The Toronto Raptors suffered through a rough 2020-21 campaign, dealing with a bunch of health problems and then essentially tanking their way to a 27-45 record. This all happened as they were forced to play games in Tampa because of COVID-19.
While the Raptors lost Kyle Lowry to the Miami Heat this offseason, not all is bad for the franchise. The tanking helped Toronto get the No. 4 pick in the draft (Scottie Barnes), and now the team will actually be playing their home games again in their home city.
That's right, the Raptors have been approved to return to Toronto for the 2021-22 season by the Canadian government, per The Canadian Press. It's still unclear just how many fans will be in attendance for these games, but there's hope Scotiabank Arena will be full.
The Raptors will be returning to Toronto in a transition season in the post-Lowry era. There's still some intriguing talent on board with Pascal Siakam (he's not going anywhere) and Fred VanVleet leading the way, plus intriguing young players in Barnes, OG Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr.
However, lead Raptors executive Masai Ujiri recently admitted that the team isn't expecting to compete for a title this season. They're trying to build back to a championship level after winning their first title in 2019.
Even if 2021-22 isn't the best season, it will be great to be back in Toronto.
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