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The Toronto Raptors have come a long way in thirty years, from humble expansion team to NBA champions. The three decades of team history have been filled with franchise icons and signature moments, celebrated by fans across Toronto and Canada. From the first game in 1995 to today, let’s look back and celebrate the Raptors’ 30th anniversary.
By Mitch Bannon
The Toronto Raptors were born in 1995 as part of the NBA’s ambitious expansion into Canada, bringing a team to Toronto alongside Vancouver. It was a move that would forever alter the professional basketball landscape and kick-start the sport’s massive growth in a new country. The early days were full of firsts and landmarks for Toronto, with legendary guard Isiah Thomas named as the franchise’s first general manager, the name “Raptors” chosen as the team’s nickname in a nod to the hit film Jurassic Park, and agile guard Damon Stoudamire becoming the team’s debut draft pick with the seventh selection in the 1995 NBA Draft.
Though the Raps beat the New Jersey Nets 94-79 in the franchise’s first-ever game in front of 33,000 fans at Rogers Centre (then SkyDome), Toronto’s first season in the Association wasn’t easy. The Raptors faced the daunting task of establishing an identity in a league dominated by storied franchises. The Raptors battled the growing pains of being a new team, but key players like Stoudamire stepped up to help Toronto lay the foundation for a franchise and its fanbase.
The arrival of a young Vince Carter in 1998 was a transformative moment for the Raptors franchise, as the young superstar brought an electrifying style that wowed fans and injected winning into Toronto’s basketball identity. With high-flying dunks, Carter won the 1998-99 NBA Rookie of the Year award and turned Raptors games into must-see showcases. Carter earned national attention in 2000 when he represented the Raptors at the All-Star Weekend festivities in Oakland. With 360-windmills and between-the-legs maneuvers Carter beat out other NBA stars to earn the Slam Dunk Contest title and earn the nickname ‘Air Canada’.
Beginning in 1999, fans had a new venue to watch Carter’s acrobatics and the Raptors early success, with the franchise moving to Scotiabank Arena (then Air Canada Centre). The brand-new venue was an intimate setting built for basketball, creating the raucous home-court advantage that has become a staple of Raptors basketball ever since.
In Carter’s third season, Toronto fans began to watch their team climb the standings and the Raptors establish themselves as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference. With Tracy McGrady, Doug Christie, and Antonio Davis joining the dunking star, the Raptors opened up a new chapter in franchise history in 1999-2000. With Carter leading the way with 25.7 points-per-game, the Raptors won 45 games that season, finishing third in the NBA’s Central Division and earning the franchise’s first ever playoff appearance. When the Raptors faced the veteran Patrick Ewing’s New York Knicks in the first round, the energy in the arena was palpable. Five seasons after joining the Association, the Raptors had taken the next step in proving to the league that Toronto’s dreams of an NBA Championship could be realized.
Though the Raptors were defeated by the Knicks in the 2000 playoffs, the 2001 campaign was another opportunity to make a jump. Toronto once again made the postseason bracket and faced off against New York for a second time. This time, it was Carter and the Raptors who ended up on top with five different players scoring
double-digit points in Game 5 for Toronto to clinch the franchise's first playoff series victory.
In the years following that initial playoff success, the Raptors faced challenges and triumphs that shaped the franchise’s identity moving forward. While Carter was ultimately traded to the Nets, new franchise icons were brought in to keep pushing Raptors basketball to new heights. The arrival of star big-man Chris Bosh in 2003 marked a turning point, as he became the next cornerstone of the franchise, averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds in multiple seasons. The Raptors showcased flashes of brilliance, making the playoffs twice in Bosh’s seven years with the franchise. The Raptors also continued to build the squad’s reputation as a gritty team with new acquisitions like Jose Calderon and the scrappy T.J. Ford, but consistent success eluded Toronto until the 2010s. As a new decade rolled in, the Raptors turned a leaf under head coach Dwane Casey, who emphasized a strong defensive identity and cohesive team play. Casey would go on to become the franchise’s all-time leader in regular season wins as a coach (320) and win the NBA’s Coach of
With players like DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry stepping into leadership roles, the franchise began to flourish. DeRozan became the Raptors’ go-to scorer while Lowry’s tenacity and playmaking transformed Toronto into one of the most formidable opponents in the NBA. With that dynamic duo leading the squad, the Raptors rattling off playoff appearance after playoff appearance and pushed deep into the NBA’s
The 2016 season was a showcase of just how far the Raptors’ franchise had come from the 1995
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expansion team to the perennial title threat with a deep and talented roster. That year, Toronto earned the distinct honour of hosting the NBA All-Star Game, a moment that ignited excitement across the city and country. Over the Raptors’ nearly 20 years in the NBA, up to that point, the city had become a certifiable basketball town and the 2016 All-Star festivities were an opportunity to show it all off.
