1995–96 Toronto Raptors season

The 1995–96 NBA season was the Toronto Raptors' first season in the National Basketball Association.[1] 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.[2][3] Retired All-Star point guard and former Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas became the team's General Manager.[4] The Raptors revealed a new primary logo of a dinosaur playing basketball,[5] and got new pinstripe uniforms with the logo on the front of their jerseys, adding purple and red to their color scheme.[6][7] In the Expansion Draft, the Raptors selected veteran players like Oliver Miller, Willie Anderson, Tony Massenburg, Ed Pinckney, Žan Tabak, Acie Earl and John Salley.[8] The team also signed free agents, former All-Star guard Alvin Robertson and three-point specialist Tracy Murray, and acquired second-year forward Carlos Rogers from the Golden State Warriors. The Raptors received the seventh overall pick in the 1995 NBA draft, and selected point guard Damon Stoudamire from the University of Arizona.[9]

1995–96 Toronto Raptors season
Head coachBrendan Malone
General managerIsiah Thomas
Owner(s)John Bitove
Arena
Results
Record21–61 (.256)
PlaceDivision: 8th (Central)
Conference: 14th (Eastern)
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com
Local media
Television
RadioCFRB

In their debut under new head coach Brendan Malone on November 3, the Raptors defeated the New Jersey Nets at the SkyDome 94–79,[10] but went on a 7-game losing streak afterwards. At midseason, the team traded Massenburg and Pinckney to the Philadelphia 76ers for second-year forward Sharone Wright,[11] and traded Anderson to the New York Knicks for Doug Christie,[12] while Salley was released to free agency and signed with the Chicago Bulls. The Raptors finished their inaugural season last place in the Central Division with a 21–61 record.[13]

Stoudamire averaged 19.0 points, 9.3 assists and 1.4 steals per game, and was named Rookie of The Year,[14] and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. He also won the MVP award in the Rookie Game during the All-Star Weekend.[15] In addition, Murray finished second on the team in scoring, averaging 16.2 points per game, and led them with 151 three-point field goals, while Miller provided the team with 12.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.9 blocks per game, and Robertson contributed 9.3 points and 2.2 steals per game. Off the bench, Tabak provided with 7.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, and Rogers also contributed 7.7 points per game.[16] Following the season, Malone was fired as head coach, while Murray signed as a free agent with the Washington Bullets,[17] Miller signed with the Dallas Mavericks, and Robertson retired after ten seasons in the NBA.

The Raptors' new logo would last until 2008, where they changed the background of the logo from purple to red, while the original logo with the dinosaur lasted until 2015. The new pinstripe uniforms lasted until 1999.

Offseason

Expansion draft

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.[18][3] Thomas then selected a wide range of players in the expansion draft.

Pick Player Position Nationality Former Team
1 B. J. Armstrong Point guard  United States Chicago Bulls
3 Tony Massenburg Forward  United States Los Angeles Clippers
5 Andrés Guibert Forward-Centre  Cuba Minnesota Timberwolves
7 Keith Jennings Point guard  United States Golden State Warriors
9 Dontonio Wingfield Forward  United States Seattle SuperSonics
11 Doug Smith Forward  United States Dallas Mavericks
13 Jerome Kersey Small forward  United States Portland Trail Blazers
15 Žan Tabak Centre  Croatia Houston Rockets
17 Willie Anderson Guard-Forward  United States San Antonio Spurs
19 Ed Pinckney Forward  United States Milwaukee Bucks
21 Acie Earl Centre  United States Boston Celtics
23 B. J. Tyler Point guard  United States Philadelphia 76ers
25 John Salley Power forward  United States Miami Heat
27 Oliver Miller Centre  United States Detroit Pistons

[19]

NBA Draft
Main article: 1995 NBA Draft

Subsequent to the expansion draft, Toronto was given the seventh pick, after the Vancouver Grizzlies, in the 1995 NBA draft. They selected Damon Stoudamire, a point guard out of University of Arizona, around whom Thomas chose to base the franchise. The selection of Stoudamire was met with boos from fans at the 1995 NBA Draft at the SkyDome in Toronto, many of whom wanted Ed O'Bannon of UCLA, an NCAA Final Four MVP.[9][3]

Round Pick Player Position Nationality College
1 7 Damon Stoudamire Point Guard  United States Arizona
2 35 Jimmy King Shooting Guard  United States Michigan

