1995–96 Toronto Raptors season

Inaugural season
Damon Stoudamire's rookie season
Doug Christie's first season with the Raptors

Head coach

Owner(s)

Arena

Results

Record

21–61 (.256)

Place

Division: 8th (Central)
Conference: 14th (Eastern)

Playoff finish

Did not qualify

Stats @ Basketball-Reference.com

Local media

Television

Radio

The 1995–96 NBA season was the Toronto Raptors' first season in the National Basketball Association. The Raptors, along with the Vancouver Grizzlies, played their first games in 1995, and were the first NBA teams to play in Canada since the 1946–47 Toronto Huskies. Former Detroit Pistons star Isiah Thomas became the team's General Manager. In their debut on November 3, the Raptors defeated the New Jersey Nets at the SkyDome 94–79, but went on a 7-game losing streak afterwards. At midseason, the team acquired second-year forward Sharone Wright from the Philadelphia 76ers, and Doug Christie from the New York Knicks. The Raptors finished last place in the Central Division with a 21–61 record. Top draft pick Damon Stoudamire was named Rookie of The Year averaging 19.0 points, and 9.3 assists per game. Following the season, Tracy Murray signed as a free agent with the Washington Bullets, Oliver Miller signed with the Dallas Mavericks and Alvin Robertson retired.

The team's roster was then filled as a result of an expansion draft in 1995. Following a coin flip, Toronto was given first choice and selected Chicago Bulls point guard and three-point specialist B. J. Armstrong. Armstrong refused to report for training, and Thomas promptly traded him to the Golden State Warriors for power forwards Carlos Rogers and Victor Alexander. Thomas then selected a wide range of players in the expansion draft.