The Toronto Raptors are bringing their training camp to Quebec City, marking the second time in franchise history the team has held preparations in the provincial capital. The organization will utilize the PEPS facility at Université Laval from September 29 through October 3, culminating in a preseason game against the Miami Heat at the Centre Vidéotron. This visit represents the first time a NBA game has been held in Quebec City.
Training Camp Schedule at Université Laval
The Raptors have organized a week of activity centered at the Université Laval PEPS. The schedule includes a mix of closed-door sessions and a public opportunity for fans to observe the team. Following an initial period of private practices beginning September 29, the organization will host a public intra-squad scrimmage on October 1 at 6:00 p.m. local time. The team will conclude its Quebec City residency with a final practice on the morning of October 2.
Beyond the court, the organization has scheduled community engagement events. A “Poutine Pop-Up” is planned for October 2 at the restaurant Chez Gaston, with team members expected to arrive at 5:00 p.m. On October 3, the team will host a pre-game experience at the Centre Vidéotron from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. ahead of their evening matchup against the Miami Heat.
Roster Outlook and Key Players
The Raptors enter this camp looking to improve upon their recent performance. Head coach Darko Rajakovic is leading a roster that balances veteran experience with emerging talent. The team also includes guard Immanuel Quickley and center Jakob Poeltl, both of whom are expected to play significant roles in the starting rotation.
The roster also highlights the growth of young players, specifically Collin Murray-Boyles. After a strong showing in the previous postseason, Murray-Boyles was named to the NBA’s second All-Rookie team. These players aim to build on the team’s return to the playoffs last year, where the Raptors advanced to a decisive game against the Cleveland Cavaliers before being eliminated.
Kawhi Leonard and Franchise Context
Much of the attention surrounding the Raptors’ current narrative involves the return of Kawhi Leonard. Following his acquisition from the Los Angeles Clippers—a transaction that resulted in league-imposed fines and suspensions for the Clippers’ leadership—Leonard is focused on his role with the Toronto squad. During media availability, Leonard declined to comment on the investigation regarding his acquisition, emphasizing his desire to integrate with his new teammates.
The organization has signaled its commitment to Leonard by signing him to a two-year, $115 million USD contract extension. As the team looks to move forward, the focus remains on integrating veteran leadership with the club’s younger core to improve their standing in the Eastern Conference.
Touring Canada and Upcoming Preseason
The Quebec City trip is part of a broader effort by the Raptors to connect with fans across Canada. Historically, the team has held training camps outside of Ontario on 12 occasions, including stops in Vancouver, Halifax, Victoria, and international locations such as Treviso, Italy. After the game in Quebec City, the team will continue its preseason tour with a match against the Clippers in Vancouver on October 10.
Following the conclusion of their Canadian tour, the team will head to Tokyo, Japan, for further preparation against the Houston Rockets. The Raptors are scheduled to begin their regular season on October 21 in Toronto, hosting the Chicago Bulls.
