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Toronto Raptors: All-time Starting 5

By Jack Long

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 19: A backview of Kawhi Leonard #2 and Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors while playing against the Orlando Magic during Game Three of the first round of the 2019 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at the Amway Center on April 19, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. The Raptors defeated the Magic 98 to 93. 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 Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 19: A backview of Kawhi Leonard #2 and Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors while playing against the Orlando Magic during Game Three of the first round of the 2019 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at the Amway Center on April 19, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. The Raptors defeated the Magic 98 to 93. 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 Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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9 Mar 2001: Vince Carter #15 of the Toronto Raptors Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule Jr /Allsport
9 Mar 2001: Vince Carter #15 of the Toronto Raptors Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule Jr /Allsport /

SF: Vince Carter

Vince Carter helped put the Toronto Raptors and Canadian basketball on the map

Carter was the Toronto Raptors’ first bonafide superstar. Vinsanity captivated the city of Toronto like no player had ever before.

There were so many iconic moments during Air Canada’s time with the Raptors, like the 2000 All-Star Game dunk contest, but he was must-see television every night, selling out the Air Canada Center every night as fans wanted to see what Vince would pull off.

Unfortunately, the exit was messy and some Raptors fans will never be able to forget some of the stunts he pulled to eventually engineer his own departure. Whether you can forgive him or not, Carter is one of the greatest Raptors of all-time and to this day is the most dynamic player to ever rep the Dino.

PF: Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard’s one season in Toronto was magical

The man that brought the Larry O’Brien Trophy north of the border. Kawhi‘s tenure with the Toronto Raptors was short, but oh so sweet.

Masai Ujiri took a major risk in trading for the disgruntled and injury recovering star, but his gambler mentality landed the Raptors one of the league’s best players on both sides of the ball. Leonard did his job, leading Toronto past the 76ers and Bucks to ultimately dethrone the mighty Golden State Warriors.

So many great moments were given to Raptors fans during The Klaw’s time in Toronto on the way to winning an NBA Championship.

He is the best all-around player to ever don a Raptors jersey, even if he isn’t the greatest Raptor.

C: Chris Bosh

The Raptors truly wasted Bosh‘s best years, and it is hard to blame him for leaving to join the Miami ‘Big 3’ that was constructed during 2010 free agency.

A walking 20-10 in points and rebounds, respectively, it is hard to imagine how good the Raptors could have been if they surrounded him with the right pieces. Instead, Bosh was left to twist in the wind while Toronto burned around them.

Although he is probably the most forgettable past Toronto Raptors star on this all-time unit, he really shouldn’t be given what he was able to do during his time in Toronto with an abysmal supporting cast. Easily a top-5 Raptor of all-time.

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