Published 13:17 IST, October 23rd 2019
NBA: Watch Toronto Raptors championship ring ceremony in season-opener
NBA - Canada's only NBA team, the Toronto Raptors, after a long wait, have finally received their championship rings. Kawhi Leonard missing from ceremony.
Oh, Canada! Canada's only NBA team, the Toronto Raptors struck gold last season as they won the NBA Finals. The Raptors won their first Eastern Conference title last season and advanced to their first NBA Finals, where they also won their first NBA championship. Ever since the Grizzlies moved to Memphis, Tennessee at the turn of the decade, the Toronto Raptors have been the only Canadian team in the NBA.
Raptors' glittering championship rings
The NBA's opening night saw the Raptors receive their championship rings. The eye-catching design of the rings, along with the sheer amount of precious stones used in its design means that the Raptors' championship ring is the largest NBA championship ring ever made. Interestingly, the face of the ring consists of a total of 74 diamonds. No points for guessing the significance of the number 74, as 74 is the number of wins the Raptors secured during their run last season. The shoulder of the impressive ring has the individual player name and jersey number, with the words 'World Champions," '2019,' and the league and team logos on the other shoulder. All of this, of course, is surrounded by - you guessed it - diamonds.
Raptors guard Kyle Lowry earlier said that everyone was going to be in shock when they laid eyes on the ring. Right he was, as the ring reportedly features over 650 diamonds in its design. However, a few notable faces were missing from the ceremony. Kawhi Leonard, who won his second NBA Finals MVP with the Raptors last season, was not in attendance. Leonard moved to the LA Clippers this season and also starred in their opening victory against the LA Lakers.
Updated 14:06 IST, October 23rd 2019