National Basketball Association
Toronto Raptors
Eastern Conference/Atlantic Division
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History of the Raptors
The Raptors began their existence in the middle of the greatness that was Michael Jordan. There was little any team could do as the Bulls tore through the playoffs en route to the title with a 15-3 record. The Raptors finished out at 21-61, the only bright spot being Damon Stoudamire being named Rookie of the Year.
The 1996/97 season opened with the Marcus Camby in a Raptors uniform. Ticket sales continued to lag as the team ran into a 17 game losing streak, traded their star Stoudamire to the Portland Trailblazers, and spun into a 16-66 record. All this led up to the drafting of UNC Star Vince Carter. Although the team improved slightly (finishing 23-27 <lockout season>) Carter, who won Rookie of the Year, addressed the Air Canada Centre crowd after the last game of the season and guaranteed the team would be in the playoffs next year. He did not disappoint though the Raptors were bounced by the Philadelphia 76er’s as Carter missed a buzzer beater in game 7 to win the series.
It would not be until the 2006/07 season that the Raptors would win a Division Championship. Led by Chris Bosh, the team faced former teammate Vince Carter and the New Jersey Nets who eliminated the Raptors in 6 games. The 2007/08 season opened with great promise for the new Division Champion Raptors but the juggernaut that would be the Kevin Garnett led Boston Celtics completely dominated the conference and the league en route to their title run.
The Raptors have had 2 Hall of Famers on their rosters, (Hakeem Olajuwon-2001/02 and Coach Lenny Wilkins-2000-2003). The team has won three Team Awards, 2007-Coach of the Year- Sam Mitchell and two Rookie of the Year Awards, 1996 Damon Stoudamire and 1999 Vince Carter.
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Air Canada Centre
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NBA Basketball
Eastern Conference
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