Roster
1995–96 Toronto Raptors roster
Players Coaches
Pos.No.NameHeightWeightDOB (YYYY-MM-DD)From
F 13 Christie, Doug 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 1970–05–09 Pepperdine
C 55 Earl, Acie 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 240 lb (109 kg) 1970–06–23 Iowa
G 4 Esposito, Vincenzo 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 198 lb (90 kg) 1969–03–01 Italy
G 24 King, Jimmy 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 210 lb (95 kg) 1973–08–09 Michigan
F 44 Lewis, Martin 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 210 lb (95 kg) 1975–04–28 Seward County CC
F 30 Miller, Oliver 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 280 lb (127 kg) 1970–04–06 Arkansas
F 35 Murray, Tracy 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 225 lb (102 kg) 1971–07–25 UCLA
C 52 O'Sullivan, Dan 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 250 lb (113 kg) 1968–03–03 Fordham
G 7 Robertson, Alvin 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1962–07–22 Arkansas
F 34 Rogers, Carlos 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 1971–02–06 Tennessee State
G 20 Stoudamire, Damon  5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 171 lb (78 kg) 1973–09–03 Arizona
C 3 Tabak, Žan 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) 245 lb (111 kg) 1970–06–15 Croatia
F 23 Whitfield, Dwayne 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 240 lb (109 kg) 1972–08–21 Jackson State
C 9 Wright, Sharone  6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) 260 lb (118 kg) 1973–01–30 Clemson
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (DP) Unsigned draft pick
  • (FA) Free agent
  • (S) Suspended
  • Injured

Roster
Last transaction: April 18, 1996

Roster notes
  • Center Victor Alexander missed the entire season due to an ankle injury, and never played for the Raptors.
  • Point guard Keith Jennings missed the entire season due to a knee injury, and never played for the Raptors.
  • Point guard B.J. Tyler missed the entire season due to nerve damage after accidentally falling asleep with an ice pack on his ankle, and never played for the Raptors.

The first game

The Raptors’ first ever regular season game was played on November 3, 1995, against the New Jersey Nets at the SkyDome in front of 33,306 fans. Alvin Robertson scored the first points in Raptors history, as he hit a three pointer to give Toronto an early 3-0 lead. The Raptors were led by Robertson, who scored a team high 30 points, as well as Damon Stoudamire, who had a double double in his first career game, scoring 10 points and adding 10 assists, as the Raptors defeated the Nets 94-79.[20]

Regular season

The team played its first season in the Central Division,[21] and before the inaugural season began, sales of Raptors merchandise ranked seventh in the league, marking a successful return of basketball to Canada.[3] As GM, Isiah Thomas quickly staffed the management positions with his own personnel, naming long-time Detroit Pistons assistant Brendan Malone as the Raptors' head coach.[3]

The Skydome — now the Rogers Centre — was the original arena for the Raptors between 1995–1999.

The Raptors concluded their inaugural season with a 21–61 win–loss record,[21] although they were one of the nine teams to defeat the 1995–96 Chicago Bulls,[22] who set an NBA best 72–10 win–loss regular season record. With averages of 19.0 points and 9.3 assists per game, Stoudamire also won the 1995–96 Rookie of the Year Award.[23]

Highs
  • December 10, 1995, The Raptors play the Vancouver Grizzlies for the first time. The game is held at General Motors Place in Vancouver. The Raptors win the game by a score of 93-81.
  • March 24, 1996 – The Raptors beat the eventual NBA Champion Chicago Bulls by a score of 109-108, one of only ten losses the Bulls would suffer that season. Michael Jordan attempted to win the game on the final shot. Though the ball went in, it did not count because the ball left his hand after the final buzzer.
  • March 31, 1996 – The legendary Magic Johnson played his only game against the Toronto Raptors in Toronto. The Los Angeles Lakers won the game by a score of 111-106.

Stoudamire's breakout year

Stoudamire had a noteworthy rookie season with the Toronto Raptors averaging 9.3 assists and 19 points. He earned the nickname "Mighty Mouse" due to the fact he stands only 5'10" (1.77 m), and that he had a Mighty Mouse tattoo on his right arm going into his rookie season. Damon currently holds the record of having the third-highest assist average ever by a rookie, and rookie record setter for 3-pointers with 133, breaking the 3-point record previously held by Dennis Scott. Damon was ranked second in scoring among all rookies in his rookie season, and led all rookies in minutes played and assists. He received the Shick Rookie of the Month Award twice and unanimously made the Shick All Rookie First Team. That same year Stoudamire was also awarded the Rookie of the Year Award for the 1995–1996 season, receiving 76 of the 113 possible votes and the Most Valuable Player of the All-Star Rookie Game. Stoudamire holds the record for being the second-lowest draft pick (seventh overall) to ever win the Rookie of the Year Award, the lowest being Mark Jackson (eighteenth overall). Damon is also known as the shortest player at 5'10" to ever win this award. He did not play the last 10 games of his rookie season due to an injury, Tendinitis in his left knee. The Raptors went 2–8 without him and finished 21–61 in his and the Raptors' rookie season.[14]

