Power Ranking the Toronto Raptors’ Six General Managers

#6: Rob Babcock (2004-2006)

Feb 15, 2014; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State honored the 2003-04 Final Four Team (pictured left to right), John Lucas, Janavor Weatherspoon, Joey Graham, Tony Allen, Ivan McFarlin, and former head coach and College Basketball Hall of Famer Eddie Sutton during halftime of their game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Oklahoma won 77-74. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Rob Babcock is probably the most vilified GM in team history. Admittedly, he deserves a lot of the hate for the shocking list of painful mistakes he made while managing the team for only two years. To be fair, he didn’t take his position for the Raptors at the best time.

When Babcock came to town, he was met with an unhappy Vince Carter. Carter, one of the team’s two best players ever (Chris Bosh), had grown tired of his starring role for the Raptors. The team had had losing seasons in 2002/03 and 2003/04, and Carter was ready to move on to greener pastures. Unfortunately, while moving one of the league’s most valuable stars, Babcock orchestrated what has become known as the worst trade in team history.

Babcock traded Air Canada for Alonzo Mourning, Aaron Williams, Eric Williams and two first-round draft picks. Not a single one of these items ended up helping the Raptors. Mourning refused to report to Toronto, citing ‘injuries’ (the “allergic to Toronto’s cold climate,” kind, probably). Babcock was forced to buyout Mourning’s contract, so that he could sign with the Miami Heat, where he eventually won a championship.

Both the Williams were terrible, offering very little for the Raptors. With the two draft picks, the Raptors eventually got Joey Graham and a trade chip. Graham last played in the NBA in 2011 for the Cleveland Cavaliers, never really amounting to much in the Association. So, Babcock moved Carter for what ended up being just about nothing.

On the plus side, Babcock did sign underrated point guard Jose Calderon, who became one of the team’s best players ever. Calderon set the single season free-throw percentage record in 2007/08, making 98% of his attempts. He was also a proud Raptor (*cough* Mourning *cough*) and a great teammate. Still, Babcock assured his place on this list with the Carter trade.