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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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Vince Carter, Toronto Raptors
8 Dec 2000: Vince Carter #15 of the Toronto Raptors Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport /

2. Vince Carter, 1998-99

Another star who didn’t stick the dismount when leaving Toronto, Carter is still an icon in Raptors history, and his impact on both the franchise and Canadian basketball as a whole will not be forgotten. That legendary career got started with a promising season in 1998 for Butch Carter.

Carter averaged 18.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, helping the Raptors go 23-27 just one year after a 16-66 season. Carter would start uncorking the first of what would become an entire photo album full of insane dunks, as his boundless athletic ability took the basketball world by storm.

Oh, and he won Rookie of the Year. Not too bad.

Vince Carter changed the trajectory of the Toronto Raptors.

Over the next three years, Carter would average 26.1 points per game with some efficient shooting percentages, making his mark as an elite offensive play and perhaps the greatest dunker this game has ever seen. Considering the next pick after him was the late Robert Traylor, Toronto did alright here.

Carter played for over 20 years with seven different franchises, and while his Nets tenure is remembered fondly, his accomplishments as a youngster in Toronto stand out. Even during his rookie year, it was clear that Carter was a cut above the rest, and he proved that true over the course of his career.