Lows
  • November 15, 1995 – The Raptors lose to the Houston Rockets by a score of 96 – 93. The loss culminates in a seven-game losing streak for the Raptors, the longest losing streak of the season.
  • February 29, 1996 – The seven-game losing streak was duplicated. In a loss to the San Antonio Spurs, the final score was 120 – 95.
  • March 29, 1996 – The Raptors suffer their worst loss of the season. The score was 126-86 in favour of the Orlando Magic. Prior to the game, Isiah Thomas and Brendan Malone got into an argument regarding playing time for rookies.

Season standings
Central Division W L PCT GB Home Road Div GP
z – Chicago Bulls 72 10 .878 0.0 39–2 33–8 24–4 82
x – Indiana Pacers 52 30 .634 20.0 32–9 20–21 19–9 82
x – Cleveland Cavaliers 47 35 .573 25.0 26–15 21–20 13–15 82
x – Atlanta Hawks 46 36 .561 26.0 26–15 20–21 15–13 82
x – Detroit Pistons 46 36 .561 26.0 30–11 16–25 15–13 82
Charlotte Hornets 41 41 .500 31.0 25–16 16–25 13–15 82
Milwaukee Bucks 25 57 .305 47.0 14–27 11–30 8–20 82
Toronto Raptors 21 61 .256 51.0 15–26 6–35 5–23 82
Eastern Conference
# Team W L PCT GB GP
1 z – Chicago Bulls * 72 10 .878 – 82
2 y – Orlando Magic * 60 22 .732 12.0 82
3 x – Indiana Pacers 52 30 .634 20.0 82
4 x – Cleveland Cavaliers 47 35 .573 25.0 82
5 x – New York Knicks 47 35 .573 25.0 82
6 x – Atlanta Hawks 46 36 .561 26.0 82
7 x – Detroit Pistons 46 36 .561 26.0 82
8 x – Miami Heat 42 40 .512 30.0 82
9 Charlotte Hornets 41 41 .500 31.0 82
10 Washington Bullets 39 43 .476 33.0 82
11 Boston Celtics 33 49 .402 39.0 82
12 New Jersey Nets 30 52 .366 42.0 82
13 Milwaukee Bucks 25 57 .305 47.0 82
14 Toronto Raptors 21 61 .256 51.0 82
15 Philadelphia 76ers 18 64 .220 54.0 82

