The NBA’s newest franchise has become one of the leagues most consistent over the last decade. With everything culminating in a championship in 2019, the Toronto Raptor’s stock has never been higher.
As their stock has grown, the team has grown out of being a perpetual afterthought in the NBA landscape. The Raptors have now made the playoffs in 7 consecutive seasons and continue to push to be a cornerstone franchise in the league.
10. Jonas ValanciunasÂ
Career Statistics with Toronto Raptors (7 seasons): 11.8 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 56% FG, 1.0 BPG
JV played a big part in what the Raptors have become today. Drafted 5th overall, he went on to become an offensive leader for the team during their last decade. Many thought his game did not age with the modern basketball, and probably contributed to him being shipped off in the Marc Gasol deal of 2019. He’s directly linked to the championship team, and it was a disservice that the team never gave him a ring.
9. Pascal Siakam
Career Statistics with Toronto Raptors (5 seasons): 13.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.5 APG, 53 eFG%Â
The championship run doesn’t happen without Siakam. Along with being named Most Improved Player, he was the second star to Kawhi Leonard during the championship run. Siakam followed up the championship with an All-NBA selection, and is signed to be the Raptors leader of the future. His ceiling and the team’s are intertwined, and fans would expect him to finish higher than ninth on this list by the time his era ends.Â
8. Antonio Davis
Career Statistics with Toronto Raptors (6 seasons): 12.9 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.3 BPG, 1.1 APG
The defensive stabilizer for the late 90s, Vince Carter era of Raptors basketball. Davis was the team’s first all-star selection not named Vince Carter, and is among the team leaders in all key rebounding and defensive metrics. Without the work of Davis, the Carter effect on Toronto might not have happened.
7. Jose Calderon
Career Statistics with Toronto Raptors (8 seasons): 10 PPG, 87% FT, 7.2 APG, .8 SPG
Over 500 appearances for a team that has existed only since 1995 will put you on their all-time list. He was the franchise assist leader until Lowry passed him in 2020. Calderon is a player that the longer you have followed the team, the more you appreciate him. One of the few consistent parts of the franchise in the largely pedestrian time between the Bosh and Lowry/DeRozan eras.Â
6. Damon StoudamireÂ
Career Statistics with Toronto Raptors (2.5 Seasons): 19.6 PPG, 82% FT, 8.8 APG, 1.5 SPG
Yet another who will be fondly remembered by Toronto’s original fans. He became the team’s first superstar when he won Rookie of the Year, but he did not stay for long. However, his two seasons made for a more exciting NBA introduction for the city of Toronto.
5. Chris Bosh
Career Statistics with Toronto Raptors (7 seasons): 20.2 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.2 BPG
He led one of few playoff runs for the franchise up to his time, and was the first player since Vince Carter that demanded national coverage. American media has always had a tough time caring about the Raptors. In turn, their fans always appreciate players who were good enough to make the team a talking point. Based on statistics alone it feels Bosh should be higher on the list. However, the organization really failed to surround him with enough complementary pieces to take his teams beyond a first round exit.
4. DeMar DeRozanÂ
Career Statistics with Toronto Raptors (9 seasons): 19.7 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.0 SPGÂ
DeMar alongside Kyle was one of the architects of what the Raptors have become. He became the team’s all-time leader in points and minutes played, and drove so much of the team’s success in the past decade. Sadly, it just was not enough to beat Lebron, and he was traded to San Antonio in 2018. Just remember, plenty of fans did not want to let him go to bring in Kawhi. DeMar will always be a Raptor legend.Â
3. Kawhi Leonard
Career Statistics with Toronto Raptors (1 season): 26.6 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.8 SPG
. Kawhi made the Canadian team, which exists mostly as an afterthought, NBA champions.
2. Vince Carter
Career Statistics with Toronto Raptors (7 seasons): 23.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.3 SPG
The Raptors might not exist currently had Vince never played in Canada. He was the team’s first all-star selection, led a playoff victory, and won the 2000 Dunk Contest. His playing style made Canadians watch the Raptors. Despite a core of diehard fans, the team previously struggled to compete with hockey before Vinsanity. In making people watch the Raptors, he got Canadians to care about a new sport. His impact now spans generations. Things like the Raptors attendance records, huge viewership, Jurassic Park, and the record number of Canadians in the NBA today all connect back to Vince.
1. Kyle LowryÂ
Career Statistics with Toronto Raptors (9 seasons): 17.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 7.1 APG, 1.5 SPG
What might have been a debate before 2019 no longer is. Kyle Lowry is the greatest Raptor ever. There is no title in 2019, there are no seven straight playoff trips without Kyle Lowry running the team. While his consistent excellence has felt overlooked in the NBA landscape, any Raptors fan knows he is the heart and soul of the franchise.
