History of Toronto Raptors in Timeline

The Toronto Raptors are a Canadian professional basketball team founded in 1995 as part of the NBA's expansion into Canada. They compete in the NBA as a member of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference and play their home games at Scotiabank Arena. Originally, there were two Canadian NBA teams, but since the 2001-02 season, the Raptors have been the only Canadian team in the league after the Vancouver Grizzlies relocated to Memphis.

November 1, 1946: First NBA Game Hosted in Toronto

On November 1, 1946, the Toronto Huskies hosted the New York Knickerbockers at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, in what was the first game played in NBA history.

1971: Buffalo Braves Played Games at Maple Leaf Gardens

Starting in 1971, the Buffalo Braves (predecessor to the Los Angeles Clippers) played regular season games at Maple Leaf Gardens.

1975: Buffalo Braves Played Games at Maple Leaf Gardens

Ending in 1975, the Buffalo Braves (predecessor to the Los Angeles Clippers) played regular season games at Maple Leaf Gardens.

1989: NBA Exhibition Game in Toronto

In 1989, the NBA organized an exhibition game in the newly built SkyDome in Toronto with an attendance of over 25,000 people.

1990: Science fiction novel Jurassic Park published

The name "Raptors" choice was influenced by the popularity of the 1993 film adaption of the 1990 science fiction novel Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton.

Jurassic Park: A Novel

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1992: NBA Exhibition Game in Toronto

In 1992, the NBA organized an exhibition game in the newly built SkyDome in Toronto with an attendance of over 25,000 people.

April 23, 1993: Application for Toronto-Based Team Submitted

On April 23, 1993, Professional Basketball Franchise (Canada) Inc. (PBF) formally submitted an application for a Toronto-based team.

September 30, 1993: Committee Recommended Awarding Franchise

On September 30, 1993, the NBA Expansion Committee recommended conditionally awarding PBF the franchise.

November 4, 1993: Team Formalized by NBA Board of Governors

On November 4, 1993, the NBA Board of Governors endorsed the decision of the Expansion Committee and awarded its 28th franchise to a group headed by Toronto businessman John Bitove.

1993: Film adaption of Jurassic Park released

The name "Raptors" choice was influenced by the popularity of the 1993 film adaption of the 1990 science fiction novel Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton.

Jurassic Park: A Novel

Check it on Amazon

May 15, 1994: Team Name Unveiled

On May 15, 1994, the team name Toronto Raptors was unveiled on Canadian national television.

May 24, 1994: Logo and General Manager Revealed

On May 24, 1994, the team's logo and first general manager, Isiah Thomas, were revealed at a press conference.

May 1995: Thomas Purchased Stake in the Team

In May 1995 Isiah Thomas purchased 4.5 per cent stake in the team.

November 3, 1995: First Game for Raptors and Grizzlies

The Raptors, along with the Vancouver Grizzlies, played their first game on November 3, 1995.

December 1995: Thomas Purchased Additional Stake in the Team

In December 1995 Isiah Thomas purchased an additional 4.5 per cent stake in the team.

1995: Inaugural Season

In 1995, Alvin Robertson scored the first NBA points in Raptors history, and Stoudamire recorded 10 points and 10 assists in a victory over the New Jersey Nets.

1995: Expansion Draft and Initial Roster Formation

In 1995, The Raptors' roster was filled as a result of an expansion draft including veterans Jerome Kersey, Willie Anderson and his former Pistons teammate John Salley.

1995: Damon Stoudamire Drafted

In 1995, Thomas selected Damon Stoudamire in the NBA draft lottery. This was met with boos from fans who wanted Ed O'Bannon.

1995: Raptors Foundation established

In 1995, the Raptors Foundation was established as the charitable arm of the Toronto Raptors, dedicated to supporting programs for at-risk children and youth in Ontario.

1995: Toronto Raptors Founded

In 1995, the Toronto Raptors were founded as part of the NBA's expansion into Canada.

1996: Slaight Gained Control of Team

In November of the 1996–97 season, Bitove sold his ownership interest in the team to Slaight giving Slaight 79 per cent control of the team. Also in the 1996 NBA draft the team selected centre Marcus Camby.

1997: Injuries and Losing Streak

In the 1997–98 season, the team suffered numerous injuries and slid into a 17-game losing streak.

1997: Second Season

In their second season, 1996-97, the team put up a 30–52 record.

February 13, 1998: Stoudamire traded to the Portland Trail Blazers

On February 13, 1998, Stoudamire was shipped to the Portland Trail Blazers along with Walt Williams and Carlos Rogers for Kenny Anderson, Alvin Williams, Gary Trent, two first-round draft choices, a second-round draft choice and cash.

