2. Damon Stoudamire
Affectionately known as the first ever draft pick in Raptors history, Stoudamire was drafted seventh overall in the 1995 NBA Draft.
Stoudamire’s rookie year was a standout season. He averaged nineteen points and nine assists and was a shoo-in for Rookie of the Year. He set the record for the most three-pointers made by a rookie in a season with 133.
He earned a reputation as a pesky defender with a quick first-step and the ability to shoot from range. “Mighty Mouse” was the face of a new franchise and life was good. Little did we know it would be a short-lived affair.
Season number two was just as brilliant for the sophomore. Averaging twenty points and just under nine assists and a steal, Stoudamire had a few issues with turning the ball over but was a joy to watch regardless. The team as a whole, however, was not. They finished 21-61 and 30-52 in Stoudamire’s two full seasons in Toronto, which turned out to be the catalyst in his departure from the Raptors.
During his third season it became abundantly clear that he no longer wanted to play in Toronto. Stoudamire appeared in 49 games for the Raptors and was his usual self, averaging nineteen points and eight assists and carrying the Raptors for much of the season before his departure.
The trade talks rolled on through the new year and Stoudamire was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers on February 13 1998 and just like that – the face of the franchise was gone in acrimonious circumstances.