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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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Morris Peterson, Raptors
TORONTO, CANADA: Toronto Raptors forward Morris Peterson (J.P. MOCZULSKI/AFP via Getty Images) /

No. 4: Morris Peterson

Mo-Pete was a player ahead of his time

Morris Peterson, or better known as “Mo Pete”, would have been an All-Star if he played during today’s era. The lefty was a three-point specialist, who’s best three-point percentage came in 2005-06, when he averaged 39.5 percent.

Peterson took 448 three-point attempts, which was sixth-most in the NBA that season. If he had replicated that campaign during the 2019-20 season, it would’ve been the 20th most attempts. In today’s NBA, Mo-Pete would have probably had 150 more attempts and averaged at least 20 points per game.

Regardless, Peterson deserves to be number-four on this list based on his longevity and fanfare. Drafted 21st overall in the 2000 NBA Draft, Mo-Pete made an impact early into his career.

During his first NBA season, Peterson had a huge 17-point night in Game 6 of the Second Round against the Philadelphia 76ers that helped the team to a 101-93 victory. Mo-Pete had been pretty quiet earlier in the series, but that game was his coming-out party, as he shot three-for-five from beyond the arc.

Even though this was a meaningless game in a terrible season, Peterson’s biggest moment in Raptors history happened on March 30, 2007 during a play that will forever be played on SportsCentre Top 10’s.

Down 109-106 against the Washington Wizards, Peterson hit a miracle three-pointer as time expired to send the game to overtime, which they eventually won 123-118.

The craziest thing about this play is that Michael Ruffin of the Wizards intercepted the ball and instead of holding onto it, he threw the ball up in the air to kill the clock. Time didn’t expire like Ruffin hoped, as the ball instead landed right in Mo-Pete’s hand, who desperately hit the three-pointer.

Raptors fans will be forever thankful to Ruffin and Mo-Pete for making that miracle shot and providing a fun memory during a rough time.