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Toronto Raptors roundtable: offseason summary and thoughts

By Mike Bossetti

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 8 - Toronto Raptor DeMar DeRozan talks with Raptors Norman Powell (24) in the 1st half as the Toronto Raptors host the Orlando Magic in Air Canada Centre, Toronto, April 8. April 8, 2018. Bernard Weil/Toronto Star (Bernard Weil/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 8 - Toronto Raptor DeMar DeRozan talks with Raptors Norman Powell (24) in the 1st half as the Toronto Raptors host the Orlando Magic in Air Canada Centre, Toronto, April 8. April 8, 2018. Bernard Weil/Toronto Star (Bernard Weil/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 5: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors looks on against the Cleveland Cavaliers During Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 5, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 5: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors looks on against the Cleveland Cavaliers During Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 5, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Question: The Raptors traded DeMar after nine years, is he the greatest Raptor of all time?

Mark Birdsell:

It comes down to DeMar DeRozan versus Vince Carter.

Carter put the Toronto Raptors on the map. The dunk contest in 2000 might be the greatest of all time. During his time in Toronto, Carter was the most popular player in the NBA and the leading vote getter for the All-Star Game. He inspired a generation of players, including Andrew Wiggins, Cory Joseph and Tristan Thompson.

However, DeRozan is the greatest Raptors of all time. He is the franchise leader in games played, minutes played and points. DeRozan and Kyle Lowry have led the Raptors to three 50+ win seasons and an appearance in the conference finals.

Carter might have had a greater impact off the court, but on the court, it has to go to DeRozan.

Jordan Skuse:

Yes, when you consider everything that he was about, on and off the court. But I still believe Vince Carter to be the most iconic Raptor of all time.

Then again…if Kawhi leads Toronto to a Finals appearance(and heaven forbid they go on to win), I reserve my right to change my answer.

But besides all that, DeMar DeRozan deserves a lengthy standing ovation when he returns, and one day will have his jersey in the rafters. *Let’s pump the brakes on statues for the time being…*

Thomas Valentine:

I’d say so, the accolades speak for themselves. All time leader in games played, minutes played and in points. He also represents everything this team has strived for: respect. His playoff performances might have left a lot to be desired. But we would never have been in those positions if it wasn’t for him.

He said it himself, he is Toronto.