Home > Fiba Eurocup Final > Canadian NBA Teams: A Complete Guide to Their History and Current Status
Canadian NBA Teams: A Complete Guide to Their History and Current Status
2025-11-04 19:13
As a lifelong basketball enthusiast who's been following the NBA for over two decades, I've always found the Canadian basketball story particularly fascinating. Having watched countless games from both sides of the border, I can confidently say that Canada's relationship with the NBA represents one of the most compelling narratives in professional sports. When people ask me about Canadian NBA teams, they're often surprised to learn that Canada actually has two franchises - the Toronto Raptors and Vancouver Grizzlies, though the latter's story took a very different turn.
I remember watching that incredible 2019 championship run by the Raptors, and it struck me how much that victory meant not just to Toronto but to the entire country. The Raptors have become Canada's team in many ways, with fans traveling from provinces across the nation to watch games at Scotiabank Arena. What many casual observers don't realize is that the Raptors' success didn't happen overnight. The franchise began in 1995 as part of the NBA's expansion into Canada, and they struggled for years before finding their footing. I've always admired how the organization built through smart drafting and strategic acquisitions rather than chasing quick fixes. Kawhi Leonard's legendary shot against Philadelphia in the 2019 playoffs remains one of my favorite basketball memories - that moment when the ball bounced four times before dropping through the net still gives me chills.
The Vancouver Grizzlies story breaks my heart every time I think about it. Having visited Vancouver numerous times, I'm convinced the city could have supported an NBA team with better management. The Grizzlies joined the league alongside Toronto in 1995 but only lasted six seasons before relocating to Memphis in 2001. From my perspective, the franchise was doomed by terrible draft choices and questionable personnel decisions. They selected players like Antonio Daniels and Michael Dickerson while passing on future stars who were available. The team never won more than 23 games in a season, and frankly, the ownership group seemed to give up too quickly. I've spoken with basketball fans in Vancouver who still feel the sting of that departure, and many believe the city deserves another shot at an NBA franchise.
Thinking about these Canadian franchises reminds me of the reference material about teams waiting for success. While the Raptors eventually broke through, the Grizzlies never had that opportunity in Vancouver. The current Raptors organization has built something truly special, creating a basketball culture that extends throughout Canada. Their G League affiliate, Raptors 905, has developed numerous NBA players, and their training facility is considered among the league's best. Having visited Toronto during playoff runs, I can attest to the electric atmosphere that takes over the city - it's something every basketball fan should experience at least once.
Looking at the current landscape, I'm optimistic about Canadian basketball's future. The Raptors have established themselves as a model franchise, and Canada produces more NBA players per capita than any country outside the United States. With stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray representing Canada on the global stage, the connection between the country and the NBA continues to strengthen. The Raptors' international appeal has also grown tremendously, with games being broadcast to over 190 countries. As someone who's watched this evolution from the beginning, I believe we're witnessing the golden age of Canadian basketball, and I can't wait to see what the next chapter brings for our northern neighbors in the NBA.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
