Written by Andy | 03 March 2011

Rhys's Piece Is/FlickrThe finalists for Best Basketball Team in Canada were announced today, and included the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Though they are "really excited" and "obviously want to win", players and coaches say it is an honor just to be nominated.

"To simply be considered for the highest award given only to elite Canadian basketball teams is a prize itself," said Amir Johnson of the 17-44 Raptors, currently sitting at 5th place in the NBA's Atlantic Division. "Just think, when [Best Basketball Team in Canada] is announced next month, we could forever be linked with such storied Canadian teams of the past, like that legendary Halifax Windjammers squad."

The winner of this award receives a plaque to be prominently displayed at the team facility, and an autograph with a personalized message from Canadian basketball great Steve Nash.

Other finalists for the award include the Edmonton Energy of the International Basketball League (IBL), whose team website boasts "enough cash for a full season", and the American Basketball Association (ABA) expansion franchise awarded to Mississauga, Ontario that has yet to choose a name.

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