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Toronto Raptors: Creating the team’s all-time roster

By Mike Bossetti

Tracy McGrady (L) consoles Vince Carter after Carter fouled out against the Charlotte Hornets April 27, 1999. Kevin Willis (r) looks on dejectedly. (BERNARD WEIL/TORONTO STAR) (Photo by Bernard Weil/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
Tracy McGrady (L) consoles Vince Carter after Carter fouled out against the Charlotte Hornets April 27, 1999. Kevin Willis (r) looks on dejectedly. (BERNARD WEIL/TORONTO STAR) (Photo by Bernard Weil/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors – Rudy Gay (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Rudy Gay (2012-2013): Backup Wing/Stretch Power Forward

I know Rudy Gay’s advanced stats while with Toronto were terrible. I know that when he was traded the team improved. I still believe there is hope for 2006-2007 Rudy Gay to be an efficient player in the right environment.

For this team, Gay will be asked to be a versatile defender, provide athleticism at the forward position, and provide occasional scoring, a role he is more apt to handle. Combine a better role with a playing style that is more favorable to a player of his talents and Gay earns a spot on our team.

During 2012-2013, Gay’s first season with the team, his raw numbers were insanely impressive. He averaged 19.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.7 steals per game. With this team, he will be asked to provide a fraction of that output, in hopes of increasing his efficiency.

It’s also important to note, that despite the narrative that is out now, Gay’s on/off numbers in his first season in Toronto were better than he is ever given credit for.

If Rudy is not able to play under these circumstances then it is a failed experiment, however, with the 12th spot on the roster it’s worth it to take a gamble on a player with Gay’s defensive skill-set and offensive upside.