3. A return to Toronto will create comfort and stability
The last time the Raptors graced their hometown fans with NBA basketball was March of 2020. Since the pandemic caused a suspension to NBA play, the squad has yet to play a game in Toronto.
Something is going on here. Thunder head medical staffer Donnie Strack just grabbed the three officials and told them something. All players were just told to go back to their bench. We’re seconds from tipoff.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) March 12, 2020
Including the 19 games Toronto played in the Florida bubble to complete last season and the playoffs, and this year, it’s been 91 games the team has been forced to compete in either in a neutral, empty arena or before a limited unfriendly crowd in Tampa, Florida this season.
There has yet to be an official announcement about where the Raptors will play home games for the 2021/22 season. Still, with a vaccine to protect against the COVID-19 pandemic now, the Canada-USA border is likely to open sooner rather than later.
Further, the NBA has announced key dates for the upcoming season, a sign the league is moving forward with a return to a normal and fully slated schedule beginning in mid-October.
Sources: Key dates for the 2021-22 NBA season:
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 10, 2021
Sept. 28: Training camp starts
Oct. 19: Regular season starts
April 16: Playoffs start
June 2: Finals Game 1
June 19: Finals Game 7
June 23: 2022 NBA Draft
The Raptors’ management will have key decisions to make in free agency, like what to do about Rodney Hood’s non-guaranteed contract or the team option they hold on Aron Baynes next season.
However, armed with the fourth pick at the 2021 NBA Draft, a strong chance of beginning the new season in Toronto, and a talented group of players who will hopefully be healthy and focused, the Raptors should be impressive again for the 2021-22 season.