1998: Acquisition of Vince Carter

In 1998, the Raptors acquired Vince Carter through a draft-day trade.

1999: Raptors' first playoff appearance

During the 1999–2000 season, the Raptors made their first-ever playoff appearance, in which they were swept by the Knicks in the first round, 3–0.

2000: NBA Playoffs Appearance

In 2000, the Raptors made the NBA playoffs.

2000: Raptors swept by Knicks in first playoff series

In 2000, the Raptors made their first-ever playoff appearance but were swept by the New York Knicks in the first round, 3-0.

2001: First Playoff Series Win

In 2001, Vince Carter led the team to their first playoff series win, advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals.

2001: Grizzlies Relocation

Since the 2001–02 season, the Raptors have been the only Canadian team in the league, as the Grizzlies relocated from Vancouver to Memphis, Tennessee.

2002: NBA Playoffs Appearance

In 2002, the Raptors made the NBA playoffs.

2003: Magic's First Playoff Win Since 2003

In game 1 in 2007, Dwight Howard gave the Magic their first playoff win since 2003.

2004: Vince Carter Traded

In 2004, Vince Carter was traded to the New Jersey Nets.

2004: Rivalry with New Jersey Nets begins

In 2004, the rivalry between the Toronto Raptors and the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets began due to the trade of Vince Carter during the 2004–05 season.

2006: Bryan Colangelo Appointed GM and Andrea Bargnani Drafted

In 2006, Bryan Colangelo was appointed as general manager, and Andrea Bargnani was the first overall draft pick.

2006: Raptors' Turnaround Credited to Colangelo, Gherardini and Mitchell

In 2006, Colangelo, Gherardini, and Mitchell were credited with turning the Raptors around, resulting in one of the best improvements in NBA history regarding league standing and defensive ranking. Mitchell was subsequently named NBA Coach of the Year, and Colangelo was named Executive of the Year.

2006: Roster Overhaul and Key Acquisitions

In 2006, the Raptors underwent a significant roster overhaul, highlighted by drafting Andrea Bargnani as the number one pick, acquiring T. J. Ford, and signing Anthony Parker and Jorge Garbajosa. Chris Bosh also received a contract extension, and Maurizio Gherardini was hired as the vice-president and assistant general manager.

February 2007: Bargnani's Performance in February

In February 2007, Andrea Bargnani averaged 14.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, showcasing improvement in defense and shooting.

March 1, 2007: Bargnani Named Rookie of the Month

On March 1, 2007, Andrea Bargnani was named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for the second consecutive time, becoming the third Raptor to achieve this feat.

April 24, 2007: Raptors Win First Playoff Game in Five Seasons

On April 24, 2007, the Raptors secured their first playoff victory in five seasons, defeating the New Jersey Nets 89-83. Despite this win, they ultimately lost the series 4-2.

2007: Raptors Foundation milestone

By 2007, The Raptors Foundation had successfully raised more than $14 million between 1995 and 2007, and reached out to thousands of other charities.

2007: Playoff Berth and Atlantic Division Title

For the 2006–07 season, the Raptors qualified for their first playoff berth in five years, capturing the Atlantic Division title.

2007: Raptors' Playoff Loss to the Magic

In 2007, The Raptors were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic after five games.

2007: Nets defeat Raptors in 2007 NBA Playoffs

In 2007, The rivalry between the Nets and Raptors heated up as the two teams faced each other in the opening round of the 2007 NBA Playoffs, with the Nets winning the series, 4–2.

2007: Roster Changes for the 2007-08 Campaign

In 2007, prior to the 2007-08 season, the Raptors acquired Carlos Delfino, Jamario Moon, and Jason Kapono. Morris Peterson joined the New Orleans Hornets.

2007: Raptors Won Atlantic Division Title for the first time since 2007

On April 11, 2014, the Raptors lost to the New York Knicks, 108–100, but since the division rival Brooklyn Nets lost to the Atlanta Hawks the same night, the Raptors became Atlantic Division champions for the first time since 2007.

2008: Raptors Acquire Jermaine O'Neal

In 2008, the Raptors acquired Jermaine O'Neal from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for T.J. Ford, Rasho Nesterović, Maceo Baston, and Roy Hibbert.

2008: Raptors Clinched Playoff Berth in 2014 for the first time since 2008

On March 28, 2014, the Raptors clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2008 after beating the Boston Celtics, 105–103.

May 12, 2009: Jay Triano Given Three-Year Term as Head Coach

On May 12, 2009, Jay Triano was officially appointed as the head coach of the Raptors with a three-year contract.

2009: Roster Overhaul to Persuade Chris Bosh to Stay

For the 2009–10 season, Colangelo overhauled the team's roster in a bid to persuade pending free agent Bosh to stay.

