Breaking Bad, The Final Season - Breaking Bad
The Toronto Raptors didn't even wait for training camp to open before making a splash this season.
The team unveiled two big pieces of business on Monday, looking to brighten the club's future prospects.
The first was to formally announce that the team will host the 2016 NBA All-Star Game.
Reports surfaced a week ago that the team was close to landing the mid-season game for the first time ever a year after the club celebrates its 20th anniversary.
"The Toronto Raptors proudly play for 35 million fans right across Canada each season and hosting the NBA All-Star festivities in 2016 will be a perfect opportunity to thank our fans for their support while celebrating basketball's rich tradition in Canada," said Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment President and CEO Tim Leiweke in a release. "We would like to thank Commissioner David Stern and incoming Commissioner Adam Silver for their support and faith in Toronto, the Raptors and MLSE. Toronto is one of the premier cities in the world and we look forward to hosting a world-class NBA All-Star celebration that makes the NBA and basketball fans everywhere proud."
Leiweke also revealed during his speech on Monday that the Raptors have submitted an application to the NBA for new branding and new colours but stressed that the team had not applied for a new name.
NBA deputy commissioner and chief operating officer Adam Silver revealed that rebranding is traditionally a two-season process and that any changes to the Raptors brand would not take effect until the 2014-15 or 2015-16 season.
The second major piece of business was the unveiling of the team's new Global Ambassador: hip hop superstar and local artist Drake.
Drake joins on as a business partner, fitting with his tendency to promote his home town. In addition to having shot music videos around the city - including inside the Rogers Centre - Drake also hosts an annual concert festival that brings some of music's biggest names to Toronto. Started in 2010 his OVO Fest has featured guest appearances by the likes of Eminem, Jay-Z, Stevie Wonder, Kanye West and the surviving members of TLC.
"The City of Toronto and the Raptors mean everything to me, and the chance to be able to play a role with this team is something I could have only dreamed of growing up," said Drake in a release. "I'm really excited about the direction of the Raptors, and today's announcement about Toronto hosting the NBA All-Star Game in 2016 is another reason why Canadian basketball fans have a lot to look forward to."
Toronto's Air Canada Centre hosted the 2000 NHL All-Star Game, and the Rogers Centre (then SkyDome) was the host for the 1991 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
The NBA's next All-Star Game in 2014 will be held in New Orleans, while the 2015 weekend will be held in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Breaking Bad, The Final Season - Breaking Bad
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