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Toronto Raptors: Top 10 rookie seasons in franchise history

By Mike Luciano

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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Andrea Bargnani, Toronto Raptors
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 02: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Andrea Bargnani #7 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

6. Andrea Bargnani, 2006-07

Bargnani’s legacy in Toronto remains complicated to this day. On one hand, averaged 15.2 points per game over seven years is quality production no matter how you slice it. On the other hand, his inability to take games over on offense and poor defensive skills have him wavering around bust territory in the eyes of some.

Bargnani, who was picked over players like Kyle Lowry, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Paul Millsap, started his career off nicely, averaging 11.6 points and 3.9 points per game on 42% shooting while being named to the All-Rookie team. The Raptors won 47 games and made the playoffs.

Based on that season, Raptors fans expected superstar production, but the most Bargnani ever because was a solid No. 2 option on some bad teams.

Andrea Bargnani scored well, but he still disappointed the Raptors.

Bargnani was an above-average NBA player for over a decade, but considering the hype around him and the fact that he and Bosh were supposed to be the frontcourt of the future, the anticlimactic end to his Raptors career was certainly disappointing.

Bargnani was not a bad NBA player, and his quality shooting stroke helped him plaster his name all over several of the Raptors’ all-time lists. However, considering that Toronto expected him to change the dynamic of the franchise, his time with the Raptors is still regarded by some as an underperformance.