22
Oct
5 min read
Toronto Raptors NBA Profile: Five things you need to know
Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket against Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter of the home opener at Target Center on October 26, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Raptors 112-101. Photo: David Berding/Getty Images
Canada's Team Forging a New Era After Championship Glory
- First NBA championship in 2019
- Scottie Barnes named 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year
- Only Canadian franchise in the NBA
The Toronto Raptors are Canada's NBA team, known for their passionate fanbase and recent championship success.
Key Details
- Location: Toronto, Canada
- Year Founded: 1995
- Home Arena: Scotiabank Arena
- Championships: 1 (2019)
- Major Rivals: Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers
Australians who have played for the Toronto Raptors
Aron Baynes: Born in Gisborne, New Zealand, and raised in Australia, Baynes signed with the Raptors in November 2020. During the 2020–2021 NBA season, he appeared in 53 games, averaging 6.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. Baynes was known for his defensive presence and rebounding skills.
Nathan Jawai: Hailing from Sydney, New South Wales, Jawai was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 2008 and subsequently traded to the Raptors. He played for Toronto during the 2008–2009 season, appearing in six games and averaging 1.2 points and 0.5 rebounds per game.
David Andersen: Born in Melbourne, Victoria, Andersen was traded to the Raptors in 2010. He played for Toronto during the 2010–2011 season, appearing in 11 games and averaging 4.9 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. Andersen was recognized for his shooting ability and international experience.
Identity
The Raptors have cultivated an identity as "Canada's Team" and representatives of Toronto's multicultural character. Their "We The North" slogan encapsulates their outsider status as the NBA's only non-U.S. franchise. The team philosophy emphasises player development, with a track record of turning unheralded prospects into stars.
On the court, the Raptors traditionally played an up-tempo style focused on three-point shooting and defense. Under Nick Nurse, they became known for innovative defensive schemes and positional flexibility. The club culture prizes hard work, unselfishness, and players who embody the grittiness of Toronto.
Legacy & Impact
The Raptors' greatest era came in 2018-2019, when they won their first NBA championship led by Kawhi Leonard. Other notable periods include the Vince Carter years that put the franchise on the map, and the DeMar DeRozan/Kyle Lowry era that saw consistent playoff appearances.
Key figures in franchise history include Carter, DeRozan, Lowry, Leonard, and current star Pascal Siakam. Masai Ujiri has been crucial as team president in building a championship roster. The 2019 title run united Canada behind the Raptors and proved they could compete with the NBA's elite franchises.
Five Fast Facts
- First NBA game ever was played in Toronto in 1946 (Huskies vs Knicks)
- Vince Carter won the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest with legendary dunks
- Only NBA team to play home games outside of the U.S. (in Tampa during 2020-21 season)
- Set NBA record for most nationalities on one team (10) in 2019-20
- First non-U.S. team to win an NBA championship
Club Timeline
1995: Raptors join NBA as expansion franchise
2000: Make first playoff appearance led by Vince Carter
2013: Hire Masai Ujiri as team president
2019: Defeat Golden State Warriors to win first NBA championship
2022: Scottie Barnes wins Rookie of the Year award
Key Club Statistics
All-Time Record: 1046-1136 (.480 win%)
Championship History: 1 (2019)
Hall of Fame Players: None yet (Tracy McGrady played early career with Raptors)
Retired Numbers: None officially (Kyle Lowry's #7 to be retired in future)
Records: Most improved win total in NBA history (2006-07 season, +20 wins)
Today
The Raptors are transitioning to a new era built around young star Scottie Barnes. After trading franchise cornerstones Kyle Lowry in 2021 and Pascal Siakam in 2024, Toronto is developing its next core of talent. While no longer immediate contenders, the front office led by Masai Ujiri has a strong track record of finding and developing players.
Barnes represents the future as a versatile, two-way forward who made the 2024 All-Star team. Other key young players include OG Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. The Raptors will look to return to playoff contention in the coming seasons by surrounding Barnes with complementary talent through the draft and trades.
Toronto maintains a robust player development system, with their G League affiliate Raptors 905 consistently producing NBA talent. This infrastructure, combined with the NBA's only international home market, positions the Raptors uniquely as they build their next contending team.
