Toronto Raptors: 30 greatest players of all-time

4. Chris Bosh

When Bosh left the Raptors in the summer of 2010, he left as the Raptors all-time leader in points, rebounds, blocks, double-doubles and free-throws made. He’s fourth in total games played for the Raptors and his importance to the franchise can be summed up in one statement.

Chris Bosh was an incredible basketball player.

There’s easily a case for him to be a top two Raptor, but a weak conference and his desire to move on might well hold him back here, but barely.

Bosh was the number four overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, a Georgia Tech kid with a slight frame but the ability to out-rebound and block anyone in his vicinity.

Bosh posted gaudy numbers in his rookie year and was an All-Rookie First Team selection at the end of his first season, averaging 11 points, over seven rebounds and just over one block.

His partnership with Carter had the potential to become one of the best tandems in the league. It never had the opportunity to flourish, however, Carter forced his way out of Toronto a year and a half after Bosh’s arrival in the North, disgruntled with the direction of the team (a recurring theme).

Once Carter left, Bosh stepped up but struggled to bring real success to the team. He became the face of the franchise but his impact would never supplant that of Carter. His transcending metamorphosis from slight-teenager to offensive super God was quite something though.

I’d be willing to listen to arguments on whether Bosh could be placed higher on the list, but I just don’t see how he can be ranked ahead of the top 3.