Toronto Raptors · Franchise era 2 of 7
Vinsanity: the Toronto Raptors story
Franchise era
1998–99—2003–04
Vinsanity
Toronto Raptors
The story in one sentence
Carter's aerial brilliance transformed the Raptors into a global attraction and brought them within one shot of the 2001 conference finals.
01
Carter puts Toronto on the basketball map
02
Vince Carter, Antonio Davis and Morris Peterson gave the era its recognizable core.
03
Its ending created the conditions for the bosh years.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 1998–99
What came before
Stoudamire gave the new franchise immediate credibility as it built an audience and navigated its early roster.
2001
Eastern Conference First Round: Toronto Raptors vs New York Knicks
2001
Eastern Conference Semifinals: Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers
2002
Eastern Conference First Round: Toronto Raptors vs Detroit Pistons
After 2003–04
What came next
Bosh developed into a franchise star and led two playoff teams, but Toronto never found enough stability around him.
The core