Raptors: 3 unbreakable per game records in Toronto franchise history
By Mike Luciano
2. Marcus Camby, blocks per game (2.9)
After a tremendous college career at UMass, Camby was taken with the No. 2 overall pick in the competitive 1996 draft. Yes, the Raptors passed on Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, and Ray Allen, just to name a few of the legends in that class, but Marcus Camby would reward their selection with a 17-year NBA career.
While most of those seasons, which included four blocks titles, four All-Defensive team selections, and a Defensive Player of the Year Award, came outside of Toronto following a trade, Camby had some moments when he was here, including leading the league with a 3.7 blocks per game average. His 2.9 mark might stand for decades.
"He had guard skills, he could rebound the basketball and he was also a shot-blocker."@IsiahThomas took Marcus Camby to the Raptors with the 2nd overall pick of the '96 Draft. pic.twitter.com/rcSZvYPVQC
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 12, 2021
Marcus Camby set a high standard as a shot-blocker
Consider that Chris Boucher, who came in fifth in the league in blocks per game last year, had just 1.9 blocks every night out. Consider also he would have to increase that average by over a full block and remain with the team long enough to pump up his averages in order to challenge Camby.
While players like Myles Turner have proved that putting up astronomical block numbers every now and again is still possible, it might be harder to sustain Camby’s level of production, especially as the league gets smaller and more focused on shooting. Unless the Raptors get a Turner-esque rim protector, Camby’s record will stand.
2 seasons and 126 games is not a ton of action, but it qualifies him for the record book.