Ten Best Trades in Toronto Raptors History
By Go Paolo
8. Charles Oakley and Sean Marks from New York for Marcus Camby – June 25, 1998
This was a great trade for both franchises. Grunwald was looking to add some veteran leadership to a young and promising Raptors team. “Oak” provided that in spades. He became an integral piece to arguably the most memorable playoff run in franchise history.
Giving away Camby was tough. He was the second overall pick and a budding All-Star leading the league in blocks in just his sophomore year. But it was unlikely he would stay in Toronto following his rookie contract anyhow.
Oakley averaged 7.9 points and 8 rebounds in three seasons with the team. But his biggest contributions came outside the stats. He helped the Raptors crack the playoffs for the first time in 2000.
Outside of his defensive and rebounding prowess, he helped shape Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady. Oakley played the role of “enforcer” ensuring no opponent would be dumb enough to bully the Raptors’ emerging stars. He also pushed Carter to be better.
Carter’s play began to drop following Oakley’s departure. Injuries were partly to blame, but the leadership Oakley provided was sorely missed and the Raptors regressed to becoming a lottery team.
Camby helped the Knicks reach the NBA Finals during the lockout-shortened 1999 NBA season and played four seasons with the team before being traded to Denver.