Toronto Raptors

Bursting into the NBA world in 1995 as part of the league’s growth, Toronto travelled the same road as many expansion teams during its first few years: by sucking.

After early progression, the city started to get behind the Raptors when Vince Carter became half-man, half-amazing and dominated one of the greatest All Star Slam Dunk contests of all time. While he left shortly after, the seed was planted and a love of basketball blossomed and remained in Canada.

In 2019 the Raptors won their first championship and millions attended the championship parade.

James Harden Beard
Ranking potential James Harden trade destinations

Houston has a Harden problem. Tom Hall takes a look around the league and makes the case for teams that should move in for one of the league’s most polarising stars.

Anthony Davis is BIG
Big issue? No, thanks. Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo prove size really does matter

Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo have had dominant postseason performances, helping their teams reach the NBA Finals. Could their impact send a shockwave across a league, that over the past decade has increasingly favoured small-ball? Tom Hall takes a look.

Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse: “We have a legitimate shot”

In an exclusive interview with Double Clutch, Raptors coach Nick Nurse shares his thoughts with Huw Hopkins about his team’s chances of winning back-to-back NBA titles

Nathaniel S. Butler / Getty
The Step Back: Air apparent

He had the hops and the hype, but Vince Carter, who was named Rookie of the Year on this day in 1999, fell some way short of the dizzy, Jordanesque heights his early promise suggested he might reach.

Top 5 MVP Race – COVID slows LeBron James’ momentum

The coronavirus pandemic is forcing us all inside. It makes banal conversations about basketball feel…

Top 5 MVP Race – it’s Giannis’ to lose

For the first time this season, Huw Hopkins has seen no movement in the Top 5 MVP Race, but the beef that its leader finds himself in makes this edition all the more intriguing

Top 5 MVP Race – All-Star returns

With the distractions of the All-Star break out of the way, Huw Hopkins looks at who is making a second half push in the MVP race

Top 5 MVP Race – Damian Lillard makes a leap

Huw Hopkins looks at what Damian Lillard’s antics did as candidates for the MVP award jostle for position going into the All-Star break

Kevin Love and Bobby Portis
Who to watch at the NBA trade deadline – 3s, Ds and a bit of Love

Moves have been made, but the bigger trades are yet to be made. Tom Hall breaks down some 3s and 4s that could be next