Record vs. opponents
1995-96 NBA Records
Team ATL BOS CHA CHI CLE DAL DEN DET GSW HOU IND LAC LAL MIA MIL MIN NJN NYK ORL PHI PHO POR SAC SAS SEA TOR UTA VAN WAS
Atlanta —4–03–10–43–11–11–12–21–11–11–32–00–22–22–21–14–02–12–22–10–22–02–00–20–24–01–12–01–3
Boston 0–4—2–20–31–30–21–12–10–21–10–42–00–23–13–12–02–20–41–34–01–10–22–00–20–23–10–21–12–2
Charlotte 1–32–2—1–33–12–02–01–30–20–21–31–12–02–23–11–10–33–00–43–12–01–11–10–20–23–11–12–03–1
Chicago 4–03–03–1—4–02–01–14–02–02–02–22–02–03–14–02–03–03–13–14–01–12–02–02–01–13–12–02–04–0
Cleveland 1–33–11–30–4—2–01–12–22–01–12–22–02–01–34–02–01–23–11–24–02–01–11–10–20–23–10–22–03–1
Dallas 1–12–00–20–20–2—2–20–22–21–30–22–20–40–21–10–41–10–21–10–21–30–42–22–22–21–11–34–00–2
Denver 1–11–10–21–11–12–2—1–12–21–30–21–32–20–21–14–00–21–11–12–03–10–40–40–41–32–03–13–11–1
Detroit 2–21–23–10–42–22–01–1—2–01–12–22–00–21–32–21–14–00–41–34–02–02–01–12–01–14–00–22–01–2
Golden State 1–12–02–00–20–22–22–20–2—2–21–13–11–31–11–13–12–00–20–22–01–31–31–31–30–41–11–34–01–1
Houston 1–11–12–00–21–13–13–11–12–2—2–04–03–10–22–02–22–00–20–22–03–12–22–21–30–42–02–24–01–1
Indiana 3–14–03–12–22–22–02–02–21–10–2—2–01–13–03–11–11–31–32–23–11–11–10–21–12–04–00–22–03–0
L.A. Clippers 0–20–21–10–20–22–23–10–21–30–40–2—0–41–11–13–11–11–10–22–03–12–22–21–30–40–21–33–11–1
L.A. Lakers 2–02–00–20–20–24–02–22–03–11–31–14–0—2–02–03–12–01–11–11–13–12–23–11–32–22–02–24–01–1
Miami 2–21–32–21–33–12–02–03–11–12–00–31–10–2—3–01–15–01–31–33–11–10–21–11–10–22–10–21–12–2
Milwaukee 2–21–31–30–40–41–11–12–21–10–21–31–10–20–3—1–11–32–21–32–10–22–00–21–10–22–20–21–11–3
Minnesota 1–10–21–10–20–24–00–41–11–32–21–11–31–31–11–1—1–10–20–21–11–30–43–11–30–41–11–32–20–2
New Jersey 0–42–23–00–32–11–12–00–40–20–23–11–10–20–53–11–1—2–20–42–20–21–11–10–20–22–20–22–02–2
New York 1–24–00–31–31–32–01–14–02–02–03–11–11–13–12–22–02–2—1–33–10–20–20–21–11–14–01–11–13–1
Orlando 2–23–14–01–32–11–11–13–12–02–02–22–01–13–13–12–04–03–1—4–02–01–11–11–11–12–11–12–04–0
Philadelphia 1–20–41–30–40–42–00–20–40–20–21–30–21–11–31–21–12–21–30–4—0–20–20–20–20–23–11–11–11–3
Phoenix 2–01–10–21–10–23–11–30–23–11–31–11–31–31–12–03–12–02–00–22–0—2–22–21–30–42–01–34–02–0
Portland 0–22–01–10–21–14–04–00–23–12–21–12–22–22–00–24–01–12–01–12–02–2—1–31–31–32–01–32–20–2
Sacramento 0–20–21–10–21–12–24–01–13–12–22–02–21–31–12–01–31–12–01–12–02–23–1—1–30–42–00–42–20–2
San Antonio 2–02–02–00–22–02–24–00–23–13–11–13–13–11–11–13–12–01–11–12–03–13–13–1—2–22–03–14–01–1
Seattle 2–02–02–01–12–02–23–11–14–04–00–24–02–22–02–04–02–01–11–12–04–03–14–02–2—1–13–13–11–1
Toronto 0–41–31–31–31–31–10–20–41–10–20–42–00–21–22–21–12–20–41–21–30–20–20–20–21–1—0–21–13–1
Utah 1–12–01–10–22–03–11–32–03–12–22–03–12–22–02–03–12–01–11–11–13–13–14–01–31–32–0—4–01–1
Vancouver 0–21–10–20–20–20–41–30–20–40–40–21–30–41–11–12–20–21–10–21–10–42–22–20–41–31–10–4—0–2
Washington 3–12–21–30–41–32–01–12–11–11–10–31–11–12–23–12–02–21–30–43–10–22–02–01–11–11–31–12–0—

