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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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Doug Christie, Raptors
30 Apr 2000: Doug Christie #13 of the Toronto Raptors Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport /

No. 3: Doug Christie

Christie was an amazing defender for the Raptors

When you think of the “OG” Toronto Raptors, Doug Christie is at the top of the list. Alongside Damon Stoudamire, that duo ran the team’s backcourt for the first few years of the franchise’s existence.

During five seasons with the Raptors, Christie started 299 of a possible 314 games and was one of the reasons people fell in love with basketball in Toronto. His stat-line was never All-Star worthy but he did average 14.2 points, 3.8 assists and 4.6 rebounds during his tenure.

Christie was a decent scorer, but his best attribute was defending. In back-to-back seasons (1996-97 and 1997-98), he finished second in the NBA in steals. Although he never won this award as a member of the Raptors, he did finish his career being named to the All-NBA First Team once and All-NBA Second Team three times.

Christie was, unfortunately, a victim of his surroundings because he could only do so much on an expansion team. After playing on a few terrible teams for the first four years of his career in Toronto, the Raptors turned their fortune around in the 1999-2000 season, where they finally made the playoffs.

You may not see a ton of Doug Christie jerseys floating around Scotiabank Arena but he’s still one of the best defenders to ever play for the Toronto Raptors. Even though he truly made his name as a player in Sacramento, Christie is one of the best Raptors ever.