Toronto Raptors: Top 10 rookie seasons in franchise history

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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NEW ORLEANS – FEBRUARY 06: Jamario Moon #33 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

7. Jamario Moon, 2007-08

After having to wait until age 27 to make his debut thanks to playing in a bunch of overseas and minor North American leagues, Moon finally got his shot in the pros with the Raptors. While he didn’t take games over, his averages on a Toronto squad that made the postseason remain rock-solid.

Moon averaged 8.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game as a rookie, playing the role of an ultra-physical small forward as he helped Sam Mitchell and the Raptors win 41 games and make it to the postseason. As odd as it sounds, that year was the highlight of Moon’s time in Toronto.

Jamario Moon’s Toronto Raptors career was cut short.

Moon was traded, along with Jermaine O’Neal, to the Heat in a swap that brought Shawn Marion to Toronto. Over the next few years, Moon would bounce around with teams like the Clippers, Cavaliers, and Bobcats, never reaching the lofty heights that he showed during his rookie year.

Moon was never the most willing or reliable jump-shooter, and that inability to adapt on offense is likely what cost him a shot at becoming a starter down the road. Even with his short career, it’s easy to wonder what could’ve been for Moon if that trade never happened and he stayed in Toronto.