The event was a basketball celebration, drawing celebrities, spectators, and players from around the globe to experience the vibrant energy of Toronto. The weekend had all the NBA essentials from the Slam Dunk Contest to the 3-Point Contest, with the Raptors represented in the main game by All-Stars Lowry and DeRozan. The weekend brought together Toronto’s various basketball communities and cultures, showcasing the city’s unique flavour and solidifying its reputation as a global basketball destination.
The Raptors’ 2016 success didn’t end on All-Star weekend, though, as the campaign went on to become the franchise’s most successful season to that point. Toronto set a new franchise record with 56 wins, earning the second seed in the Eastern Conference before winning playoff series over the Pacers and Heat and advancing to the team’s first ever Conference Finals. While Lowry, DeRozan, and the Raptors kept knocking at the door of an NBA Finals over the next few years, they were unable to get over the hump. Then, 2019 came along.
Before the 2018-19 season, the Raptors underwent massive change. Team President Masai Ujiri named Nick Nurse the team’s new head coach and traded DeRozan and others to the San Antonio Spurs for superstar Kawhi Leonard and sharpshooter Danny Green. The trade sent shockwaves
throughout the NBA, with the Raptors immediately becoming a serious threat to win the NBA Title the upcoming year. Leonard, who already had a ring and Finals MVP to his name, brought unparalleled skill and defensive prowess to the squad. The acquisition was a bold gamble, but it was the kind of risk needed to earn the elusive championship that had long been a dream for the franchise and its fans.
After rattling off 58 regular season wins and earning the second seed in the Eastern Conference once again, the Raptors began an unforgettable 2019 playoff run. The historic journey was filled with iconic moments, but none is more remembered than Leonard’s Game 7 shot against the Philadelphia 76ers. With time winding down in a tied series-defining game, the superstar forward drove to the corner and heaved up a shot that hung in the air for an eternity. As the ball bounced off the rim and fell into the basket, Leonard’s bucket sent Raptors fans into a frenzy, pushed the franchise one step closer to the trophy, and etched the moment into NBA lore.
After toppling the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Raptors engaged in a back-and-forth battle with the dynastic Golden State Warriors for the ultimate prize. After five games of trading blows, Toronto finally bested Golden State with a 114-110 Game 6 win in Oakland. As the final seconds ticked off the clock, Raptors players began celebrating on the court and fans took to the streets across Toronto and the rest of Canada. The jubilance that began that night carried on to a parade days later that saw over a million people fill Toronto’s streets to cheer on Leonard, Lowry, Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol, and the rest of the franchise’s first NBA Championship squad.
The monumental achievement solidified the 2018-19 Raptors in franchise history, but the future of the franchise is equally bright. With a new young core featuring Scottie Barnes and the Canadianborn RJ Barrett, the franchise is on a path to return to the top of the NBA mountain.
The Raptors’ young stars represent a new era for the team, but their growth and development also mirrors the evolution the Raptors have undergone since the franchise’s inception 30 years ago. This milestone anniversary celebrates the franchise’s journey from an expansion team to a regular championship contender. Over three decades, the Raptors transformed from an underdog to an iconic NBA franchise, giving a passionate fanbase so many moments to remember. Now, the Raptors set out to build more memories and reach new heights in the seasons ahead.
By Mitch Bannon
Vince Carter is a name woven into the fabric of Toronto basketball. For many Raptors fans, his high-flying dunks and electrifying play drew them to the burgeoning Toronto franchise. Though Carter went on to play for seven more NBA teams after his time in Toronto, the high-flying superstar remains a Raptors legend. With the Toronto franchise celebrating its 30th anniversary and Carter’s No. 15 rising to the Scotiabank Arena rafters in November, there’s no better time to look back on Carter’s history with the Raptors and his lasting legacy in Toronto.
A teenager from Florida, Carter was drafted as the fifth overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft and was immediately flipped by the Warriors to the Raptors. The University of North Carolina product instantly became a beacon of hope for a Raptors team that had been searching for an identity in the franchise’s first three seasons after expansion. From his very first game, Carter displayed an electrifying blend of skill, charisma, and acrobatics that captivated fans.
Carter’s contributions during his first season with the Raptors were nothing short of transformative. He quickly became the face of the franchise, infusing the team with energy and excitement — and a new winning culture. Averaging over 18 points and five rebounds per contest in his first season, the flashy wing earned NBA MVP consideration and won the league’s Rookie of the Year Award with 113 of 118 first-place votes.
Carter’s play with the Raptors unlocked a new level for the franchise. In his second season in Toronto, the dunking star led the Raptors to their first-ever playoff appearance. Starting all 82 games in that 1999-2000 season, Carter averaged an impressive 25.7 points and earned a spot on the All-NBA Third Team. His dynamic play not only elevated the Raptors on the court but
ignited a basketball frenzy throughout the city, drawing crowds to Scotiabank Arena (then Air Canada Centre). Carter’s impact extended beyond the court as his electrifying style and engaging personality brought together diverse groups in celebration of basketball (and rim-rattling dunks).
