Get on the NBA Bandwagon, Canada
Written by: Gregory Langstaff
There has never been a better time to be a basketball fan in Canada. If you’re not already, allow me to change your mind with two simple facts. First, the Toronto Raptors, Canada’s only NBA team, is off to their best start in franchise history (7-1). And second, this season Canada boasts a record 12 NBA players, making us the largest non-American contingent in the league. For the first time ever, Canada is both importing and exporting world-class basketball talent, and now it is up to us, as a nation, to become world-class basketball fans.
The Raptors’ popularity exploded last season as the team finished with a franchise record, 48 wins, propelling the Raps to a very competitive playoff match-up against the Brooklyn Nets. Though the Raptors lost in 7 games, Toronto’s overwhelming fan support caught the attention of the American media, giving the long-overlooked team the attention they finally deserved. Perhaps an even bigger step for the organization came later in July, when Kyle Lowry broke the mold of the Vince Carters, Tracy McGradys and Chris Bosh’s by becoming the first star free agent to choose to stay in Toronto.
This season holds a great deal of promise for both the Raptors, and the large number of Canadian-born NBA players. Of the 12 Canadians currently on NBA rosters, 10 were drafted in the last 4 years including the past 2 first-overall picks; Andrew Wiggins (2014) and Anthony Bennett (2013). Not only can we expect these players to blossom into top-notch NBA talent, but we can also expect the influx of Canadians to the league to continue, as Youth Basketball in Canada continues to develop more and more athletes.
As the game’s Canadian content continues to grow, and Canada’s team continues to thrive, those of us 19-year Raptors fans invite all Canadians to jump on the bandwagon and enjoy the ride.
Remember, after all, we did invent the game.
Currently living in Toronto and employed at York University in student affairs, Greg grew up in the small town of Fonthill Ontario. With a love for basketball, Greg has been a dedicated Raptors fan since the day they played their first game. An avid learner and constantly striving to learn something new his main interests are sports, comedy and education! Greg also makes it his mission in life to correct smiley faces!
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