1996–97 Toronto Raptors season
The 1996–97 NBA season was the Raptors' second season in the National Basketball Association. The Raptors had the second overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft, and drafted Marcus Camby from the University of Massachusetts, and started their season with new head coach Darrell Walker. Veteran leadership was added as the team signed free agent Walt Williams, acquired Popeye Jones from the Dallas Mavericks, acquired three-point specialist Hubert Davis from the New York Knicks, and signed John Long, who came out of his retirement. The team also signed Benoit Benjamin, but released him to free agency after only just four games. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the NBA, the Raptors started their season by wearing throwback uniforms of the Toronto Huskies in their season opener against the New York Knicks at the SkyDome on November 1, 1996, but lost to the Knicks, 107–99.
| 1996–97 Toronto Raptors season | |
|---|---|
| Head coach | Darrell Walker |
| General manager | Isiah Thomas |
| Owner(s) | John Bitove |
| Arena |
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| Results | |
| Record | 30–52 (.366) |
| Place | Division: 8th (Central) Conference: 12th (Eastern) |
| Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com | |
| Local media | |
| Television | |
| Radio | CFRB |
The Raptors got off to a 3–3 start to the season, but then lost six straight games afterwards, and held a 17–29 record at the All-Star break. At midseason, the team re-signed free agent Oliver Miller after a brief stint with the Dallas Mavericks, and traded Acie Earl to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for second-year guard Shawn Respert, while signing free agents Reggie Slater and Clifford Rozier. The Raptors finished last place in the Central Division with a 30–52 record, which was a nine-game improvement over their inaugural season.
Second-year star Damon Stoudamire averaged 20.2 points, 8.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game, while Williams averaged 16.4 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, and Camby provided the team with 14.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game, and was selected to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. In addition, Doug Christie contributed 14.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game, and finished in second place in Most Improved Player voting, while Carlos Rogers averaged 9.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game off the bench, and Jones provided with 7.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.
Following the season, Davis signed as a free agent with the Dallas Mavericks, while Rozier signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Long retired.