After leading the Raptors to the playoffs, Carter — alongside Antonio Davis, Charles Oakley, and Morris Peterson — helped snatch the franchise’s first postseason series victory in 2001. After Toronto toppled the New York Knicks in the opening round, Carter and Philadelphia 76ers star guard Allen Iverson began an iconic postseason battle in the Eastern Conference Semi Finals. Both Carter and Iverson averaged over 30 points a game in the seven-game series, trading buckets back-and-forth until the 76ers finally managed to eke out the series win with an 88-87 victory in Game 7.
No moment encapsulates Carter’s impact and legacy like the 2000 NBA All-Star Weekend, though. After building a reputation in the Association for high-flying, gravity-defying dunks in his first few seasons, Carter earned a spot in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2000. Carter put on a show for the crowd in Oakland and represented Raptors fans well, flashing 360-windmill slams and “honey dip” dunks. The acrobatics earned Carter the Slam Dunk Contest crown and etched his name in NBA history as one of the sport’s greatest dunkers. On February 12th, 2025, the Raptors will celebrate the “Dunkaversary” to
look back on the awe-inspiring performance that won Carter the 2000 dunking contest.
The high-flying dunks earned Carter lasting nicknames like “Vinsanity” and “Air Canada,” but also drew even more young basketball fans to the Raptors. Young athletes across Toronto, Canada, and even in the United States still sport the iconic purple Raptors jerseys with Carter’s No. 15 on the back. Carter’s play inspired a generation of young Canadians and helped foster a massive growth in basketball participation in the country. Current Canadian Raptors like RJ Barrett and Kelly Olynyk both talk about growing up watching Carter, inspiring them to strive for the NBA.
Recognizing Carter’s contributions to Toronto and basketball across Canada, the Raptors retired his number on November 2nd and honour the high-flying star throughout the season. The team will also unveil a special Vince Carter logo and wear Vince-themed jerseys on two dates throughout the season. Amid a special year of celebrating the Raptors’ 30th anniversary, these initiatives are a celebration of Carter’s undeniable place in the franchise’s history.
Carter showed a city what their basketball team was capable of and put on an electrifying and inspiring show for Raptors fans. Retiring his No. 15 is a celebration of a player who redefined what it meant to be a Raptor in an era when the team was still searching for an identity. Carter’s jersey will now soar above the hardwood, as he did so many times himself.
Entering the franchise’s 30th-anniversary season, Toronto lays the groundwork for the next generation of championship contenders
By Julia Kreuz
They say the turning of a decade comes with renewal. The Raptors are banking on it.
Toronto is gearing up for a unique intersection of past, present and future. The season that marks the franchise’s 30th anniversary will feature celebratory events, jersey retirements and a look at the glory days that were. On the court, a new generation will start building toward contention again, set on adding to the history of this team in the years to come.
Remembering the iconic role models that came before them should boost the Raptors’ young players in the early stages of their quest.
“Just continue to try to make history in any way possible,” Raptors forward Scottie Barnes said of his anticipation for the 30th-anniversary season. “ … I’m trying to go out there and have the fans enjoy what we’re doing here. That’s the most important thing. Fans are so important to what we do. Let’s try to go out there, make it fun for them to watch, make it entertaining and create more legacy, more history.”
That’s the mentality the Raptors are preaching — from front office to coaching staff to the players on the court. Building for the future shouldn’t take away from the present.
“Obviously, there’s building blocks and steps
that you have to take to reach where you want to be,” said guard Immanuel Quickley, who’s gearing up for his first full season in Toronto.
“But that’s no excuse to not come out and try to win every night.”
Plus, these youngsters are hungry to prove their worth.
This is a much different group from the one that suited up to start the previous season. The Raptors’ approach at the past trade deadline netted them a number of young players like Quickley, RJ Barrett and Ochai Agbaji. This year’s draft brought in promising rookies such as guards Ja’Kobe Walter and Jamal Shead and forward Jonathan Mogbo. Ulrich Chomche — an 18-year-old power forward from Cameroon — is expected to start the season in the G League.
At the centre of it all is Barnes, who signed a max rookie extension in July that will keep him in Toronto for at least five more seasons.
“What I’ve seen this whole summer is [Scottie’s] dedication to the work, the attention to what he wants to get better at,” Raptors Vice-Chairman and President Masai Ujiri said during the team’s media day. “I respect that about him, and I think there’s going to be some growth with him this year.”
The Raptors also showed their faith in Quickley this summer, announcing a five-year deal for their guard at the same time as they announced Barnes’ extension.
After landing in Toronto in the same trade that brought Barrett from the Knicks last season, Quickley started all 38 games he played with the Raptors, scoring 25 or more points in 10 of those contests. His new team saw opportunities for growth — particularly around his ball-handling and playmaking skills — and Quickley showed enough promise to earn a long-term deal instead of hitting free agency.
Now, the Raptors expect the evolution to continue.
