User:Rossbanana/new article name here

Brief Review of the Toronto Raptors History

The Toronto Raptors are a basketball franchise in the National Basketball Association (NBA). They have been in existence since the 1995-1996 season.

Draft History
In 1995 the Toronto Raptors were allotted the 7th selection in their first NBA draft, they choose Damon Stoudamire a highly respected and touted prospect out of the University of Arizona. Stoudamire spent 2 and a half seasons as a Raptor, winning the rookie of the year award and being bestowed with the nickname mighty mouse, a representation of his size and playing abilities. During the 1997/1998 season Stoudamire was traded to the Portland Trailblazers along with Walt Williams and Carlos Rogers for Kenny Anderson, Alvin Williams, Gary Trent, two first round draft picks, a second round pick and cash considerations.

Other notable raptors draft picks were all stars Tracy McGrady, Chris Bosh and Antwan Jamison who was traded on draft night to the Golden State Warriors for Vince Carter, who would become known as Air Canada and the face of the franchise.

In the 2006 NBA draft the Toronto Raptors used their first ever #1 overall pick to take Andrea Bargnani from Benetton Treviso Italy. Andrea has become the leading scorer on the Toronto Raptors following the controversial departure of Chris Bosh to the Miami Heat via free agency.

First Season
The trials and tribulations of a budding franchise did not deter the Raptors from putting up a respectable 21-61 record in their first season. Playing in front of a raucus crowd at the Rogers Centre the Raptors won their first game on November 3rd 1995 against the New Jersey Nets 94-78. Highly touted prospect Damon Stoudamire had 10 points. This was the beginning of a historic season as Stoudamire won the rookie of the year award averaging 19 points and 9.3 assists per game. Although most fans remember Stoudamire for his early exit from the city, most around the NBA regard him as one of the individuals who put a country and a city on the basketball map, paving the way for future all stars and team success.

Star Players
Although the Toronto Raptors have existed for only 15+ years, 3 names have become synonymous with the Raptors organization, Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter and Chris Bosh. Although all of these athletes developed their star status within the Raptors organization, one common theme can be found, all of them left the team for what they thought would be greener pastures. Although the Chris Bosh era in Miami has just begun both McGrady and Carter have failed to reach the NBA finals and have been regarded by their respective new franchises (Orlando, New Jersey) as relative underachievers.

Best Season
Although their success didn't produce a 50 win season, the Toronto Raptors best year was arguable the 2006/2007 season going 47-35 and winning the central division. The first division crown for the franchise did not lead to playoff success, as they lost their first round series against public enemy number one Vince Carter and the New Jersey Nets. This 2006/2007 season, led by budding star Chris Bosh, will go down as a key year in the development and growth of this young franchise.

Future
The future for the Toronto Raptors appears to be bright. Although they hold a 5-9 record they are lead by budding star, and former #1 overall pick Andrea Bargnani and riding a current 3 game win streak. The future appears to be heavily based on their youth at the small forward and shooting guard position lead by Sonny Weems, currently averaging 14 points per game, and Demar Derozan the #9 pick in the 2009 draft averaging 13 points per game. With salary cap space and what would appear to be an impending high draft pick, the summer of 2011 cannot come soon enough for raptors fans.