The Raptors Have Lost Toronto

[Raptorfan2012]

Oh no, Toronto is taking a temporary break with the Raptors. Whatever, the boys will be back next year with a star prospect and lots of cap space to build more depth. Sports is rarely constant; even teams like the Lakers have a rough season or two.

[Reverend X]

In a literal sense since they are playing in Tampa Bay right now, but more importantly in the sports landscape within the GTA.

When Masai took over the Raptors the Leafs were a listless franchise just entering a rebuild, the Blue Jays were a decidedly aimless team who were two seasons away from a short burst of success and TFC was a model in mismanagement. The stability of Masai despite the lack of real playoff success allowed them to build a real following with Toronto sports fans and really Canada as a whole. By the championship season the Raptors had a stranglehold on the sports landscape. They were the toast of the entire country.

You look now and without a doubt the Raptors are at the bottom of the list in terms of sports excitement. The Leafs have had their struggles, but have a star core and have made a fundamental shift towards contention and are playing at home in Toronto in the North division which is going to do massive numbers across Canada.

The Blue Jays have blue chippers all over the roster and are going to make a big splash in free agency/trade. This is coming off a playoff berth last season which was ahead of schedule.

TFC has been the best franchise in the city for basically 5 years and have hired a new manager. Their youth ranks are full of promising Canadians and they have money to spend on a name DP.

All 3 of these teams have bore the fruit of a proper organizational mandate to rebuild and they will be successful for years to come. It's time for the Tampa Bay Raptors to see the light and embrace what has worked for everyone else in the city. Doubling down for a first round exit will only accelerate the decline in visibility and importance in the sports landscape.

Only list for one yrs my friend. Don’t panics next year they’re Toronto’s raptor again and fans will accept back

[Jcity08]

Even on their worst day I'll be more interested in Raps basketball than the other Toronto teams. Especially now that the Raptors have championship pedigree.

[dante9988]

Man all these tankers have made this place insufferable. I've havent seen this many WOAT posters in a long time.

[720]

I mean you could say that other teams have brighter futures rn and not be wrong, but plebs are still high off the championship. Takes people longer than you think to flip a switch.

That being said, this will always be a hockey city. Always.

The visible minority don’t really play hockey and we’re literally half the city. It’s slowly changing.

[And1+2]

If only hockey and baseball didn't suck.

[makeready]

all my hockey fan bandwagoner friends are still watching the games. more than me now.

[AndreasLeftCalf]

Thats a cool story..... bro

[ark26]

Big factor is that the Raptors have no interesting/superstar players, just a lot of "good players". Hence why it is going to be crucial to get this lottery pick right.

Lets be honest, no one cares about this team outside of Toronto.

[Dennis 37]

Why do I care where the Raptors rank in Toronto popularity?

[Ramed Nazored]

Literally millions of people filled the streets for this franchise 18 months ago, but a 2-8 start, and now, they’ve “lost Toronto”. Interesting you’ve included no data, don’t live here, and from inference, I’d guess you never have, and wrote a thread peppered with nothing but anecdote and speculation.

There’s something wrong with you.

[Pooh_Jeter]

You had me in the first half but then inexplicably decided to mention TFC as if they are at all relevant in the discussion. A TFC team no less that has just lost their winningest manager and boasts a team who's most pivotal player is over the hill and on his last legs (Michael Bradley).

Pozuelo literally just won the MLS mvp. Bradley hasn't been their key player since before Giovinco was in town.

[milkii]

Leafs can win the cup and I still wouldn't care.

[seanbig]

What are you talking about it’s a pandemic

There’s more people running around in raps gear than lie jays stuff here in Bc

[Pooh_Jeter]

I appreciate that everyone on a basketball forum enjoys basketball, but this is a larger ethnographic observation. With the NHL back and Spring Training not that far off I'd expect the TV ratings and overall social engagement for the Raptors to significantly drop.

The new jersey drop was a failure. You're already seeing sales on the jerseys. There needs to be a significant rethink around the organization.

[Raps in 4]

Casual fans stop following a team when that team stops winning. This isn't a shocking revelation.

[Fairview4Life]

Ah yes, how could the Toronto Raptors ever compete for acclaim with......Pozuelo.

[C Court]

Anyone who lives in the GTA can confirm that more Raptors gear is worn in the city than any other Toronto team.

[Ramed Nazored]

Anyone who lives in the GTA can confirm that more Raptors gear is worn in the city than any other Toronto team.

OP lives on the other side of the country, so of course he wouldn’t know this.

[C Court]

Interesting take that i don't agree with at all

Yours is the second post in the thread and you already have over 30 And-1’s.

OP’s first post has ..... let me check.....yup ..... he has ZERO And-1’s.