10 Most Interesting Raptors “characters” in team history

TORONTO,ON - MAY 4: Toronto Raptors logo in locker room before Game seven of the Quarterfinal NBA Eastern Conference playoff game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Air Canada Centre on May 4, 2014 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Dave Sandford/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO,ON - MAY 4: Toronto Raptors logo in locker room before Game seven of the Quarterfinal NBA Eastern Conference playoff game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Air Canada Centre on May 4, 2014 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Dave Sandford/NBAE via Getty Images)
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It’s off-season (boo, hiss) for the Raptors, so let’s have a walk down memory lane. Here are the 10 most compelling players who’ve suited up for us over the years.

Having been around the Toronto Raptors since Day 1 (and many before that), I’m able to recall most of the players who have come and gone. The team hasn’t had any dangerous people (think Latrell Sprewell or Ron Artest), but it’s had a reasonable number of quirky types.

There were a few Honourable Mentions:

  • Hedo Turkoglu (“Mr. Pizza”)
  • Hakeem Olajuwon
  • Mengke Bateer

Let me introduce you to, or remind you of, ten of them. Don’t get hung up on the numbering. I wanted to mix up the well-known with the less so, and the great ones with the odd ducks. With that in mind, here’s #1.