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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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Toronto Raptors
9 Mar 2001: Vince Carter #15 of the Toronto Raptors Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule Jr /Allsport /

No. 1: Vince Carter

Vince is still a legend in Toronto

Toronto Raptors fan’s number-one enemy is also clearly the top shooting guard in franchise history.

Many fans didn’t appreciate the way Vince Carter handled himself at the end of his tenure in Toronto, but it shouldn’t take away what he accomplished on the court. Drafted fifth overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 1998 NBA Draft, acquiring Vinsanity may have been the greatest trade in franchise history. Well, besides, the Kawhi Leonard deal, of course.

Carter joined the Raptors as a 22-year-old and was shot out of a cannon upon arrival. He not only led the team in scoring as a first-year player, but he also won the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award. With his insane hop’s and acrobatic dunks, Carter put Toronto on the map and made being a Raptors fan cool.

From 1999-2002, Carter was at the peak of his powers. His 2000 NBA Slam Dunk appearance was one of the most entertaining in league history and he made every kid in Canada want to be like him. If you don’t believe me, watch The Carter Effect on Netflix, which showcases the great Canadian basketball boom that transpired from Carter.

Carter was named to the All-NBA Third Team and All-NBA Second Team during his time with the Raptors and finished fifth in NBA scoring in the 2000-01 season averaging 27.6 points per game. That same season was the most magical year in Raptors history at the time, as the team came one made shot away from making the Eastern Conference Finals.

Obviously, his graduation trip and terrible attitude during his departure have soured a lot of Raptors fans, but we can’t take away the fact that he was incredibly entertaining to watch. Without his presence, the Raptors franchise could have failed like the Vancouver Grizzlies did for all we know.

Next. Top 5 seasons in Raptors history. dark