5 Toughest Things About Being A Toronto Raptors Fan

By Zach Fetaru

5 Toughest Things About Being A Toronto Raptors Fan

Toronto Raptors v Sacramento Kings, Damon Stoudamire, Marcus Camby — When the NBA expanded north of the border in 1995, it highlighted an exciting time for the league. The Grizzlies didn't pan out in Vancouver, but the Toronto Raptors have remained. Today, the team has a shrewd general manager in Masai Ujiri, who has created the right atmosphere and attitude around the organization. Despite this, the Raptors have struggled mightily in their 19 years of existence, and this list reveals the top five reasons why.

5. Kobe Bryant’s 81-Point Game

Toronto Raptors v Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant

5. Kobe Bryant’s 81-Point Game

Toronto Raptors v Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant — In 2006, the Toronto Raptors were on the receiving end of the greatest offensive assault in the last half-century of the NBA. After Kobe Bryant scored 81 points in a regular season victory over the lowly Raptors, the team became a punch line for many years that followed. Bryant has continued to be a nightmare for the Raptors, scoring 46 points in a 2008 victory, in addition to having two game-winners against them, one coming as recently as 2013.

4. Lack of Success Historically

Brooklyn Nets v Toronto Raptors - Game Seven, Kyle Lowry

4. Lack of Success Historically

Brooklyn Nets v Toronto Raptors - Game Seven, Kyle Lowry — Since joining the league in 1995, the Raptors have been to the playoffs six times. The team has never made it past the second round, and has seen many of its best players leave right as the organization was on the verge of building sustained success. Despite their bleak history, the team have a lot to work with after last season’s Atlantic Division Title. For the first time in their history, the Raptors can define an era of basketball in Canada.

3. Loss of T-Mac/Vinsanity Combo

Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady

3. Loss of T-Mac/Vinsanity Combo

Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady — In 2000, the Raptors had the duo of the future in Vince Carter and his cousin Tracy McGrady. The two stars were interchangeable as wings, and as athletically gifted as any athletes in NBA history. McGrady left shortly thereafter for the Orlando Magic, as the Raptors were building a playoff contender. This really began the end of the relationship Carter had with the Raptors, and by 2005, Vinsanity was gone, forcing the franchise to rebuild again.

2. Tough Market To Sell American Stars On

Miami Heat v Toronto Raptors, Chris Bosh

2. Tough Market To Sell American Stars On

Miami Heat v Toronto Raptors, Chris Bosh — Toronto, for all its greatness, is not the first, or even second, option for most marquee free agents. Chris Bosh, one of the team’s greatest stars, left in 2010, knowing the Raptors were incapable of signing the caliber of players he would end up leaving for in Miami. Re-signing Kyle Lowry this offseason proved to be a step in the right direction for the Raptors, who have worked diligently to change their position in the free agent marketplace.

1. Stuck In Lebron James' Kingdom

Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat, Lebron James

1. Stuck In Lebron James' Kingdom

Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat, Lebron James — There was a time when everyone in the NBA was stuck in Michael Jordan’s world, and now that the league belongs to Lebron James, the Raptors have been just another victim of his for the last 11 years. While the Raptors are a contender in the East, they'll eventually run into the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Raptors are talented, but beating James is a long shot as long as he plays at the level he does, and with the talent that he has around him.

Zach Fetaru is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @fanforlife1988 ”like him” on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.

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