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10 Most Interesting Raptors “characters” in team history

By Brian Boake

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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# 1 – Charles Oakley

This POWER forward came to Toronto late in his career. Charles Oakley had already logged 13 seasons with the Cavaliers and Knicks, then was dealt for the disgruntled Marcus Camby in the summer of 1998.

Sir Charles (well, our Sir Charles) quickly became a fan favourite. He was an uncompromising bully under the boards, and had an effective mid-range jumper. Perhaps he wasn’t so popular with his teammates. While even after all this time the stories are hard to verify, there’s little doubt Oakley was the enforcer within the Raptors dressing room.

DIGITAL IMAGE-Toronto Raptors Charles Oakley and Dallas Mavericks Dennis Rodman mix it up on court during action February 20, 2000 at Air Canada Centre. (BERNARD WEIL/TORONTO STAR) (Photo by Bernard Weil/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
DIGITAL IMAGE-Toronto Raptors Charles Oakley and Dallas Mavericks Dennis Rodman mix it up on court during action February 20, 2000 at Air Canada Centre. (BERNARD WEIL/TORONTO STAR) (Photo by Bernard Weil/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

His most famous incident during his Toronto sojourn occurred when he threw a ball at Philadelphia’s Tyrone Hill after shootaround. The reason? Hill owed him over $ 50,000. from card games, and was reluctant to pay up.

Getting Charles riled was not wise. How many NBAers have a Top Twelve Fights list?

Recently he’s gotten himself into the papers because of an altercation at a Knicks game. The matter is far from settled. Some people never change.

The Raptors were a playoff team during Oak’s tenure. He brought toughness and professionalism to a squad whose best player, Vince Carter, sorely needed some.

Today’s Raptors could use an edgy guy who can deliver points and rebounds. Our team isn’t nasty enough.