“Talent, personality, basketball IQ, shooting — [which is] a premium in the NBA now — competitiveness, work ethic,” Ujiri said, listing all the attributes that drove Toronto to sign Quickley to his new contract. “His work ethic is incredible. I saw him, in South Africa, wake up every early morning to work out with Darko every single day during Basketball Without Borders. I saw him visit teammates in the Olympics and work out every single day.
“To me, it’s the mindset. What kind of mindset do you have? What kind of work ethic do you
have? What kind of person are you? And Quickley has actually shown us that he is very capable of these things. He will try his best, he will try his hardest. And that’s all you ask for in professional sports.”
Retaining Quickley and pairing him with Barrett on the backcourt gives a clear indication of what the Raptors are aiming to accomplish: Surrounding Barnes with space-creating shooters as a way to optimize the forward’s size and athleticism. This team wants the ball in Barnes’s hands more often. The initial pieces are in place for that to happen.
Then, there are the rookies. That group is led by Walter, who was selected with the 19th-overall pick of the draft. The 20-year-old Walter averaged 14.5 points over 35 games with Baylor in the 2023-24 college season, earning the Big 12 Freshman of the Year title and a spot in the All-Big 12 Third Team. This particular pick also fits
well with the Raptors’ current philosophy, as Walter projects, first and foremost, as a prolific shooter.
There’s more to like than just the field goals, though.
“I think there’s just sort of an inner toughness when you watch him,” Raptors GM Bobby Webster said after the draft. “[He’s] not afraid to kind of stick his nose in there.”
That trait should be a boon for Toronto, though the team will exercise patience with its newcomers — much like it did with Gradey Dick last season. For now, the challenge is turning this young group into a cohesive unit.
It starts with building chemistry. From there, the Raptors will set out the foundation for another perennial playoff contender. That process will run through head coach Darko Rajaković, who is entering his second season at the helm of the team.
One major thing you can expect from him this year? A more hands-on approach with every aspect of the game. That’s how much trust the Raptors are placing on their bench boss.
“Darko has had an unbelievable summer,
and I truly appreciate everything that he’s brought on to this team and to the program,” said Ujiri. “His development process is incredible, his attention to detail player by player — you can ask every single player that has come here. … For us, I think [things are] trending in the right way, and that’s Darko’s imprint on how he wants the team to be, how he wants to play, what he wants the culture to be. We are in full support of that.”
Rajaković has a meticulous vision for how he wants to play. As for the culture, he and the Raptors found a creative and enriching way to bring their athletes together.
“There’s going to be a lot of work, a lot of film, a lot of education — on the court and off the court — that we’ve gotta do this year,” said Rajaković. “I’m gonna have a much more holistic approach in developing our team and our roster. And for me, the most important thing will be not skipping any steps.”
Learning curves and growing pains are to be expected. Rajaković’s job is to ensure the focus is unwavering throughout this process.
That’s how you build a winning culture.
“We’ve got to understand where we are, we’ve got to understand the moment of the organization,” said Rajaković. “ … We have a very young core, we have guys that we believe in and we have work to do. So every night, we are going to prepare to go and compete and fight and bring the best we can. But at the same time, we’ve got to see the big picture and understand what we’re trying to achieve. We’re trying to build a team that’s going to compete for championships, and we need to lay down the path towards that.”
When coach says he’ll be holistically involved with the development of these young Raptors, he means it. Forging his own relationships with his players — especially the ones who arrived recently — is a big part of the trust Rajaković is working to build.
“He’s a big player’s coach,” said Quickley. “You can come to him about more than just basketball. We talk a lot about family, mindset, things like that. … Then on the basketball side, he’s very smart, very organized, tremendous work ethic. So a lot of different stuff that I’ve been able to pick up from him and learn while I’ve been with him.”
From there, this team will take it one day at a time — when building a house, you must start with the foundation, as Darko says.
“What we need to understand is that it’s not one game, it’s just not the start of the season,” said Rajaković. “We’ve got to understand the big picture.”
There should be no shortage of reminders throughout the season of what it is the Raptors are playing for, and just how rewarding that big picture can turn out to be.
‘I’M
By Julia Kreuz
After a contract extension and plenty of accolades in his young career, Scottie Barnes’ next big step has started off the court. The Raptors should benefit from it way beyond this season.
For three seasons, the Raptors watched Scottie Barnes take his share of steps forward. Now comes arguably the most important one.
The 23-year-old Barnes had a clear goal this summer, as he prepared to enter his fourth pro season with a changing landscape around him. That objective didn’t have anything to do with statistical benchmarks or personal accolades, though. It was a lot deeper than that.
“This whole summer I’ve just been working on my communication skills,” Barnes said during the Raptors’ media availability on Sept. 30. “I’m just trying to step into that next role, growing into that leader [status]. You gotta just take steps, and I feel like I’ve been getting the right steps this summer.”
Those steps were taken in different backgrounds. The Raptors got together this offseason to workout and play. That allowed the team to bond in a variety of settings, as well as get to know each other as players.
Barnes embraced all of it. He was just happy to be back on the court.
