TORONTO - Add Steve Nash to the list of Toronto Raptors fans thrilled with the team's hot start to the season.

"It's incredible, it's great for basketball in our country obviously," the two-time NBA MVP said. "I root for them from afar just because they really have lifted the spirits of basketball fans across the country."

The Raptors were a franchise-best 5-0 heading into Friday night's game at Orlando. Toronto lost to the Magic 92-87.

"Hopefully we can continue to build this franchise because ... now it's becoming our country's team, it's such a beloved franchise across the country," Nash said in a phone interview from Los Angeles.

The general manager of Canada's men's team is obviously thrilled to see the growth of the game in this country, and said the Raptors are a big part of the reason why.

"The numbers are incredible how many kids are participating, how many people are playing the game and following the game, how many women are following the Raptors — unprecedented, apparently in respect to the rest of the NBA market," Nash said. "It's really cut across all segments of the population and is growing like wildfire."

The 41-year-old was feted by the Phoenix Suns last week, becoming the 14th player inducted into the team's Ring of Honor.