Remembering Chris Bosh’s draft night with the Toronto Raptors

As part of Raptors Rapture’s “Chris Bosh week”, we relive the night that Chris Bosh was drafted by the Toronto Raptors.

The Toronto Raptors organization was changed in the middle of a New York City heat wave on June 26, 2003. That is the night they drafted Georgia Tech forward Chris Bosh. The team was fortunate to own the fourth pick in what has widely been considered the greatest draft in NBA history.

Wearing his best Manilla suit, Bosh heard his name called and was soon handed a purple cap, which he donned proudly. On this magical night, the franchise found what would eventually become its marquee player.

The buzz going into the draft was mostly about the phenomenal athlete playing high school basketball for St. Vincent-St. Mary, LeBron James. As a junior, he had already graced the cover of Sports Illustrated. Bosh, was nowhere near that stratosphere. He was, however, ranked fourth on most draft boards.

The top three picks were clearly established before anyone gathered at Madison Square Garden that evening. The drama began with Toronto’s position in the four-spot.

There was speculation that with Vince Carter, Alvin Williams, and Morris Peterson on their roster, the Raptors would be interested in finding someone who would have an immediate impact and elevate the team to make the playoffs. As such, there was a strong belief from basketball pundits that the pick would be traded for an established NBA player.

The Raptors general manager, Glen Grunwald, fielded calls prior to the draft but was ultimately not offered enough to entice him to move the pick. It was determined until the day of the draft that Raptors would be making their selection. Attention then turned to the possible players that would be a good fit in Toronto.

Since the team had Antonio Davis playing out of position at center, they were in need of a natural five. Either Chris Bosh or Chris Kaman were seen capable of filling that role. The debate was on as to which forward would be a better fit since both were established scorers in the NCAA.

There was also the possibility that the Detroit Pistons traded down from the two-hole to take one of those centers. The organization had received calls from other clubs looking to raise their position in the draft. After winning 50 games the previous season there was a real possibility that the Pistons relinquished the high selection. The Pistons ended up keeping the draft choice as they were smitten with the player they eventually chose, Darko Milicic.

The Denver Nuggets then took the leader of the National Champion Syracuse Orange team, Carmelo Anthony. Though it seems odd now that a 17-year old Milicic was chosen ahead of Anthony, most GMs considered this the correct move at the time. For Toronto, the selection of Melo just meant that they were now on the clock.

Bosh sat in his chair expecting to hear his name next. He had worked out for a number of teams, including the Miami Heat who had the fifth pick. After his workout, Heat execs told Bosh that they were confident that they would not get the opportunity to draft him. With three players off the board, upon hearing commissioner David Stern announce Anthony’s name, Bosh knew his time was near.

Bosh explained that anticipation:

"“I couldn’t breathe. I was sitting there with my family. My brother cracked a joke to get me to relax, and I was like, nothing is funny right now. I just started sweating. It was the longest three minutes of my life to that point. It was a crazy time.”"

It was announced that the Raptors had made their choice and the skinny Texas-born forward began his NBA journey. It also started the calls for Bosh to bulk up and put on weight. At the draft itself, announcers questioned his toughness and ability to play in the paint due to his frame.

In his first interview after being drafted, interviewer Michelle Tafoya asked Bosh:

"“Critics have said, and you’re hearing it, does he have the NBA body? Can commit to putting on the weight? How are you going to answer the critics?”"

Bosh remained stoic. He answered confidently:

"“Well, I mean, NBA body. If you can play you can play. That’s why we’re all here. That comes with time and I’m not worried about that.”"

He was ready to be pro.

History tells us that Bosh was more than prepared. He joined Carter’s team and eventually, it became his own. In his career with the Raptors, he surpassed Carter in points, field goals made, rebounds, blocks, and games played. In fact, Bosh still owns the franchise lead for offensive and defensive rebounds as well as blocks. He is also second, behind DeMar DeRozan in total points.

From shaking hands with Raptors brass in an ill-fitting suit to moving on to the Heat, Bosh was everything Toronto wanted and needed. He will be remembered fondly for his time in the city that gave him his NBA start.