“That was super important for me,” said
Barnes. “I love playing basketball, I love just playing hoops. So to be able to have a consistent basis of playing and trying to get better, learning other players, building connections, that was super fun.”
In a way, every benchmark Barnes reached before this season plays a pivotal role in the Raptors’ trust in their young forward.
A West Palm Beach, Fla., native, Barnes went from a defensive standout at Florida State to a No. 4 overall draft pick, then to NBA Rookie of the Year back in 2021-22. He secured his first All-Star selection last February amid a season in which he set career highs in points, assists, rebounds and blocks per game.
Even when an unlucky injury sidelined Barnes for the final stretch of the 2023-24 campaign, he still showed up for his team in different ways. When he returned to game action this offseason, it became clear that the Raptors are a better team when Barnes is on the court.
All the signs point to a natural leader. Barnes is now focused on honing those skills.
“I’m just trying to bring these guys together,”
said Barnes. “We didn’t have a full season under our belt — we have a lot of new faces, a lot of new people. So it all started this summer, just building this chemistry with our team and trying to go from there.”
Having such a young reference point may sound unusual at first, but take a look at the Raptors’ budding young core — and Barnes’ organic inclination to leadership — and this investment starts to make a ton of sense. Plus, this is hardly the first investment Toronto has placed in Barnes.
The team announced on July 8 that it had agreed on a five-year rookie extension with Barnes, further cementing the plan to build a contender around him for seasons to come. As the vision for the future becomes clearer, Barnes should continue to grow into this new role. He’s confident he’s up for the task.
“I’m usually accustomed to being a leader by example,” said Barnes. “I go out there, play hard,
show a lot of effort. Once the game gets going and you see different things throughout the game, you talk to your teammates, you’re communicating. It’s not really something that’s super hard. It just comes naturally to a lot of people, and some people are different from others.”
It may have always been there, but something feels different these days.
Barnes’ commitment to prominence is palpable. His voice has more certainty, his posture carries more gravitas and his words are chosen to convey a central message. That’s where all that offseason work shows up for the wider public, but the Raptors have seen it for a while now.
“It’s really his seriousness,” Raptors ViceChairman and President Masai Ujiri said on Sept. 30. “I was talking to a coach who coaches Scottie during the summer sometimes, and I asked him to tell me what differences he’s seen. He [talked about Scottie’s] seriousness, the level
of intensity in terms of workout, mindset, what he wants to accomplish.
“And then how he holds the team accountable. He’s a leader. He’s showing it on the court.”
The Raptors will welcome every bit of that this season as they lay down the groundwork for the brighter days ahead.
Ujiri has been vocal about having Barnes as the centrepiece of the Raptors’ future, pairing him with the likes of RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and Gradey Dick. Each of those players carries talent and promise, but this group hasn’t played together for long. The Raptors need a focal point.
“Everything started this summer: How we want to be, what we need to work on, what we need to focus on,” Barnes said of connecting with his teammates. “We were trying to get everybody on the same page, that was the main thing.”
He still put in the effort on the court, of course. Barnes had to sit the last 22 games of last season due to a hand fracture suffered when Quickley accidentally kicked him in-game. He was cleared for activities at the end of the season, and the work resumed almost immediately.
Some of his on-court goals are things you’ve heard about before: First and foremost, Barnes is working to improve on his shooting, particularly
his shot creation, finding the open spaces and getting to his spots more efficiently. On the defensive side, he’s preparing for another season as the Raptors’ mainstay.
But the big word around this team right now is change. That’s just as true for the defence.
“We’re going to have our defensive pillars, and all the defensive pillars that I’m going to present to our team, they’re not something that happens overnight,” said head coach Darko Rajaković. “We’ll need to build our habits, we’ll need to build our identity, and we’re going to stick with those.”
For a team set on protecting the rim, being aggressive with ball pressure and forcing opponents to play fast, having a player like Barnes becomes crucial. He’s up for the task, too. Whatever it takes to help his team to a victory.
“Everything starts off of winning,” said Barnes. “We win, and everything else just comes into place.”
It’s a simple statement, but it’s also a surefire way to rally the troops. The Raptors have been transparent about the educational, evolving nature of the season ahead, but their players are determined to keep the noise on the outside and play to win every single night.
That’s where the veterans come in. Players like Kelly Olynyk and Garrett Temple, for example, have been around for a while. They’ve seen good seasons and bad seasons, and they’ve passed along lessons to the younger generations. Barnes isn’t necessarily trying to emulate anyone, but he singled out Temple as someone to learn from.
“I’m just being myself. Of course, you can see things — I see a lot of leadership in Garrett Temple with the way he carries himself, the way he talks, the way he communicates, the way he tells us different things throughout the season,” said Barnes. “You see that he’s a vet that’s been in this league a long time. Seeing his impact on our team is so important, so that’s one of the guys I look up to, take notes and try to assert myself in some of the ways that he asserts himself.”