2009: Raptors Winning Record at Home in 2012-13 Season

In 2009, The 2012-13 season was the first season since 2009-10 that the Raptors finished the season with a winning home record (21-20).

2009: Roster Shakeup for the 2009-10 Season

In 2009, leading into the 2009-10 season, the Raptors traded Jason Kapono for Reggie Evans and drafted DeMar DeRozan. They also signed Hedo Türkoğlu, leading to additional player movements.

2009: Raptors Foundation merges into MLSE Team Up Foundation

In 2009, the Raptors Foundation merged with the charitable arms of MLSE's other sports franchises to form the MLSE Team Up Foundation.

July 2010: Chris Bosh Departs for Miami Heat

In July 2010, Chris Bosh departed to sign with the Miami Heat, ushering in another era of rebuilding for the Raptors.

2010: Bosh and James Join Wade in Miami

In 2010, Chris Bosh and LeBron James chose to play alongside Dwyane Wade in Miami, resulting in the Raptors receiving draft picks and a trade exception.

2010: Raptors' Performance Approaching Playoffs in 2010

In 2010, the Raptors picked up the pace around the All-Star break, reaching a season-high seven games above .500 and standing fifth in the Eastern Conference. However, a season-ending injury to Bosh and Toronto relinquished their playoff spot.

2011: Dwane Casey Hired as New Head Coach

In 2011, Dwane Casey was hired as the new head coach of the Toronto Raptors.

2012: Raptors Acquire Kyle Lowry

In 2012, the Raptors acquired point guard Kyle Lowry from the Houston Rockets after Steve Nash chose to join the Los Angeles Lakers.

January 30, 2013: Raptors Acquire Rudy Gay in Three-Way Deal

On January 30, 2013, the Raptors acquired Rudy Gay and Hamed Haddadi in a three-way trade involving the Memphis Grizzlies and Detroit Pistons, while Calderón was sent to Detroit, and Davis went to Memphis.

December 9, 2013: Raptors Trade Rudy Gay to the Kings

On December 9, 2013, the Raptors traded Rudy Gay, Quincy Acy, and Aaron Gray to the Sacramento Kings for John Salmons, Greivis Vásquez, Patrick Patterson, and Chuck Hayes, and waived Augustin.

2013: Raptors' Performance After Rudy Gay Trade in 2013-14 Season

During the 2013-14 season, after trading Rudy Gay, the Raptors improved significantly, going on a 10-3 run and maintaining their lead in the division.

2013: Raptors and Nets battle for Atlantic Division

During the 2013–14 season, the Raptors and Nets battled for the Atlantic Division title, rekindling their rivalry.

2013: Masai Ujiri Replaces Colangelo

In 2013, Masai Ujiri replaced Colangelo, heralding a new era of success.

March 28, 2014: Raptors Clinch Playoff Berth

On March 28, 2014, the Toronto Raptors clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2008 after defeating the Boston Celtics 105-103.

April 11, 2014: Raptors Win Atlantic Division Title

On April 11, 2014, despite losing to the New York Knicks, the Raptors secured the Atlantic Division title for the first time since 2007 due to the Brooklyn Nets' loss.

December 19, 2014: Raptors Unveil New Primary Logo

On December 19, 2014, the Toronto Raptors unveiled a new primary logo, described as "a circular shield with a ball torn by the unmistakable attack of a Raptor".

2014: Raptors' GM fined for "Fuck Brooklyn!" comment

In 2014, prior to Game 1 of the series between Raptors and Nets, Raptors' general manager Masai Ujiri yelled "Fuck Brooklyn!" during a Raptors rally. Masai was fined $25,000 by the NBA for the quote.

March 27, 2015: Raptors Clinch Atlantic Division Title

On March 27, 2015, the Toronto Raptors clinched the Atlantic Division title with a 94-83 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, marking their second consecutive year winning the title.

April 11, 2015: Raptors End Road Game Losing Streak Against Heat

On April 11, 2015, the Toronto Raptors ended a ten-game road losing streak against the Miami Heat with a victory, marking Toronto's first road win over the Heat since November 19, 2008. This win was Toronto's 48th of the season and 22nd on the road, both tying franchise records.

June 25, 2015: Raptors Select Delon Wright in NBA Draft

On June 25, 2015, the Toronto Raptors selected Delon Wright in the first round and Norman Powell in the second round of the 2015 NBA draft.

2015: New logo implementation and merchandise teasing

In 2015, after the soft launch of the new logo on December 19, 2014, the logo was officially implemented during the 2015–16 season. Despite teasing merchandise featuring the new logo, it was not released until at least mid-2015.

