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Toronto Raptors: Top 5 shooting guards in franchise history

By Stephen Nixon

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 21: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors jokes with Vince Carter #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies during an NBA game at the Air Canada Centre on February 21, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 21: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors jokes with Vince Carter #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies during an NBA game at the Air Canada Centre on February 21, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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If it wasn’t for a few of the shooting guards we’re about to talk about, the Toronto Raptors franchise would have been completely different. In their 25-year legacy, the two-guard has been instrumental in team success and has provided some of the best moments in franchise history.

While most would typically look at the point-guard to play a bigger role in winning, it’s been two shooting guards that led the way for a number of seasons. The Raptors have been troubling at times this season, but their backcourt has been consistent. Positions have evolved in the NBA and that can be said about this current roster that technically has two starting point-guards.

Although players like Fred VanVleet may have a better career than a few of the players we’re about to talk about, this list is dedicated to the traditional shooting guard. Someone who can score, but isn’t typically bringing the ball up the court and running the offense.

Top 5 Shooting Guards in Raptors History

Honorable Mentions: Alvin Williams, Lou Williams, Fred VanVleet

Jalen Rose, Raptors
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 25: ESPN analyst Jalen Rose (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

No. 5:  Jalen Rose

Rose had some nice moments in Toronto

Jalen Rose deserves to be on this top-five list purely based on the fact that he loves the Raptors and not enough players share his thoughts. He’s the advocator for “champagning and campaigning” and always talks about how much fun he had in Toronto.

Rose joined the Raptors during the 2003-04 season after being traded from the Chicago Bulls with Donyell Marshall and Lonny Baxter in exchange for Antonio Davis, Jerome Williams and Chris Jefferies. In 177 career games, he averaged 16.2 points, 3.4 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game.

Although the 2004-05 season will always be remembered for the Vince Carter trade, Rose will remember it differently. The team finished with an abysmal 33-49 record, but he led the team in scoring that season. The Detroit native had eight 30-point games that season and if it wasn’t for his production, the team probably would have finished with a top draft pick.

Rose may have been on the Raptors during one of the darkest times in franchise history, but fans will be forever thankful for his presence as one of the bright spots in a time filled with turmoil and uncertainty.