Game log
1995–96 game log
November: 5–10 (Home: 4–4; Road: 1–6)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance		Record
1 November 3 New Jersey W 94–79 Alvin Robertson (30) Alvin Robertson (7) Damon Stoudamire (10) SkyDome
33,306		 1-0
2 November 4 @ Indiana L 89–97 Damon Stoudamire (26) John Salley (9) Damon Stoudamire (11) Market Square Arena
16,640		 1-1
3 November 7 @ Chicago L 108–117 Willie Anderson (23) Oliver Miller (9) Damon Stoudamire (10) United Center
23,102		 1-2
4 November 8 Sacramento L 90–109 Tracy Murray (22) Oliver Miller (11) Willie Anderson (4) SkyDome
16,793		 1-3
5 November 10 Phoenix L 108–112 Tracy Murray (23) John Salley (11) Damon Stoudamire (7) SkyDome
25,207		 1-4
6 November 11 @ Charlotte L 117–123 (OT) Willie Anderson (24) Willie Anderson (9) Alvin Robertson (7) Charlotte Coliseum
24,042		 1-5
7 November 13 Utah L 100–103 Willie Anderson, Alvin Robertson (22) Ed Pinckney (10) Damon Stoudamire (9) SkyDome
18,351		 1-6
8 November 15 Houston L 93–96 Damon Stoudamire, Žan Tabak (20) Žan Tabak (15) Alvin Robertson (10) SkyDome
20,831		 1-7
9 November 17 Minnesota W 114–96 Damon Stoudamire (20) Oliver Miller, Damon Stoudamire (7) Damon Stoudamire (13) SkyDome
18,401		 2-7
10 November 18 @ Washington W 103–102 Damon Stoudamire (23) Willie Anderson (9) Damon Stoudamire (10) USAir Arena
18,756		 3-7
11 November 21 Seattle W 102–97 Oliver Miller (23) Damon Stoudamire (12) Damon Stoudamire (11) SkyDome
21,836		 4-7
12 November 22 @ Milwaukee L 86–96 Alvin Robertson (18) Ed Pinckney (8) Damon Stoudamire (9) Bradley Center
14,959		 4-8
13 November 25 @ Atlanta L 102–114 Tracy Murray (22) Ed Pinckney (13) Damon Stoudamire (9) Omni Coliseum
10,253		 4-9
14 November 27 Golden State W 101–98 Willie Anderson (26) John Salley (9) Damon Stoudamire (10) SkyDome
19,563		 5-9
15 November 28 @ Cleveland L 89–93 Damon Stoudamire (18) Žan Tabak (8) Willie Anderson (5) Gund Arena
15,188		 5-10
December: 4–11 (Home: 3–4; Road: 1–7)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance		Record
16 December 1 Philadelphia W 105–102 Willie Anderson (23) Ed Pinckney (16) Damon Stoudamire (10) SkyDome
19,789		 6-10
17 December 3 Miami L 94–112 Oliver Miller (29) Ed Pinckney (12) Damon Stoudamire (15) SkyDome
21,238		 6-11
18 December 5 @ Seattle L 89–119 Tracy Murray (23) Oliver Miller, Alvin Robertson, Žan Tabak (5) Alvin Robertson, Damon Stoudamire (5) KeyArena
17,072		 6-12
19 December 7 @ Portland L 88–96 Tracy Murray (28) Ed Pinckney (15) Damon Stoudamire (10) Rose Garden
20,039		 6-13
20 December 8 @ L.A. Lakers L 103–120 Damon Stoudamire (20) Ed Pinckney (8) Damon Stoudamire (10) Great Western Forum
12,982		 6-14
21 December 10 @ Vancouver W 93–81 Damon Stoudamire (24) Ed Pinckney (16) Damon Stoudamire (8) General Motors Place
17,438		 7-14
22 December 12 Boston L 96–116 Damon Stoudamire (18) Ed Pinckney (8) Damon Stoudamire (9) SkyDome
21,875		 7-15
23 December 14 Indiana L 100–102 Oliver Miller (22) Oliver Miller (12) Damon Stoudamire (13) SkyDome
19,763		 7-16
24 December 15 @ Boston L 103–122 Žan Tabak (18) Žan Tabak (8) Alvin Robertson, Damon Stoudamire (7) FleetCenter
17,580		 7-17
25 December 17 Orlando W 110–93 Damon Stoudamire (21) Ed Pinckney (11) Damon Stoudamire (10) SkyDome
25,820		 8-17
26 December 19 Detroit L 82–94 Damon Stoudamire (19) Oliver Miller (11) Damon Stoudamire (8) SkyDome
21,128		 8-18
27 December 22 @ Chicago L 104–113 Žan Tabak (24) Damon Stoudamire, Žan Tabak (8) Damon Stoudamire (13) United Center
22,987		 8-19
28 December 23 @ New York L 91–103 Damon Stoudamire (25) Ed Pinckney (10) Damon Stoudamire (8) Madison Square Garden
19,763		 8-20
29 December 26 Milwaukee W 93–87 Damon Stoudamire (21) Ed Pinckney (9) Damon Stoudamire (11) Copps Coliseum
17,242		 9-20
30 December 28 @ Detroit L 91–113 Damon Stoudamire (27) Oliver Miller (7) Damon Stoudamire (7) The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454		 9-21
January: 3–10 (Home: 3–5; Road: 0–5)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance		Record
31 January 3 @ Orlando L 110–121 Alvin Robertson (27) Oliver Miller (12) Damon Stoudamire (13) Orlando Arena
17,248		 9-22
32 January 4 @ Atlanta L 101–104 (OT) Alvin Robertson (21) Willie Anderson, Ed Pinckney (7) Damon Stoudamire (10) Omni Coliseum
7,194		 9-23
33 January 9 Charlotte L 91–92 Tracy Murray (25) Tony Massenburg (8) Alvin Robertson, Damon Stoudamire (8) SkyDome
20,326		 9-24
34 January 11 Atlanta L 79–87 Damon Stoudamire (18) Tony Massenburg, Carlos Rogers, Žan Tabak (7) Damon Stoudamire (9) SkyDome
19,868		 9-25
35 January 13 Washington W 106–100 Damon Stoudamire (29) Tony Massenburg (11) Damon Stoudamire (11) SkyDome
25,432		 10-25
36 January 15 @ New Jersey L 83–108 Damon Stoudamire (18) Oliver Miller (9) Damon Stoudamire (11) Continental Airlines Arena
10,034		 10-26
37 January 16 Indiana L 102–110 Damon Stoudamire (29) Tony Massenburg (14) Damon Stoudamire (10) SkyDome
19,868		 10-27
38 January 18 Chicago L 89–92 Damon Stoudamire (26) Tony Massenburg (8) Damon Stoudamire (12) SkyDome
36,118		 10-28
39 January 21 Boston W 97–95 Damon Stoudamire (23) Tony Massenburg (14) Damon Stoudamire (9) SkyDome
24,334		 11-28
40 January 23 New Jersey W 86–79 Tracy Murray (16) Tony Massenburg (8) Damon Stoudamire (11) SkyDome
20,915		 12-28
41 January 25 Vancouver L 101–106 (OT) Damon Stoudamire (22) Oliver Miller (13) Damon Stoudamire (12) SkyDome
21,378		 12-29
