Toronto Raptors: Top five small forwards in franchise history

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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

If the list was based upon the players all-time accomplishments, rather than their accomplishments in a Raptor uniform, than Tracy McGrady would win first place running away.

But, unfortunately, the Toronto Raptors only hard McGrady for his first three years.

During his rookie season, McGrady averaged 7.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. He was relatively efficient and a good defender, but still lacked the consistency to be considered a real difference maker. He played under 20 minutes per game on of the worst teams in the NBA.

McGrady’s second season was the 1998-1999 strike shortened season. McGrady started just two games, and was outshined by his rookie cousin, Vince Carter.

Finally, in his third season, McGrady started to find his groove. He came off the bench to begin the year and quickly found himself as a contender for Sixth Man of the Year.

At about the midway point of the year, McGrady could no longer be considered one of the best bench players in the league. He was a starter. T-Mac played excellent down the stretch, and by the end of the year, you could tell this kid was going to be special.

But McGrady wanted to be special somewhere else. After his rookie contract, McGrady opted to go stateside. He signed a seven-year, $92.8 million contract with his hometown Orlando Magic.

It turned out to be one of the best decisions Orlando could have made. The next season, McGrady averaged 26 points per game and became one of the best players in the league. All the while, leaving Raptor fans wondering what could have been.