- Vince Carter is the first Raptors player ever to be named to an All-NBA team.
- Kawhi Leonard is the only Finals MVP in franchise history.
- Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan brought a consistent winning culture to “the 6.”
Toronto Raptors fans have seen a lot during their nearly three decades of basketball. They witnessed Vince Carter and his flashy dunks enhance basketball’s popularity in a country known for hockey, but they’ve also had to endure some painful times.
Carter and other stars have demanded trades or bolted via free agency due to an unstable infrastructure, but in committing to Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan as franchise cornerstones, they were able to build a sustainable culture and qualify for the playoffs year in and year out.
DeRozan, for as popular as he was, ultimately served as the sacrificial lamb to help bring in Kawhi Leonard, but it ended up being worth it, as Leonard proved to be the superstar the Raptors needed to get them over the hump.
Best Toronto Raptors Players of All Time
| Rank | Player | Position | Raptors Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vince Carter | Shooting Guard | 1998-2004 |
| 2 | Kawhi Leonard | Small Forward | 2018-19 |
| 3 | Kyle Lowry | Point Guard | 2012-21 |
| 4 | DeMar DeRozan | Shooting Guard | 2009-18 |
| 5 | Pascal Siakam | Power Forward | 2016-Present |
| 6 | Chris Bosh | Power Forward | 2003-10 |
| 7 | Damon Stoudamire | Point Guard | 1995-98 |
1. Vince Carter
Vince Carter electrified the Air Canada Centre nightly, earning him the nickname “Air Canada.” On any given night, Vinsanity would do something only he could do. Just go back and watch the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest.
They used to call Vince Carter – Half Man Half Amazing. As time goes on, we’re staying to realize just how rare of a talent he was.
What a fitting nickname. He was one of a kind. Next stop, Hall of Fame🔥#nba #highlight pic.twitter.com/Tdbl6wSzqV
— Vintage Vinsanity (@VntgeVinsanity) December 17, 2023
Carter was among the best players in the league throughout his tenure with the Raptors, and if it wasn’t for how much he helped popularize basketball in Canada, there’s a good chance the Raptors would’ve relocated a long time ago.
He had the talent and mindset to win multiple championships in Toronto, but he was never given a co-star or stronger supporting cast to work with.
2. Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard spent just one season in Toronto, but he made the most of it by leading the Raptors to their first and only championship in franchise history.
“The Klaw” averaged over 30 points per game during their playoff run, which included a game-winning buzzer-beating shot against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
4 years ago today… Kawhi Leonard's game-winner sends the Raptors to the Eastern Conference Finals!#NBAVault pic.twitter.com/QlhRivpIhE
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) May 12, 2023
Leonard took down Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry all in one playoff run, including opening as significant underdogs when NBA Finals odds were posted before the Golden State series.
If Leonard had elected to stay in Toronto instead of joining the Los Angeles Clippers, it’s hard not to wonder if the Raptors could’ve gotten another ring or two.
3. Kyle Lowry
Kyle Lowry may not have been the most talented player ever to wear a Raptors jersey, but he’s by far the favourite amongst the majority of their fans, especially because he brought a certain level of grit with him to the floor every single night. Lowry wasn’t blessed with great athleticism or natural talent, but he always found ways to be effective with his high basketball IQ, 3-point shooting and defensive skills.
If it wasn’t for Lowry setting the culture within the Raptors’ organization throughout his time there, there’s no way the Raptors would’ve ever positioned themselves to win that championship in 2019. Lowry sits atop the franchise list of Toronto Raptors with the most triple-doubles, 3-pointers, assists and steals.
4. DeMar DeRozan
One of the Toronto Raptors statistical franchise leaders for points, DeMar DeRozan steadily improved his game in his nine years north of the border, namely his scoring despite not really having a 3-point shot in his arsenal as well as his playmaking skills. Because of his desire to improve and put Toronto on the map, that helped the Raptors become a perennial playoff team every year after a long postseason drought.
DeRozan is the franchise’s all-time leader in points and games played, and if he had it his way, he could’ve added a lot of extra padding to those numbers.
5. Pascal Siakam
Pascal Siakam took over as the top guy in Toronto following Kawhi Leonard’s departure, but before that, he served as a very instrumental piece in helping the Raptors earn their first championship.
“Spicy P” came into the league as a late first-round pick who was extremely raw, but he has developed himself into one of the most versatile players in the league on both sides of the ball, which has helped him earn All-NBA honours twice in his career.
6. Chris Bosh
Chris Bosh was handed the keys to the franchise in just his second season in the league, as he was tasked with trying to lead the Raptors back to respectability following the fallout of the Vince Carter trade. Bosh made the most of his situation in Toronto, as he brought the Raptors to the playoffs twice.
Bosh had a solid supporting cast with him in Toronto but if he had a bonafide co-star, Bosh could’ve done more than just take this team to the playoffs two times. Bosh is the franchise leader in total rebounds, total blocks, and rebounds per game.
7. Damon Stoudamire
Damon Stoudamire is the first star Raptors fans ever got a chance to root for, but his tenure there lasted only two seasons and change. As short-lived as his tenure was, it was hardly forgettable, as “Mighty Mouse” endeared himself into the hearts of fans in a city known for hockey with his hard-nosed style of play.
Stoudamire put up 30 points and 11 assists in an upset home victory over the 72-10 Chicago Bulls.