Pippen and Carter pairing would've led Toronto Raptors to 1999 Finals Run

Scottie Pippen and Vince Carter pairing would’ve led Toronto Raptors to 1999 Finals Run

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 07: NBA player Vince Carter looks on before Game 3 of the 2017 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on June 7, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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24 Jun 1998: A picture of Vince Carter (L) being traded to the Toronto Rapters and Antawn Jamison (R) being traded to the Golden State Warriors during the NBA Draft at the General Motors Palace in Vancouver, Canada. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY /

June 24, 1998: Toronto Raptors trade Antawn Jamison for Vince Carter in the 1998 draft

With the 1998-1999 lockout season going on, there was a lot of time for Scottie Pippen, Damon Stoudamire and Vince Carter to train together. Like Jordan instilled a winning mentality on Pippen, Pippen decided to do the same with Stoudamire and Carter. Vince Carter, who was never ever known for his defense suddenly becomes a pretty good defensive player — he always had the athletic ability to be a great defender. And Scottie Pippen looks healthier than ever.

The Toronto Raptors would have a blistering start to the season and quickly became fan favorites. Not many teams had a 5 feet 10 point guard, a generational dunker and the best defender ever on the same team. They also had rising star Marcus Camby who led the league in blocks the previous season — who wouldn’t have been traded because Pippen valued Camby highly.

The Raptors have exceeded expectations and have made history-making the playoffs for the first time ever. They end the season at 30-20, which is good enough for the fifth seed. They face the Atlanta Hawks who were led by Dikembe Mutombo.

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