February 10, 2016: Raptors Open OVO Athletic Centre

On February 10, 2016, the Toronto Raptors opened a new practice facility called the OVO Athletic Centre, originally known as the BioSteel Centre, in Exhibition Place.

February 14, 2016: Toronto Hosts 2016 NBA All-Star Game

On February 14, 2016, Toronto hosted the 2016 NBA All-Star Game and its associated weekend for the first time in the team's history.

March 30, 2016: Raptors Attain First 50-Win Season

On March 30, 2016, the Toronto Raptors achieved their first-ever 50-win season with a 105-97 victory against the Atlanta Hawks.

2016: Pascal Siakam Drafted

In the 2016 NBA draft, Pascal Siakam was the 27th overall pick.

February 14, 2017: Raptors Trade for Serge Ibaka

On February 14, 2017, the Toronto Raptors traded Terrence Ross and a first-round pick to the Orlando Magic for Serge Ibaka.

February 23, 2017: Raptors Trade for PJ Tucker

On February 23, 2017, the Toronto Raptors traded Jared Sullinger and two second-round picks for PJ Tucker.

2017: Raptors wear 'city edition' uniforms as part of Welcome Toronto

During the 2017-18 season, as a part of the Welcome Toronto program, the Raptors wore "city edition" uniforms for six home games.

January 1, 2018: DeMar DeRozan Scores Franchise-Record 52 Points

On January 1, 2018, DeMar DeRozan scored a franchise-record 52 points, helping the Toronto Raptors beat the Milwaukee Bucks 131-127 in overtime and matching the team record with their 12th consecutive home victory.

March 7, 2018: Raptors Clinch Playoff Spot

On March 7, 2018, the Toronto Raptors became the first team in the league to clinch a playoff spot in the 2017-18 season with a 121-119 overtime win over the Detroit Pistons. They also set a new franchise record for earliest playoff qualification.

April 6, 2018: Raptors Secure Top Seed in the Eastern Conference

On April 6, 2018, the Toronto Raptors became the Eastern Conference regular season champions, securing the number one seed for the first time in franchise history with a 92-73 win over the Indiana Pacers. They also set new records for single-season wins at 57 and home wins with 33.

2018: Drake unveils Welcome Toronto program

In 2018, Drake unveiled the Welcome Toronto program with the Raptors. As part of the program, the Raptors wore "city edition" uniforms for six home games throughout the 2017–18 season and a $2 million donation to Canada Basketball and $1 million to refurbish local community basketball courts were announced.

2018: Most Successful Regular Season and Dwane Casey Fired

In 2018, the Raptors registered their most successful regular season, but Dwane Casey was fired after the playoffs.

2018: Raptors partner with Drake for Welcome Toronto program

In 2018, the Raptors, in partnership with Drake, announced the Welcome Toronto program, including a $2 million contribution to Canada Basketball and a $1 million donation to refurbish community basketball courts in Toronto.

January 13, 2019: Raptors Break Franchise Record for Most Points Scored

On January 13, 2019, the Toronto Raptors broke the franchise record for most points scored in a single game after beating the Washington Wizards 140-138 in double overtime.

2019: First NBA Championship

In the 2019 playoffs, the Raptors won their first Eastern Conference title and NBA championship.

2020: Pascal Siakam Made his first All-NBA Second Team

In 2020, Pascal Siakam made his first All-NBA Second Team, as well as being a starter in the 2020 NBA All-Star Game. The Raptors winning percentage (73.6 per cent) was the best in franchise history, with the season also seeing Nurse being named as Coach of the Year.

2020: Raptors sweep Nets in 2020 NBA Playoffs

In 2020, The Raptors swept the Nets in four games in the first round of NBA Playoffs, which was the first playoff series that the Raptors swept.

February 28, 2021: Raptors Suffer First Postponement Due to COVID-19

On February 28, 2021, the Toronto Raptors suffered their first postponement of a scheduled game against the Chicago Bulls due to the NBA's COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols.

September 10, 2021: Raptors Return to Scotiabank Arena

On September 10, 2021, the Canadian government allowed the Toronto Raptors to return to Scotiabank Arena for the first time since March 2020, requiring spectators to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to attend.

2021: Kyle Lowry's Departure

After Lowry's departure via trade in 2021, Siakam became the face of the franchise.

December 30, 2023: Raptors Trade OG Anunoby to the Knicks

On December 30, 2023, the Toronto Raptors traded OG Anunoby, along with Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn, to the New York Knicks in exchange for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a 2024 2nd-round pick.

January 17, 2024: Raptors Trade Pascal Siakam to Pacers

On January 17, 2024, the Toronto Raptors traded Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers for Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora, Kira Lewis Jr., and 3 first-round picks.