The Toronto Raptors are not the oldest franchise in NBA history because they began playing in the 1995–96 season, but they have always been competitive. The team has made a total of 13 playoff appearances and won one championship in the 2018-19 campaign. The franchise has had many incredible players throughout its history. Let’s have a look at the 10 best players in the Toronto Raptors history.
10. Pascal Siakam
Siakam was selected by the Toronto Raptors in the 2016 NBA draft. He had difficulty adjusting to the league in the beginning that’s why his first two seasons were discretionary. Pascal became a superstar by the start of the 2018-19 campaign and he has the potential to become the best player in Raptors history. He is among the top 10 in franchise history in VORP, points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and VORP. Siakam shot 14-17 in the first game of the 2019 NBA Finals, which is one of his best performances.
9. Andrea Bargnani
The Italian player was the first overall pick in the 2006 NBA draft, selected by the Toronto Raptors. Although Bargnani didn’t reach his full potential, he is still considered one of the best players in franchise history. In seven seasons with the Raptors, he recorded 6,581 points and ranks fifth in this list in franchise history. Andrea also stands sixth in blocks and eighth in rebounds.
8. Jose Calderon
Jose Calderon played eight seasons with the Toronto Raptors and averaged 10.0 points, 7.2 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 0.9 steals per game. The Spanish point guard was no standout, but he was consistent and earned great respect from Toronto fans. Calderon stands second in assists, seventh in steals, ninth in points and has the fourth-highest VORP.
7. Fred VanVleet
Fred VanVleet played with the Toronto Raptors from 2016 to 2023. Although he was not the tallest or strongest, Fred always gave his best for the team. VanVleet already ranks in the franchise’s top 10 in points, assists, steals, VORP and win shares. He also played a role in earning a championship in the 2018–2019 season.
6. Jonas Valančiūnas
Jonas was the fifth overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. He was selected by the Toronto Raptors and played seven seasons with them. The Lithuanian player was not at his peak when he played for the Raptors, but he was still a threat for opposing teams both in defense and offense. He stands eighth in franchise history in points, second in rebounds, and third in blocks. Jonas also has the fifth-highest player efficiency rating in franchise history. Currently, he plays for the New Orleans Pelicans.
5. Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard played only one season with the Toronto Raptors, but he accomplished so much in that short time and led the team to the championship. He was traded to the team in 2018 along with Danny Green. Leonard averaged 26.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.8 steals per game. His performance in the playoffs was even better, as he averaged 30.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.7 steals. “The Claw” was the Finals MVP. One season was enough for him to be considered one of the best players in franchise history.
4. DeMar DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan played with the Raptors from 2009 to 2018. He averaged 19.7 points per game during his time with them. His best season was 2016–17, when he averaged 27.3 points. “Deebo” is the all-time leader of the Raptors in points. He ranks third in assists, third in steals and sixth in rebounds. Unfortunately, he missed out on a championship ring with the franchise.
3. Chris Bosh
Josh was selected fourth overall by the Raptors in the 2003 NBA Draft. He laid the foundation of his illustrious career with the franchise. In seven seasons with the Raptors, Josh averaged 20.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 blocks and 0.8 steals per game. “CB4” is first in franchise history in rebounds and blocks. He is second in win shares, third in points, third in VORP, ninth in steals and tenth in assists.
2. Vince Carter
Vince Carter was the fifth overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft and selected by the Golden State Warriors, but he did not play a single game with the team as he was traded to the Toronto Raptors. Carter played seven seasons with the Raptors and made six All-Star Game appearances. “Air Canada” played 403 games, averaging 23.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks. His player efficiency rating was 21.8 and his VORP was 26.1.
1. Kyle Lowry
Kyle Lowry is the best player in Toronto Raptors history. He played nine seasons with the team, which included the championship-winning season as well. Lowry leads the franchise in VORP, wins shares, assists and steals. He is second in points and third in rebounds. “The Bulldog” will always be a true icon in Toronto’s history. In 2021, when Lowry was traded to the Miami Heat, it was really heartbreaking for many Raptors fans.
Also Read: List of Best Players in the History of Houston Rockets