No one expects Barnes to be Garrett Temple,
though. The Raptors aren’t losing sight of the fact that, just as there will be learning curves on the court, the path to leadership isn’t linear. Aiming for perfection can become a fool’s errand.
“We should not forget that Scottie is 23 years old,” said Ujiri. “We all make mistakes.” Masai jokingly said, “I’m 70 years old and I’ve made tons of mistakes. These guys are going to make mistakes every step of the way, but honestly what I’ve seen this whole summer is [Scottie’s] dedication to the work, the attention to what he wants to get better at. I respect that about him, and I think there’s going to be some growth with him this year.”
There will be scouting reports, game planning and a ton of self work. There’s also bound to be some frustration along the way. But from the moment the game tips off, things fall into place. Barnes knows what he has to do.
Seasoned leader or just a kid who loves to play hoops, Barnes will enjoy every moment of it.
“Just continue to try to make history in any way possible. Take a stand,” said Barnes. “I’m trying to go out there and have the fans enjoy what we’re doing here. That’s the most important thing. Fans are so important to what we do. Let’s try to go out there, make it fun for them to watch, make it entertaining and create more legacy, more history.”
By Larry Millson
Players who suited up with the Raptors last season, a team record and the third most in NBA history. The previous Raptors record for different players used during a season was 24 in 1997-98.
Teammates who played with Hall of Famer Vince Carter, an NBA record. His most common teammate was Alvin Williams (347 games), who played for the Raptors. Carter started his career with the Raptors in 1998 and played 1,541 games for eight teams through 2020.
Raptors who have worn uniform No. 15, which the team has retired in honour of Hall of Famer Vince Carter. Other Raptors who wore the number were Jorge Garbajosa, Amir Johnson, Anthony Bennett, Greg Monroe and Eric Moreland.
30
Points scored by Alvin Robertson in the Raptors’ first franchise game, a 94-79 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Nov. 3, 1995 before 33,306 at the SkyDome. Robertson hit a 3-pointer to open the scoring. Damon Stoudamire had 10 points and 10 assists.
2335
Assists recorded by the Raptors last season, a franchise record, surpassing the 2,085 in 2018-19. The Raptors finished tied for fifth in the NBA in assists (28.5 average per game), an improvement from 2022-23 when they finished 23rd (23.9).
21
Wins by the Raptors in their first season, 1995-96. They defeated the three teams with the best records in the league that season –Chicago, Seattle and Orlando.
18.7
The Raptors’ league-leading average of fast-break points per game last season, the sixth time in franchise history that Toronto led that category. The other seasons were 2019-20, 2000-01, 1998-99, 1997-98, 1996-97.
Masai Ujiri Vice-Chairman and President, Alternative NBA Governor
Basketball Operations
Vice-President, Basketball Strategy & Research
Vice-President, Organizational Culture & Inclusion
CAREER STATS PRIOR TO 2024-25 NBA SEASON
POSITION: GUARD
HEIGHT: 6'5''
WEIGHT: 219 LBS
BORN: APRIL 20, 2000
BIRTHPLACE: MILWAUKEE, WI
Acquired from the Utah Jazz alongside Kelly Olynyk at last year’s trade deadline, Agbaji started 18 games for the Raptors down the stretch, carving out a role as a strong wing defender with scoring upside. At 24 years old, Agbaji continues to grow, and the Raptors will rely on him for rotation minutes in the 2024-25 season.
POSITION: GUARD-FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6'8''
WEIGHT: 236 LBS
BORN: AUGUST 1, 2001
BIRTHPLACE: WEST PALM BEACH, FLA
The centrepiece of the franchise, Barnes took massive strides in 2023-24, earning his first All-Star appearance and setting career highs in every major category, including points (19.9), assists (6.1), and rebounds per game (8.2). Now locked into a five-year contract extension signed this offseason, Barnes will lead the young Raps squad again and look to further establish himself as one of the NBA’s brightest young stars.
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POSITION: GUARD-FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6'7''
WEIGHT: 218 LBS
BORN: JUNE 14, 2000
BIRTHPLACE: TORONTO, ON
A native of Toronto, Barrett burst onto the scene after the Raptors acquired him from the Knicks at last year’s trade deadline, starting 32 games and leading the team with 21.8 points per game during that span. Under contract through 2026, Barrett is a dynamic piece in the Raptors core and is looking to turn in another big year as a top-tier passer and scorer for Toronto in 2024-25.
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CAREER STATS PRIOR TO 2024-25 NBA SEASON
POSITION: FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6'6''
WEIGHT: 228 LBS
BORN: MAY 10, 2001
BIRTHPLACE: ROBBINSDALE, MN
All Battle needed was two excellent summerleague games before the Raptors signed the Ohio State product to a contract this summer. The 23-year-old joins the Raps after an excellent final season with the Buckeyes, where he averaged 15.3 PPG and 5.2 RPG while shooting 46.9% from the field and 43.3% from three.
