Toronto Raptors are the only Canadian team playing in the NBA. The Raptors have contributed to the significant growth of NBA culture in the ‘Six’ by playing in the NBA’s Eastern Conference Atlantic Division. Many reputable NBA predictions suggest that the Raptors’ success can motivate more Canadian teams to join the NBA.
Today, Toronto Raptors are the only NBA team with favorable NBA Championship Odds from Canada. But, historically, the Raptors and Vancouver Grizzlies were the two Canadian basketball teams that joined the NBA following its move to expand in 1995.
What happened to Vancouver Grizzlies?
Vancouver Grizzlies played in the Midwest Division of the Western Conference of the NBA. They played at General Motors Place for six seasons until they applied to the NBA for permission to move to Memphis in 2001.
Vancouver Grizzlies became Memphis Grizzlies after their move to Memphis. The team now competes in the NBA’s Western Conference Southwest Division.
At the moment, Toronto Raptors remain the only representative Canadian team in the NBA.
The question is – How is the Raptors’ presence in the NBA important for Canada?
What Toronto Raptors means to Canadian basketball
The NBA is the biggest basketball league in the world. Playing in the NBA is a big privilege for Toronto Raptors as they are beneficiaries of the NBA’s expansion strategy.
Playing in the NBA affords Toronto Raptors the opportunity to compete at the highest level of basketball and the chance to play in front of global audiences.
Canada also benefits from the Raptors’ presence in the NBA. Since the Raptors joined the NBA, the local basketball fanbase has increased. Basketball has been one of the major rallying points connecting Toronto residents from different backgrounds.
Toronto Raptors success in the NBA
Toronto Raptors have achieved remarkable success since joining the NBA. The Raptors won the NBA finals and the Eastern Conference finals in 2019.
They have also won the Atlantic Division title on seven different occasions. NBA predictions tonight also suggest that Toronto Raptors are no longer pushovers in the NBA.
How can more Canadian teams join the NBA?
Many local basketball teams in Canada have aspirations to join the NBA. Sadly, the NBA has been silent about its expansion plans. The best site for NBA predictions cannot exactly tell when the NBA will expand beyond 30 teams. Nevertheless, the pressure and calls for the NBA to expand its size may eventually win.
In the meantime, these teams should continue to grow and remain competitive.
Toronto Raptors are a brilliant example of the NBA’s expansion strategy. Achieving tremendous success in a short time amidst some healthy rivalries is a big boost for the NBA in Canada.
The NBA is committed to reaching even more parts of the world. A look at the NBA point spread predictions suggests that aspiring teams should be on the lookout because sooner than later, the NBA will have to expand its coffers.
