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

By Alexandro Fidanza

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)
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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A nearly defeated New York Knicks team meets during a time-out late in the fourth quarter of the fourth game of their Eastern Conference first round play-off series against the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden in New York 14 May, 1999. From L-R: Patrick Ewing, Allan Houston, Latrell Sprewell (#8), Larry Johnson (#2) and Kurt Thomas (#23). The Heat won, 87-72, to even the series at 2-2. Man in suit is an unidentified coach. AFP PHOTO Stan HONDA (Photo by STAN HONDA / AFP) (Photo by STAN HONDA/AFP via Getty Images)
A nearly defeated New York Knicks team meets during a time-out late in the fourth quarter of the fourth game of their Eastern Conference first round play-off series against the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden in New York 14 May, 1999. From L-R: Patrick Ewing, Allan Houston, Latrell Sprewell (#8), Larry Johnson (#2) and Kurt Thomas (#23). The Heat won, 87-72, to even the series at 2-2. Man in suit is an unidentified coach. AFP PHOTO Stan HONDA (Photo by STAN HONDA / AFP) (Photo by STAN HONDA/AFP via Getty Images) /

Playoff Run against the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks

Although the Hawks were overwhelmed with defensive power, their offense was lacking and they had no real pure scorer as the Raptors did with Vince Carter and Damon Stoudamire. Ultimately the Raptors had enough firepower to win the series 3-1. Marcus Camby outshined the older Dikembe Mutombo and Scottie Pippen was on fire averaging 26.3 points per game in the series.

The next series saw them face a surprising 8th seed New York Knicks team who stunned the NBA beating the first seed Miami Heat — this was the second time in history where the 8th seed beat the 1st seed. The notable thing to remember here is that the Knicks wouldn’t have had Camby, but the 35-year-old Charles Oakley instead.

Probably the most physical series for the Toronto Raptors facing the best defensive team. Camby and Pippen were effectively able to shut down Patrick Ewing and Latrell Sprewell, respectively. They ended up winning the series 4-2 despite Vince Carter struggling to get it going on offense only averaging 12.3 points per game.

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