42 January 27 @ Denver L 82–93 Damon Stoudamire (23) Tony Massenburg (11) Damon Stoudamire (5) McNichols Sports Arena
16,635		 12-30
43 January 30 @ Sacramento L 75–102 Oliver Miller (18) Tony Massenburg (5) Damon Stoudamire (6) ARCO Arena
17,317		 12-31
February: 2–10 (Home: 0–3; Road: 2–7)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance		Record
44 February 2 @ Golden State L 111–114 Damon Stoudamire (25) Oliver Miller (7) Damon Stoudamire (11) Oakland Coliseum
15,025		 12-32
45 February 3 @ L.A. Clippers W 119–113 (OT) Damon Stoudamire (25) Oliver Miller (11) Damon Stoudamire (6) Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
5,846		 13-32
46 February 5 Portland L 87–90 Tracy Murray, Damon Stoudamire (16) Tony Massenburg (10) Damon Stoudamire (7) SkyDome
20,832		 13-33
47 February 7 Milwaukee L 88–93 Oliver Miller (21) Oliver Miller (12) Damon Stoudamire (6) SkyDome
21,335		 13-34
48 February 13 @ Miami W 98–87 Damon Stoudamire (29) Alvin Robertson (12) Damon Stoudamire (7) Miami Arena
14,286		 14-34
49 February 15 Cleveland L 76–95 Willie Anderson (17) Oliver Miller (8) Damon Stoudamire (7) Copps Coliseum
17,242		 14-35
50 February 17 @ Detroit L 95–108 Oliver Miller (25) Tracy Murray (7) Damon Stoudamire (9) The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454		 14-36
51 February 22 @ Utah L 86–102 Damon Stoudamire (23) Herb Williams (8) Damon Stoudamire (6) Delta Center
19,911		 14-37
52 February 23 @ Phoenix L 105–110 Damon Stoudamire (29) Oliver Miller (8) Damon Stoudamire (10) America West Arena
19,023		 14-38
53 February 25 @ Dallas L 98–105 Damon Stoudamire (23) Žan Tabak (16) Damon Stoudamire (10) Reunion Arena
16,618		 14-39
54 February 27 @ Houston L 100–105 Tracy Murray (22) Žan Tabak (10) Damon Stoudamire (19) The Summit
16,200		 14-40
55 February 29 @ San Antonio L 95–120 Oliver Miller, Oliver Miller (13) Oliver Miller (8) Damon Stoudamire (5) Alamodome
18,083		 14-41
March: 4–12 (Home: 3–7; Road: 1–5)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance		Record
56 March 3 @ Cleveland W 100–89 Tracy Murray (29) Doug Christie, Oliver Miller (5) Doug Christie (6) Gund Arena
18,409		 15-41
57 March 5 Detroit L 84–105 Sharone Wright (25) Oliver Miller (8) Damon Stoudamire (6) SkyDome
22,968		 15-42
58 March 6 New York L 82–89 Sharone Wright (18) Oliver Miller, Sharone Wright (8) Damon Stoudamire (15) SkyDome
21,998		 15-43
59 March 8 @ Miami L 79–109 Vincenzo Esposito (12) Oliver Miller (10) Damon Stoudamire (5) Miami Arena
14,319		 15-44
60 March 10 Dallas W 128–112 Damon Stoudamire (25) Žan Tabak (14) Damon Stoudamire (9) SkyDome
21,873		 16-44
61 March 12 @ Philadelphia L 110–118 Tracy Murray (31) Oliver Miller (11) Doug Christie, Alvin Robertson (8) CoreStates Spectrum
8,806		 16-45
62 March 15 @ Charlotte L 101–113 Oliver Miller, Damon Stoudamire, Sharone Wright (20) Oliver Miller (10) Damon Stoudamire (11) Charlotte Coliseum
24,042		 16-46
63 March 17 @ Indiana L 96–105 Damon Stoudamire (23) Tracy Murray (9) Damon Stoudamire (12) Market Square Arena
16,579		 16-47
64 March 18 Denver L 114–122 Tracy Murray (40) Oliver Miller (9) Damon Stoudamire (16) SkyDome
20,324		 16-48
65 March 20 Charlotte W 107–89 Carlos Rogers, Damon Stoudamire (24) Oliver Miller (15) Damon Stoudamire (10) SkyDome
22,033		 17-48
66 March 22 San Antonio L 108–120 Tracy Murray (29) Oliver Miller (12) Damon Stoudamire (13) SkyDome
25,964		 17-49
67 March 24 Chicago W 109–108 Damon Stoudamire (30) Oliver Miller, Tracy Murray (12) Damon Stoudamire (11) SkyDome
36,131		 18-49
68 March 26 Atlanta L 111–114 Tracy Murray, Damon Stoudamire (30) Oliver Miller, Tracy Murray (9) Damon Stoudamire (12) SkyDome
21,473		 18-50
69 March 27 @ Philadelphia L 94–103 Žan Tabak (26) Žan Tabak (11) Alvin Robertson (6) CoreStates Spectrum
7,411		 18-51
70 March 29 Orlando L 86–126 Damon Stoudamire (15) Carlos Rogers (9) Damon Stoudamire (5) SkyDome
35,681		 18-52
71 March 31 L.A. Lakers L 106–111 Tracy Murray (32) Tracy Murray (10) Damon Stoudamire (15) SkyDome
36,046		 18-53
April: 3–8 (Home: 2–3; Road: 1–5)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance		Record
72 April 2 L.A. Clippers W 104–103 (OT) Tracy Murray (30) Oliver Miller (15) Damon Stoudamire (12) SkyDome
21,135		 19-53
73 April 4 Cleveland L 77–98 Dwayne Whitfield (16) Dwayne Whitfield (12) Jimmy King (6) SkyDome
21,173		 19-54
74 April 6 New York L 106–139 Tracy Murray (23) Tracy Murray (8) Doug Christie, Oliver Miller (5) SkyDome
23,168		 19-55
75 April 8 @ Minnesota L 101–115 Doug Christie, Tracy Murray (21) Oliver Miller, Alvin Robertson (10) Alvin Robertson (7) Target Center
13,011		 19-56
76 April 9 @ Milwaukee W 102–96 Alvin Robertson (25) Alvin Robertson (10) Doug Christie, Alvin Robertson (6) Bradley Center
15,935		 20-56
77 April 12 @ Boston L 108–136 Acie Earl (40) Acie Earl (12) Jimmy King (6) FleetCenter
17,930		 20-57
78 April 14 @ Washington L 97–110 Acie Earl (26) Oliver Miller (17) Oliver Miller (5) USAir Arena
18,756		 20-58
79 April 15 @ New York L 79–125 Acie Earl (25) Acie Earl (11) Jimmy King (8) Madison Square Garden
19,763		 20-59
80 April 17 @ New Jersey L 95–107 Acie Earl (28) Alvin Robertson (13) Alvin Robertson (8) Continental Airlines Arena
14,688		 20-60
81 April 19 Washington W 107–103 Doug Christie (30) Oliver Miller (13) Oliver Miller (9) SkyDome
24,454		 21-60
82 April 21 Philadelphia L 105–109 (OT) Oliver Miller (35) Oliver Miller (12) Oliver Miller, Alvin Robertson (9) SkyDome
27,118		 21-61
1995–96 season schedule

