For years, Toronto Raptors fans have griped about how their team is covered by the national media. Even though the Raptors have been a playoff team for five straight seasons, they very rarely get nationally televised games.

Over the last four seasons, all of which they have made the playoffs in, the Raptors had a combined total of 16 nationally televised games.

Last season alone, the Lakers had a total of 23 nationally televised games and didn’t even make the playoffs. The Mavericks, one of the worst teams in the league, got five games, just as many as the Raptors.

These days of little to no publicity seem to be in the rearview mirror for the Raptors thanks to Kawhi Leonard.

The offseason swap of DeMar DeRozan for Kahwi Leonard will not only make the team better statistically, but it has already paid dividends in media coverage.

The Raptors are scheduled to play 15 nationally televised regular season games in the 18-19 season, the most in the history of the franchise and more than the last four seasons combined.

These broadcasted games include all matchups against conference rivals Philidelphia and Boston, as well as games against the championship favorite Golden State Warriors. The two games against the Spurs will also be nationally broadcast, increasing the drama of Leonard’s and DeRozan’s homecomings.

It’s good to see the Raptors finally get the respect they deserve from the major broadcasters. This team is certainly one of the best in the league, and their years of regular season dominance certainly deserves more coverage.