This season of the NBA is already on a fast track to get started. Much like the rest of the world and other sporting events, Covid has put a serious twist on locations, scheduling, traveling, trading and more. The Toronto Raptors are more than familiar with the difficulties surrounding professional sports and keeping everyone safe. Sportsnet released an article stating, “the NBA governors and players’ association formally agreed late Monday to start the 2020-21 season on December 22 – a full month sooner than even the most optimistic projections when the league was trying to finish then 2019-20 season in the bubble on campus at Walt Disney World resort this past summer”. Many basketball fans were more than ecstatic about the season being able to continue last season, but this season is now posing the same, if not more problems. The main questions festering amongst the Toronto Raptors and the country is where on earth is training camp going to be, what country?

With the current 14-day quarantine for inbound travelers from the United States still in full force, the likelihood of the Raps being able to train and begin their season on their home court is becoming less and less realistic. Of course, they are asking for a lift on those regulations but even the Toronto Blue Jays were unable to get that exemption. So, that leaves the obvious question of what to do next. Canadians are finding themselves in quite the pickle when it comes to issues like this one because the obvious response is to have them train and practice where ever is more suitable for their safety. But from an athletic standpoint, not being able to practice on your home court has proven to be detrimental, along with all of the non-basketball staff being less accessible to the team if they were not able to be on their home turf.

Toronto may not be the official home of the Raps training camp this year, but all the members of the organization are working day and night to come up with a solution. Potential temporary housing stateside is looking like the strongest option for the club at this time, Sportsnet reported that there had been several inquiries about things such as that. There are numerous factors that must be taken into account when selecting suitable facilities. Although it would be ideal to find a place that houses a strong practice and training facility, the in-conference play is the utmost important factor when looking at locations.

In conclusion, it is looking like regardless of the location, Canadians will be able to keep their spirits high that the NBA season is on a fast track to it’s first tip off of the year. Tampa and Nashville are the reported cities to be the front runners in the race to be a home to our Toronto Raptors. With that being said, all we can do is hope that this virus does not continue to spread. The league will be doing everything in their power to keep the coaching staff and players as safe as possible. Regardless of the location, Canadians will have a team to cheer for, whether they are located in our country or our neighbors to the south. Prior to the start of the season, you can watch for the NBA draft which is scheduled for November 18^th, following that two days later is free agency opening date, capped off by the official contract signing day on the 22^nd. Keep your eyes and ears pealed for more information, until then, our Raps will be on the prowl for a home!