Player statistics
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field-goal percentage  3P%  3-point field-goal percentage  FT%  Free-throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game

Regular season
Player GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
Willie Anderson 494231.9.440.305.8563.83.01.181.0412.4
Doug Christie 321725.6.436.414.7893.82.91.81.5010.1
Acie Earl 42715.6.424.000.7193.1.6.43.887.5
Vincenzo Esposito 3009.4.360.232.795.5.8.23.003.9
Jimmy King 62114.0.431.147.7011.81.4.34.214.5
Martin Lewis 16011.8.483.286.6001.8.2.50.194.7
Tony Massenburg 242027.5.510.000.6626.9.8.54.3810.1
Oliver Miller 767233.1.526.000.6617.42.91.421.8812.9
Tracy Murray 823730.0.454.422.8314.31.61.06.4916.2
Dan O'Sullivan 5227.8.371.000.8756.4.4.40.806.6
Ed Pinckney 472421.9.502.000.7586.01.1.66.367.0
Alvin Robertson 776932.2.470.272.6774.44.22.16.479.3
Carlos Rogers 561818.6.517.143.5463.0.6.45.867.7
John Salley 25619.3.486.000.7233.91.6.44.486.0
Damon Stoudamire 707040.9.426.395.7974.09.31.40.2719.0
Žan Tabak 671819.9.543.000.5614.8.9.36.467.7
Dwayne Whitfield 8115.2.433.000.6363.1.2.38.255.0
Herb Williams 1031.0.375.000.0008.0.01.002.006.0
Sharone Wright 11627.1.508.333.6855.21.0.55.9116.5

