Toronto Raptors: Five things you need to know

• First NBA championship in 2019
• Scottie Barnes named 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year
• Only Canadian franchise in the NBA

The Toronto Raptors represent the only remaining Canadian franchise in the National Basketball Association. Hitting their 30-year anniversary in 2025, the Raptors have celebrated one championship title in 2019 led by franchise icons Kyle Lowry, Kawhi Leonard and Pascal Siakam. The Raptors have become the catalyst in breeding a thriving basketball culture in Canada, with Toronto fans becoming benchmarks for attendance records throughout their history.

2024-25 NBA Season Summary

• Record: 30-52
• Finish: 11th seed
• All-Star Selections: Nil

Last season the Raptors were one of the teams most impacted by injuries. Brandon Ingram, their blockbuster acquisition from mid-season, did not suit up for Toronto once, as he nursed an ongoing ankle injury. The Raptors offence was uninspiring and suffered mostly in the absence of their starters, with the team plunging to 25th in offensive rating on the season. When considering the Raptors started the season 8-31, the team’s ability to reset and show adaptability under head coach Darko Rajakovic and reach the 30-win mark was a huge upside from the season.

Offseason Moves

Re-signing

• Jakob Poeltl agrees to 4-year extension
• Garrett Temple returns on 1-year deal

Additions‍

• Sandro Mamukelashvili agrees to 2-year deal

Departures

• Chris Boucher departs in free agency to Boston
• A.J. Lawson waived

The Toronto Raptors had an underwhelming offseason, making an interesting deal to lock down 30-year-old Jakob Poeltl on a long-term deal. The deal adds three years to a two-year contract, giving Poeltl a pay rise through to season 2029-30. Poeltl has been a mainstay in the Toronto Raptors lineup, with the upcoming season representing his fifth in red and black stripes. The deal might be in response to his career-best season in 2024/25 where he averaged 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks. The contract is a big risk to take when considering he is an ageing centre, who can't space the floor and will be earning increased salaries over the next five seasons.

Sandro Mamukelashvili is a great addition who is more than capable of spacing the floor with his sound shooting from beyond the arc. He improves the second unit and adds quality to the forward/centre position which was hit with the departure of Chris Boucher. With the opportunity for more minutes in Toronto, the 2025/26 season could facilitate a significant growth in Mamukelashvili’s game and could end up being one of the underrated deals of the summer.

2025-26 Predicted Lineup

• Point Guard: Immanuel Quickley
• Shooting Guard: RJ Barrett
• Small Forward: Brandon Ingram
• Power Forward: Scottie Barnes
• Centre: Jakob Poetl

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.

History of the Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors joined the NBA as an expansion team in 1995. After a period of struggle, the franchise was brought to life after the acquisition of NBA icon Vince Carter, who led them to their first playoff berth in 2000. During this rise, Raptors fans made their presence felt across the league, setting attendance records and building a reputation as one of the largest hubs of basketball in the league.

The Raptors' greatest era came in 2018-2019, when they won their first NBA championship led by Kawhi Leonard. Facing off against the star-studded Golden State Warriors team which dominated the 2010s, the Raptors triumphed in six games with Pascal Siakam and Kyle Lowry playing imperative roles in securing their first title.

Since their championship in 2019 and the departure of superstars, the Raptors have built around young star Scottie Barnes. The Raptors have supplied him with the works of RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram who now form a formidable trio who are more than capable of making noise in the east.

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 defence. Under Nick Nurse, they became known for innovative defensive schemes and positional flexibility. Now under the guidance of Darko Rajakovic, the Raptors have prioritised ball movement and creating high percentage shots close to the rim. The club culture prizes hard work, unselfishness, and players who embody the grittiness of Toronto.

Five Fast Facts

1. First NBA game ever was played in Toronto in 1946 (Huskies vs Knicks)
2. Vince Carter won the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest with legendary dunks
3. Only NBA team to play home games outside of the U.S. (in Tampa during 2020-21 season)
4. Set NBA record for most nationalities on one team (10) in 2019-20
5. 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

Over half a decade from their championship triumph, the Toronto Raptors are eyeing a playoff qualification for the first time since the 2022/23 season. Boosted by the returns of Brandon Ingram and Immanuel Quickley, the Raptors will more than likely improve their on-court success after a gloomy season filled with injury and subpar performances. Coach Darko Rajakovic is riding the momentum of last season’s much improved finish, with his team’s defence in particular a huge positive from their disappointing season.