Blame Canada! Blame Canada!

The Raptors franchise has been in the NBA for 14 years now, but yet it seems they are still scene as the ugly girl at the prom without a date.  Last season the Toronto Raptors franchise average 17,757 per contest, and with some the league's most rabid fans. 

The question is why do NBA players frown playing for the Raptors, I know it must be weather.  Yes I know it’s cold in Canada, but Toronto has the same weather conditions as New York City and Detroit give a take a few degrees.  Or maybe the hassle dealing with our customs officer, yes I know it could get quite bothersome getting check three times year. 

No that can’t be it; I wonder what it could be, I know now, is it because ESPN and TSN are not same.  Yeah I know curling might not be your cup of tea, but honestly what is the reason.

They are several reasons with this issue, but the main problem is stability.  In the 14 years of existence the Raptors franchise has had seven coaches and six general managers changes if you include the interim's. And if you compare the Raptors to the San Antonio Spurs who are owners off the NBA longest current playoff streak.  The Spurs had one coach, two general managers and four NBA championships titles.

But there is also another huge issue problem; the Raptors franchise has a hard time keeping their star players and signing big name free agents.  And these next two years are crucial for franchise survival, if they can’t get Chris Bosh to sign a long-term deal or trade him, it will draw the franchise back to rebuild mode again, and I don’t think the Raptors fans across Canada we able to handle another 14 years of excuses.