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

No. 2: Morris Peterson, 2001 to 2007 (7 seasons)

An early 3-and-D guy before the term became overused, Morris Peterson was effective enough to earn his way into the franchise record books as one of the career leaders in games played, points and three-pointers. Part of that comes from his seven-year tenure with the club, but MoPete also made the most of his status as a key secondary option.

That’s the role a peak Peterson would play on these Raptors, an open perimeter option to knock down a three after Lowry, Siakam or VanVleet had penetrated. However, unlike Matt Thomas, the Michigan State alum would also be able to back up his shooting with the type of defense that today’s Raps are known for.

Peterson’s shooting could be a huge bonus for the Raptors

Heck, as the 21st pick in the 2000 NBA Draft by Toronto, he even fits the mold of a homegrown non-lottery pick!

Peterson provided shooting and defense on some post-Carter Raptors teams that often lacked those two traits, forcing him to evolve into one of the most consistently effective players in the league. A player like Peterson is exactly what Nurse wants out of wing players in his scheme.