On this date in 1995, the expansion Raptors and Grizzles both made successful NBA debuts with victories in their first regular season games. The Raptors throttled the Nets 94-79 in front of more than 33,000 fans. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies topped the Blazers 92-80 in Portland. Unfortunately for both clubs, the wins would not be a sign of things to come in 1995/96. Toronto finished out the year 21-61 while Vancouver went 15-67 in their inaugural campaign. Things would eventually improve for both clubs, of course, and the Raptors even saw guard Damon Stoudamire win the Rookie of the Year award for 1995/96.
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 still likes the Thunder's chances sans James Harden.
- SLC Dunk looks at the Jazz's three-point attempts in transition last season.
- Truth About It looks at some oddly specific prop bets for the Wizards this season.
- Bright Side Of The Sun talks Wesley Johnson and his future in Phoenix.
- Hoops Addict notes that the Magic still have strong leaders as they start from scratch.
- Brew Hoop peers into their crystal ball for the Bucks this year.
- RealGM splits the league into tiers for 2012/13.
- Canis Hoopus wonders if the Timberwolves can hold the line until Kevin Love gets back.
- Secret Rival breaks down the D-League draft.
- Bucksketball offers up their player capsule on Monta Ellis.
- Rufus On Fire has five questions for the Bobcats.
- Pounding The Rock looks at Kawhi Leonard's season debut.
- SB Nation DC is optimistic about Jan Vesely.
- Red 94 attempts to break down Daryl Morey's philosophy.
- Nets 101 gives us their top eight teams out of the East.
- Basketball Prospectus evaluates this year's extensions.
- NBA 24 7 365 feels for Andrew Bogut.
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