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CAREER STATS PRIOR TO 2024-25 NBA SEASON
POSITION: FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6'9''
WEIGHT: 202 LBS
BORN: JANUARY 11, 1993
BIRTHPLACE: CASTRIES, LCA
Entering his seventh season with the Raptors, Boucher holds the record for the most games played by a Canadian in franchise history, with 356 appearances. Known for his shot-blocking, energy, and versatility, Boucher has become a key contributor off the bench, and his hustle and resilience have made him a fan favourite and an essential part of the team’s success.
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CAREER STATS PRIOR TO 2024-25 NBA SEASON
POSITION: GUARD-FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6'4''
WEIGHT: 198 LBS
BORN: AUGUST 15, 1996
BIRTHPLACE: BOSTON, MA
Whether it’s rocking a stylish pre-game outfit or pulling off a mean crossover, Brown brings his A-game both on and off the court. Acquired from the Indiana Pacers in the Pascal Siakam trade last year, Brown wasted no time showing off his offensive prowess with quick hands and strong cuts to the rim, averaging 9.6 PPG in 34 games with the Raptors in 2023-24.
CAREER STATS PRIOR TO 2024-25 NBA SEASON
POSITION: GUARD
HEIGHT: 6'3''
WEIGHT: 201 LBS
BORN: AUGUST 5, 2000
BIRTHPLACE: PINEVILLE, NC
Undrafted out of Ohio State, Carton made four appearances off the bench for the Raptors last season, averaging nine minutes per game. A grinder with strong defensive instincts, Carton enters the 2024-25 season on a two-way contract, with the expectation to contribute to both the Raptors and their G-League affiliate, the 905.
CAREER STATS PRIOR TO 2024-25 NBA SEASON
POSITION: CENTRE
HEIGHT: 6'11''
WEIGHT: 231 LBS
BORN: DECEMBER 30, 2005
BIRTHPLACE: BAHAM, CMRN
At just 18 years old, Chomche is a raw two-way forward with incredible upside. Chomche became the first NBA Academy Africa prospect to be drafted when the Memphis Grizzlies picked him in the second round of the 2024 Draft. Toronto immediately traded for Chomche, and he signed a two-way contract with the Raptors on July 10.
CAREER STATS PRIOR TO 2024-25 NBA SEASON
POSITION: GUARD-FORWARD HEIGHT: 6'7''
WEIGHT: 208 LBS
BORN: NOVEMBER 20, 2003
BIRTHPLACE: WICHITA, KS
A sniper on the wing, Dick came exactly as advertised in his rookie season, shooting a 42.5% field goal percentage, 36.5% from three and 86.3% from the freethrow line. The 13th overall pick in the 2023 Draft developed as the season went on, too. Dick posted a solid 12.5 PPG after last year’s All-Star break. Expect the 20-year-old to take another big step as he meshes with this young Raptors core.
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CAREER STATS PRIOR TO 2024-25 NBA SEASON
POSITION: CENTRE
HEIGHT: 6'9''
WEIGHT: 253 LBS
BORN: AUGUST 15, 1998
BIRTHPLACE: LUANDA, ANGL
A five-year NBA veteran, Fernando joins the Raptors after averaging 6.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 15.2 minutes in 45 games with the Atlanta Hawks last season. Versatility is Fernando’s best asset, as he’s known for guarding multiple positions. Fernando is also the first Angolan player to be drafted into the NBA.
CAREER STATS PRIOR TO 2024-25 NBA SEASON
POSITION: GUARD
HEIGHT: 6'1''
WEIGHT: 204 LBS
BORN: SEPTEMBER 5, 1998
BIRTHPLACE: HINESVILLE, GA
Primed for a role as one of Toronto’s top bench players, Mitchell posted a career-high 36.1% three-point percentage with the Sacramento Kings in 2023-24. The former ninth overall pick in the 2021 Draft is also a disruptor on defence, thriving in on-ball pressure. On offence, Mitchell is an excellent pick-and-roll man who will see plenty of opportunities to score with the Raptors this season.
CAREER STATS PRIOR TO 2024-25 NBA SEASON
POSITION: FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6'7''
WEIGHT: 216 LBS
BORN: OCTOBER 29, 2001
BIRTHPLACE: WEST PALM BEACH, FLA
A talented forward with upside, Mogbo was selected by the Raptors in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, 31st overall, out of San Francisco. The 23-year-old is feisty in the paint, trucking through larger defenders to finish at the rim. Mogbo also quietly averaged 3.6 APG with San Francisco last season, suggesting he’ll function as a playmaker on the Raptors roster.
CAREER STATS PRIOR TO 2024-25 NBA SEASON
KELLY OLYNYK
POSITION: FORWARD-CENTRE
HEIGHT: 7'0''
WEIGHT: 245 LBS
BORN: APRIL 19, 1991
BIRTHPLACE: TORONTO, ON Canadian basketball fans rejoiced when the Raptors acquired Olynyk from the Jazz at last year’s trade deadline. Born in Toronto and raised in Kamloops, B.C., the 33-year-old has carved out quite the career, suiting up for six different NBA squads in 11 seasons. Olynyk found success as a point-centre last year, using his excellent ballhandling to move the offense. He’ll be a key part of the Raptors’ success in 2024.
