On this date in 1993, the NBA awarded an expansion franchise to the city of Toronto. Two years later, the Raptors burst on to the scene armed with a team of expansion draft selections and some of the least attractive jerseys in league history. Of course, things would improve from there as the Raptors would welcome Marcus Camby in 1996, Tracy McGrady in 1997, and Vince Carter in 1998.
Will we see another expansion team in the near future? Given the current economic climate, it doesn't seem terribly likely. Seattle investor Chris Hansen appears to have all the pieces in place to bring an NBA team back to the city, but the team to fill the Sonics' shoes will likely be a relocated franchise rather than the Association's 31st club.
If you have a great blog piece that you think we should feature in Hoops Links, then send it to me at HoopsLinks@gmail.com. Here's this week's look around the blogosphere..
- The Basketball Post is high on Real Madrid.
- Nets Are Scorching gives us a sneak peak of the Barclays Center.
- Wages of Wins looks at where teams get their stars from.
- Hardwood Paroxysm is cheering for Royce White.
- Stepien Rules doesn't see where the Raptors are going to get their offense from.
- Bright Side Of The Sun says that NFL fans can finally feel the pain of NBA fans.
- Basketball Prospectus wonders if the Bulls can be contenders this season.
- RealGM looks at the choices James Harden will face.
- A Wolf Among Wolves has a creative take on Brandon Roy.
- SLC Dunk previews the 2012/13 season for Paul Millsap.
- Truth About It talks Cartier Martin.
- Secret Rival brings us the vitals on nearly 1,000 players in the NBA and overseas.
- NBA 24 7 365 wonders what Orlando's new marketing campaign is all about.
- Rufus On Fire looks back on Bismack Biyombo's rookie season.
- Bullets Forever writes that Nene Hilario will be key for the Wizards with John Wall sidelined.
If you have a suggestion for this feature, Zach can be reached here.