NBA Openers: Raptors Host Outdoor Event, Hornets Brand Returns

The Raptors hosted the Hawks in their home opener last night, and single-digit temperatures plus on-and-off rain "didn't dissuade" Toronto fans from "packing into Maple Leaf Square" for a season-opening event and televised viewing of the game. Raptors global ambassador Drake made an appearance, and President of Basketball Operations & GM Masai Ujiri "came on stage with Drake to pump up the crowd" (TORONTO STAR, 10/30).

Meanwhile, a sellout crowd of 19,439 was on hand for the Hornets' home opener against the Bucks, a "grand re-invention" of the former Bobcats franchise. It was the "first time the beloved Hornets nickname had returned to Charlotte" since '04, so the franchise "pulled out all the marketing stops" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 10/30). NBA.com landing page: "Killer Kemba Wins It For Hornets."