Franchise firsts

Point: Alvin Robertson

Award winners

Transactions

Trades
September 18, 1995 To Toronto Raptors
Victor Alexander
Martin Lewis
Michael McDonald
Carlos Rogers
Dwayne Whitfield		 To Golden State Warriors
B. J. Armstrong
February 18, 1996 To Toronto Raptors
Doug Christie
Herb Williams
Cash		 To New York Knicks
Victor Alexander
Willie Anderson
February 22, 1996 To Toronto Raptors
Sharone Wright		 To Philadelphia 76ers
Tony Massenburg
Ed Pinckney
1996 second-round pick
1997 second-round pick

Free agents
Additions
Player Date signed Former team
Alvin Robertson October 5 Detroit Pistons
Thomas Hamilton October 6 none
Tracy Murray November 1 Houston Rockets
Dwayne Whitfield February 23 Golden State Warriors
Dan O'Sullivan (10-day) April 9 Shreveport Storm (CBA)
Subtractions
Player Date signed New Team
Doug Smith October 4 Boston Celtics
Jerome Kersey Golden State Warriors
Thomas Hamilton October 18 Boston Celtics
Dwayne Whitfield November 2 Toronto Raptors
John Salley February 2 Chicago Bulls
Herb Williams February 23 New York Knicks
Dan O'Sullivan April 18 Scavolini Pesaro (Italy)

Player Transactions Citation:[24]

References
  1. 1995-96 Toronto Raptors
  2. Brown, Clifton (November 3, 1995). "PRO BASKETBALL; Now Playing in the N.B.A., the Raptors and the Grizzlies". The New York Times. Retrieved March 9, 2022.
  3. Laying the Groundwork for the NBA in Toronto, nba.com/raptors, accessed 16 June 2007.
  4. "EXECUTIVE SHOES SEEM TO FIT THOMAS JUST FINE". Chicago Tribune. October 27, 1995. Retrieved July 5, 2021.
  5. "Toronto Raptors Logo". Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Page - SportsLogos.Net. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
  6. "Toronto Raptors Uniform". Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Page - SportsLogos.Net. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
  7. "Toronto Raptors Uniform". Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Page - SportsLogos.Net. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
  8. "PRO BASKETBALL; Anthony Is No. 2 Of the Secaucus 27". New York Times. June 25, 1995. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
  9. "PRO BASKETBALL; Underclassmen Rule Atop N.B.A. Draft Board". New York Times. June 29, 1995. Retrieved July 5, 2021.
  10. "PRO BASKETBALL; Nets Start by Earning a Sorry Place in History". New York Times. November 4, 1995. Retrieved July 5, 2021.
  11. "Toronto Sends Pinckney and Massenburg To Philadelphia For Wright". AP News. February 22, 1996. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
  12. "BASKETBALL; Knicks Are Close to a Trade". New York Times. February 18, 1996. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
  13. "1995–96 Toronto Raptors Schedule and Results". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
  14. "Rookie Award To Stoudamire". New York Times. May 16, 1996. Retrieved October 13, 2017.
  15. "1996 NBA Rising Stars: East 94, West 92". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  16. "1995–96 Toronto Raptors Roster and Stats". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
  17. "Bullets Open Up Their Gifts and Run". New York Times. November 10, 1996. Retrieved January 18, 2022.
  18. "NBA'S RAPTORS TRADE FIRST PICK ARMSTRONG TO WARRIORS FOR PAIR". Greensboro. September 18, 1995. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  19. "1995 NBA Expansion Draft". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  20. New Jersey Nets at Toronto Raptors, basketball-reference.com, 3 November 1995, accessed 20 August 2015.
  21. 1995-96 Standings Archived 2012-01-27 at WebCite, nba.com/history, accessed 16 June 2007.
  22. Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors, basketball-reference.com, 24 March 1996, accessed 16 June 2007.
  23. Damon Stoudamire Info Page Archived 2007-07-12 at the Wayback Machine, nba.com, accessed 16 June 2007.
  24. "1995–96 Toronto Raptors Transactions". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved July 5, 2021.
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