About the Raptors
The team struggled at first, though it did a good job of carving itself a respectable name comparatively for an expansion franchise. Despite being one of the few teams to defeat the Chicago Bulls, they ultimately ended their first season with the dismal 21-66 record that saw the arrival of the L.A. Clippers into the NBA (then known as the Buffalo Braves).
By 1996-97, they managed to increase their record to 30 wins for the season, but the following season saw the team plagued by an onslaught of injuries that crippled them into an embarrassing 17-game losing streak. With a similarly embarrassing failed bid to take over ownership of the Raptors, General Manager Glen Grunwald resigned.
In 1999 however, the Raptors made their first playoff appearance, led by the power playing of several newly acquired players, including Antonio Davis and Charles Oakley. But many also credit the excellent coaching of Butch Carter, who used the 1998-99 lock out as a chance to drill his team.
Perhaps the most significant contributions the Raptors have made to the game are the integration into basketball of several Canadians who simply weren't interested prior to the arrival of a native, Toronto team. The three playoff arrivals led by Carter had much the same affect on Toronto that Wayne Gretzky's arrival in Los Angeles had on southern California.
However, for all the goods brought on by Coach Carter, his constant media attention and inability to perform during the play offs resulted in his replacement by Lenny Wilkens, the 30 year veteran hall of famer.
To date, despite their relative youth, the Raptors still remain viable and persistent play off candidates who have been known to upstart several records with their excellent court performance.