How the Toronto Raptors Overcame Their Early Struggles as an NBA Expansion Team

No club better exemplifies how the path to success is frequently paved with obstacles and setbacks than the Toronto Raptors. The only active Canadian NBA franchise today has faced its fair share of challenges over the course of its nearly three-decade history, and its early years as an NBA expansion team had their fair share of difficulties as well. In spite of these challenges, the squad persisted and developed a reputation that is cherished and recognized by sports fans all around the world.

Over the last few years, Canada's finest have secured their spot as one of the best teams in the NBA. Between 2014 and 2020, they managed to secure six divisional titles in seven seasons, culminating with their greatest triumph at the end of that final campaign, climbing the mountain and securing a maiden NBA Championship. In the three years since that triumph, the Raptors have fallen by the wayside somewhat, and the latest basketball odds make them +10000 underdogs for a second Larry O'Brien trophy next term.

The Early Struggles

As part of the NBA's expansion into Canada, two teams were created: Toronto Raptors and the Vancouver Grizzlies. The Raptors were keen to enter the league and have an instant effect despite being a new franchise. Sadly, things didn't turn out the way that had hoped, ending their maiden campaign with a miserable 21-61 record and finishing dead last in their division.

The team's inexperience was one of their biggest problems. It was challenging for the squad to compete with more seasoned teams in the league because the majority of its players were rookies or second-year players and as such, there was plenty of room for improvement. The Raptors were aware of this and increased their spending on player development initiatives as well as helping to assist their younger starlets in realizing their full potential by hiring qualified coaches and trainers.

Marquee Signings Provide Additional Growth

The Raptors' resurgence was also greatly aided by the signing of important players. The Raptors selected Vince Carter, a young shooting guard from the University of North Carolina, in the 1998 NBA draft. Due to his explosive play style and highlight-reel dunks, he immediately established himself as the face of the organization, helped the team reach new heights, and created talk across the league.

The Raptors attracted more talented players as they kept getting better. The franchise signed great forward Chris Bosh in the early 2000s, and he soon rose to the top of the league. Additionally, they added the accurate guard Kyle Lowry, a key component of the team's recent success. The Raptors were able to lay a strong foundation for long-term success with the help of these important recruits.

Maiden NBA Championship Victory

Over time, the Raptors made outstanding strides and established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the NBA. Although they have only missed the postseason twice in the last decade, it was their historic victory in the summer of 2019 that stands head and shoulders above the rest.

Through sheer dedication and hard work, the Raptors overcame numerous challenges on their journey to the finals. With Kyle Lowry, Kawhi Leonard, and Pascal Siakam leading the charge, they triumphed over the Golden State Warriors in an epic six-game NBA Finals showdown. The streets of Toronto overflowed with passionate fans, united in their support for the team and celebrating the well-deserved victory across the entire city.

Which Canadian Cities Could Feature Should the NBA Decide to Expand Further Into Canada?

Over the last three decades almost, Toronto has demonstrated that Canada has a huge appetite for basketball, and further cities could follow them should the NBA decide to expand north of the border once again. As mentioned, Vancouver hosted an NBA team between 1995 and 2001, and while the team struggled to perform well, they did have a loyal fan base that supported them until the very end. Today, the city has grown considerably, and its economy is thriving, providing the perfect base for a brand-new franchise.

Another city to consider is Montreal. With almost two million residents and a strong sports culture, they have shown themselves to be the ideal location for a sports team to succeed. The Montreal Canadiens, who have had support for more than a century, have amply demonstrated that.

Edmonton is a city known primarily for its hockey team, the Oilers. especially courtesy of the brilliance of Connor McDavid in recent years. However, they also have a new state-of-the-art ice district featuring a casino and other attractions. The city is sprawling, with a population of around one million people in the area and while the city may not have the same level of basketball infrastructure as other Canadian cities, it still has the potential to support an NBA franchise.