NBA in Montreal, Quebec Canada October 22, 2010

(Demar Derozan / Toronto Raptors)

Toronto Raptors vs New York Knicks @ the Bell Center in Montreal Oct. 22, 2010 

*Do my eyes deceive me?  NBA Basketball in Montreal at the Bell Center?  Yessir!

National Post announced that on October 22, 2010 the Toronto Raptors would be facing off against the New York Knicks at the Bell Center in Montreal.  As a fan of the Raptors, and basketball in general, I could not be more happy.  My favorite team, from my favorite sport, coming to my city to play an actual NBA game.  Amazing!  Even though it is only a pre-season game, there is no reason not to get excited.

Montreal has never hosted an NBA basketball game in the leagues entire history.

Over the years the league has held games almost everywhere in the world with its Basketball Without Borders program and it's surprising that this will be the first visit here (Montreal).  NBA Commissioner David Stern has been aggressively promoting the game in places like Asia, Europe, South America and Africa for more than a decade.  There was apparently an attempt at this once in the past, however interest was minimal and it was canceled before it got off the ground.

In all honesty Minor Pro and Professional basketball has not done very well in Canada over the years.  Of the 20 Minor Pro teams established since 2004, ranging from Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Hamilton, Vancouver and Quebec, only 2 teams, the Montreal Matrix and Ontario Red Wolves survived 2 years before folding.

I know we are a Hockey country and all, but that is embarrassing.

The Vancouver Grizzlies lasted in the NBA from 1995-2001 before moving to Memphis.

That leaves the Toronto Raptors, established the same year as the Grizzlies, as the longest running NBA franchise outside of the USA.  This is a big deal and should be acknowledged.  Sure Canadians care more about Hockey and the NFL gets a good following all over North America, but why not support a little basketball?

Believe me, I am not naive enough to think we as "Montrealers" would have a waiting list for season tickets, like the Habs do for an NBA team, but it would be nice.

For now I only ask that people come out to support and widen their gaze beyond the ice and the field, and take a look at the court.

Montreal may never get a team, but with enough exposure and support, more games like the one to hit the Bell Center could be a regular occurrence and good for the city's identity.

(The National Post reported the story on August 12, 2010)