Apr 1, 2012; Toronto, ON, Canada; The Toronto Raptors mascot on the decal at center court before their game against the Washington Wizards at the Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Wizards 99-92. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
The Charlotte Bobcats and New Orleans Hornets have officially made plans to change their team names to the Charolette Hornets and the New Orleans Pelicans. But a third team may be joining them when it comes to ditching the past completely and moving in to the future in more than just one way. The Raptors have a new general manager and are looking to be a new team and that extends all the way to changing the name and mascot the team has had since 1995.
According to The National Post, Raptors CEO Tim Leiweke has come forth an mentioned that changing more than just the Raptors uniforms down the road is something that is being discussed.
“We’re definitely going to take a look at it. It doesn’t mean we’re committed to it. It means it’s a good conversation. I saw those generic uniforms today in the paper. … That won’t be the uniform, by the way. I can assure you of that. I think we need to have this conversation.”
The Raptors have changed up and modified their logo over the years from the basketball playing raptor to just a mean looking claw, but as Kurt Helin points out, the Raptor logo and the mascot don’t really have a lot to do with Toronto or Canada and a change makes a lot of sense given the crossroads the team is at right now.
There haven’t been any “leaks” in terms of what the Raptors would be changing their name to if they ultimately decide to do so. It would take a few years for the change to take effect but if it’s something management in Toronto is thinking about, the chances of it happening are likely higher than you’d think.