CAREER STATS PRIOR TO 2024-25 NBA SEASON
POSITION: CENTRE
HEIGHT: 7'0''
WEIGHT: 253 LBS
BORN: OCTOBER 15, 1995
BIRTHPLACE: VIENNA, AUST
An anchor in the Raptors starting five, Poeltl shot an impressive 65.6% from the field a season ago, combining his efficient scoring with rock-solid performance on off-ball screens. The 28-year-old also chipped as a quality rim protector, averaging 1.5 blocks per game. Every squad needs a player to do the dirty work, and Poeltl is the perfect man for the job in Toronto.
CAREER STATS PRIOR TO 2024-25 NBA SEASON
POSITION: GUARD
HEIGHT: 6'3''
WEIGHT: 194 LBS
BORN: JUNE 17, 1999
BIRTHPLACE: HAVRE DE GRACE, MD
All Quickley needed was a chance to start. He got the opportunity in Toronto and has blossomed into one of the best young point guards in the game. In 38 starts with the Raptors last year, Quickley averaged 18.6 PPG, 6.8 APG, and 4.8 RPG, all career highs. After cooking up chemistry with teammates a season ago, the 25-year-old is poised for a massive year in 2024-25.
POSITION: GUARD
HEIGHT: 6'0''
WEIGHT: 198 LBS
BORN: JULY 24, 2002
BIRTHPLACE: AUSTIN, TX
Shead is a sparkplug on the court and a great complementary presence to the Raptors’ volume scorers. The 22-year-old made a name for himself as a college standout at Houston, dishing dimes as a primary ballhandler and perimeter defender. Toronto acquired Shead just a day after he was selected by the Sacramento Kings in the second round of the 2024 Draft.
CAREER STATS PRIOR TO 2024-25 NBA SEASON
POSITION: GUARD-FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6'5''
WEIGHT: 194 LBS
BORN: MAY 8, 1986
BIRTHPLACE: BATON ROUGE, LA
The Raptors are the 12th franchise Temple has played for in his 14-year NBA career, leaving him just one shy of Ish Smith’s all-time record of 13 teams. The 38-year-old appeared in 27 games for the Raptors last season, prompting the team to re-sign him to a one-year deal for 2024-25. He brings valuable experience and mentorship to Toronto’s younger players.
CAREER STATS PRIOR TO 2024-25 NBA SEASON
POSITION: GUARD
HEIGHT: 6'4''
WEIGHT: 204 LBS
BORN: SEPTEMBER 4, 2004
BIRTHPLACE: DALLAS, TX
Selected by the Raptors in the first round, 19th overall in the 2024 Draft, Walter brings excellent perimeter shooting and a massive 6-foot-10 wingspan, which helps him guard bigger players. The 20-year-old made a strong impression as a clutch shooter at Baylor and promises to be one of the Raptors’ go-to catch-and-shoot guys in big spots throughout his rookie season.
By Ethan Diamandes
2. 3. 4. 5.
d. Kawhi Leonard 1.
What overall pick was Scottie Barnes in the 2021 NBA Draft?
a. 2nd
b. 3rd
c. 4th
d. 5th
Which Raptors player holds the franchise record for most points in a single game?
a. Vince Carter
b. DeMar DeRozan
c. Pascal Siakam
d. Fred VanVleet
What is the name of the official mascot of the Toronto Raptors?
a. Dino
b. Rex
c. The Raptor
d. Clutch
Who is the Raptors’ all-time leader in three-pointers made?
a. Kyle Lowry
b. Fred VanVleet
c. DeMar DeRozan
d. OG Anunoby
Which player was traded to the Raptors in exchange for Jonas Valančiūnas in 2019?
a. Serge Ibaka
b. Danny Green
c. Marc Gasol
In the 2006 NBA Draft, the Raptors selected Andrea Bargnani first overall. Who was the second pick in that draft?
a. LaMarcus Aldridge
b. Brandon Roy
c. Rudy Gay
d. Rajon Rondo
7. 8. 9. 10. ANSWER KEY
How many points did Scottie Barnes average in his rookie season (2021-22)?
a. 13.5
b. 15.3
c. 16.8
d. 18.1
How many games did it take the Raptors to defeat the Golden State Warriors in the 2019 NBA Finals?
a. 4
b. 5
c. 6
d. 7
Who is the winningest coach in Raptors history?
a. Sam Mitchell
b. Nick Nurse
c. Jay Triano
d. Dwane Casey
Scottie Barnes became an All-Star in 2023-24 at age 22, tying for the youngest Raptors All-Star ever. Which other Raptor was named an All-Star at 22 years old?
a. Chris Bosh
b. Vince Carter
c. Tracy McGrady
d. Jose Calderon 6.
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