record as of Sunday, January 29, 2006: 15 wins - 30 losses; 12th place in the Eastern Conference, 6.5 games behind of 8th place.

Players of note

Basketball Hall of Famers:

None

Not to be forgotten:

Vince Carter (Raptors' all time leading scorer, a perenial All-Star who put the team on the NBA map)
Damon Stoudamire (Raptors' first draft selection and first legit franchise player)
Antonio Davis (Raptor's second All-Star player behind Carter, a veteran big man who formed a dominant inside-outside combo with Carter)
Doug Christie (transformed himself into an elite defender and helped push the Raptors playoff campaign)
Charles Oakley (arguably the greatest locker-room leader for the Raptors)
Jerome Williams (a fan favourite)
Alvin Williams (Raptors' second in all-time games played)
Morris Peterson (Raptors' all-time leader in games played)

Alvin Robertson (scored first NBA points in Raptors history)
Žan Tabak (scored first free throw points in Raptors history)
Donyell Marshall (shot 12 three-point field goals in a single game as a Raptor, tying an NBA record)

Retired numbers: