What Year Did the Raptors Join the NBA?
The Raptors joined the NBA in 1995 as an expansion team.
1995-1996 Season
The Toronto Raptors joined the NBA in the 1995-1996 season as an expansion team. They are currently the only Canadian team in the NBA. The Raptors finished last in their division in their first season with a record of 21-61.
The Toronto Raptors join the NBA as an expansion team
In 1995, the NBA announced the addition of the Toronto Raptors and the Vancouver Grizzlies as part of its annual expansion process. The city of Toronto was rapt with excitement at the prospect of having an NBA team, and fans turned out in droves to support the team. The franchise enjoyed early success, qualifying for the playoffs in its first season. Unfortunately, the team has not had much success since then, missing the playoffs in all but one season.
1997-1998 Season
The Raptors joined the NBA in the 1997-1998 season. They were one of two expansion teams that year, the other being the Vancouver Grizzlies. The Raptors were originally based in Toronto, and they are currently the only Canadian team in the NBA.
The Raptors make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history
In the 1997-1998 season, the Raptors make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. They win their first playoff series against the New York Knicks, but lose to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
1998-1999 Season
The Toronto Raptors joined the NBA in the 1998-1999 season as an expansion team. The Raptors won their first game against the New Jersey Nets. The Raptors had a rough start to their inaugural season, but they finished with a record of 21-61.
The Raptors make the playoffs for the second time in franchise history
In the 1998-1999 season, the Toronto Raptors made the playoffs for the second time in franchise history. The Raptors finished the regular season with a 45-37 record, good for fourth place in the Eastern Conference. In the playoffs, the Raptors defeated the New York Knicks in the first round before losing to the eventual Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia 76ers in the second round.
1999-2000 Season
The Raptors joined the NBA in the 1995-96 season. They won their first game against the New Jersey Nets, then lost their next fifteen games. The Raptors finished their inaugural season with a record of 21-61, good for last place in the Central Division. The Raptors nearly made the playoffs in their second season, but finished 40-42 and out of the playoffs.
The Raptors make the playoffs for the third time in franchise history
In the 1999-2000 season, the Raptors made the playoffs for the third time in franchise history. They were led by All-Star forward Vince Carter, who averaged a career-high 27.6 points per game. The Raptors finished the regular season with a 45-37 record, good for fourth place in the Eastern Conference. They lost to the New York Knicks in the first round of the playoffs.
2000-2001 Season
The Toronto Raptors joined the NBA as an expansion team in the 1995-96 season. However, their first season was not very successful. The Raptors finished last in their division with a 21-61 record. The following year, the Raptors improved slightly, but still finished last in their division with a 22-60 record.
The Raptors make the playoffs for the fourth time in franchise history
In their sixth season, the Raptors qualified for the playoffs for the fourth time in franchise history. They finished the regular season with a 47–35 record, second place in the Central Division behind the Indiana Pacers.
