KC Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is advocating for bringing the Toronto Raptors to Kansas City
The Toronto Raptors, maybe more than any other NBA team, are in a precarious spot heading into the 2020-21 season, which reportedly will tip-off around Christmastime this year.
Since they are not stateside like the other 29 teams in the league, they are subject to different laws, rules, and regulations. In any common year, that just means having to work their way through customs every time they come back from a road game (something that could be seen as a home-court advantage of sorts for visiting teams not accustomed to that process). In the midst of a pandemic, though, it makes for a challenging scenario.
Canada is pretty strict with the way things are handled right now, definitely more-so than most of the United States. As it stands, Americans can not travel to Canada given the state of the virus.
This means games probably won’t be played at Scotiabank Arena, the Raptors home arena, unless the travel ban is lifted before the season or an exception is created for professional athletes. With the virus worsening in North America, that seems unlikely.
It’s probable that the Raptors may have to find a temporary home in the States for a season, much like the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans) did after Hurricane Katrina.
Patrick Mahomes wants the Raptors to relocate (temporarily) to Kansas City, MO
Don’t worry Raptors fans. There is no way this team is permanently getting pulled away from The North forever. But next season it’s reportedly possible that the team could play in Louisville, KY at the KFC Yum! Center.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback (and defending Super Bowl Champion) Patrick Mahomes put another name in the running. He wants basketball in KC.
Bring them to KC! 💪🏽 https://t.co/di5r6bIAh7
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) October 26, 2020
It’s possible this could be a full-season thing if it does happen, or it may just be until Canada opens its borders. At this point, these discussions on moving the team temporarily are in the early stages.
It’s going to stink for Raptors fans if the team isn’t playing in Toronto, but the likelihood of in-person attendance next season are slim, anyway. The Raptors could help the league test out a new market — whether in Missouri or elsewhere — for its next expansion team.
Oklahoma City, following its season of hosting the Hornets, eventually was home to the relocated and rebranded SuperSonics. Heck, the Raptors could pick up some fans from a city with no NBA team in the process.
There are worse places to be than a current city of Champions. Maybe the Raptors can meet with Andy Reid and Mahomes to tap into some of their Super Bowl excellence and get back on track for another title in 2021.
Let’s hope the Raptors like BBQ if this comes to fruition!