The Toronto Raptors unveiled two new uniforms for the upcoming 2016-17 season via a video posted by their social media accounts earlier today.
First is a throwback to 70 years ago, an all-blue tribute to the Toronto Huskies, the original pro basketball franchise in both Toronto and Canada. The Huskies played just one season in the then-BAA (modern day NBA) including hosting the first game in league history against the New York Knicks on November 1.
The Raptors, who have no connection officially with the Huskies, previously wore white versions of these throwbacks during the 1996-97 and 2009-10 seasons. This will be the first time the Toronto Raptors ever wear a blue uniform.
The Huskies uniforms will be worn six times throughout the 2016-17, the exact games will be announced at a later date.
Also unveiled is a special Toronto Raptors Chinese New Year themed uniform:
This jersey uses the familiar modern Raptors uniform template but replaces the “RAPTORS” wordmark across the chest with “TORONTO” in simplified Chinese. A nice touch sees the inclusion of a dragon and the Raptors basket-claw logo incorporated into the Chinese characters.
The Toronto metropolitan area is home to over half-a-million Chinese Canadians, making up nearly ten percent of the entire population of the region.
This uniform will be worn for two dates in January and will be scheduled to coincide closely to the Lunar New Year of January 28, 2017.