Toronto Raptors: Five best centers in franchise history

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DIGITAL IMAGE-01/09/01-RAPTORS vs ROCKETS-Kevin Willis loses the ball as he drives past the Rockets Kenny Thomas during the first half. The Toronto Raptors played the Houston Rockets at the ACC on Tuesday night.(PHOTO BY PETER POWER/TORONTO STAR) (Photo by Peter Power/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

Kevin Willis

Although he didn’t arrive until his age 36 season, Kevin Willis still made a significant impact during his time in Toronto. Willis played two-and-a-half seasons for the Raptors, averaging 9.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.

Willis came to the Raptors via a trade with the Houston Rockets. The Raptors traded away former number one pick Roy Rogers, as well as, the 18th and 24th pick of the 2018 draft.

Coming off a season in which he averaged 16 and eight, expectations were high for Willis. Unfortunately for Willis and the Toronto Raptors he only partially lived up to those expectations.

Willis shooting percentage dropped from 51.3 to 42.0 percent in his first season. The next season Willis’ numbers dipped slightly but remained largely the same, as he converted to a bench role.

In Willis’ third season he produced similarly before being traded to the Denver Nuggets mid-season.

During his time in Toronto, Willis watched the Raptors rise from lovable losers to an up-and-coming darkhorse, and while no he was not the main catalyst of the turnaround, his veteran presence certainly didn’t hurt.

Overall, Willis career with the Raptors was solid if unspectacular. A solid teammate and locker-room presence, it’s hard to blame Willis for being acquired so far past his prime.