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Raptors: Could any mid-2000s Raptors help this 2020 team?

By Ben Fisher

TORONTO - APRIL 21: Mikki Moore #33 of the New Jersey Nets tries to block Chris Bosh #4 of the Toronto Raptors in Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2007 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on April 21, 2007 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Nets won 96-91. 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 Dave Abel/Getty Images)
TORONTO - APRIL 21: Mikki Moore #33 of the New Jersey Nets tries to block Chris Bosh #4 of the Toronto Raptors in Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2007 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on April 21, 2007 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Nets won 96-91. 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 Dave Abel/Getty Images) /
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Anthony Parker, Raptors
CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 02: Anthony Parker #18 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Anthony Parker, 2006 to 2009 (3 seasons)

There may be players from the mid-2000’s era of Raptors basketball that fit current team needs, but there aren’t many who fit the winning team culture that has been forged during their present run of success. During a playing career that took him through the Euroleague and Israel as well as the NBA, Parker showcased those very qualities.

Though his stats don’t jump off the page, you can argue that the 2006-07 division title isn’t possible without Parker, who returned to the league with Toronto at 31 after six years spent abroad.

Parker could give this Raptors team a grinder on both sides of the ball

His steadying presence as a reliable shooter (40.4% from three for his career), the club’s primary perimeter defender and a picture of consistency served as the heart and soul of that team, much like Lowry does now.

While Parker wouldn’t need to be the locker room leader among a group that also features Lowry and VanVleet, his big-game experience and winning mentality would further solidify what is a professional culture. Hitting a few open threes should help Toronto when push comes to shove against some other playoff teams.