Raptors unveil specialty logo for upcoming 20th anniversary season

It's hard to believe, but the Toronto Raptors turn 20 next season.

Before we ask exactly what the Raptors plan to celebrate, here are the details on the 20th anniversary logo the team unveiled Tuesday.

The logo features two purple Xs, a nod to the team's primary colour during their first 11 seasons, as well as the original font design that the team wore from their inception in 1995 through until the 1998-1999 lockout shortened season. It will be worn as a patch on Toronto's home uniforms.

“This anniversary logo embodies the excitement of both the future and the past of Raptors basketball, but most importantly, it reminds us of the success and history we’re working to create here,” said Tim Leiweke, President and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment in a team release.

With just five (soon to be six) playoff appearances in 20 years and the two best players in franchise history, Vince Carter and Chris Bosh, leaving on broken terms, it's been far from an all-out basketball party in Toronto. Keep in mind though that of the seven expansion franchises that joined the NBA after 1988, only the Miami Heat have won a championship.

Celebrating their 20th anniversary gives the Raptors an opportunity to acknowledge the past and honour players like Jose Calderon, Alvin Williams, and Morris Peterson while reinforcing that the organization is moving in a positive direction.

Now we await the promised Drake-inspired re-brand that's expected to be in place for the 2015-2016 season, when the NBA All-Star Game comes to Toronto.