3 most memorable Toronto Raptors All-Star Weekend moments
By Mike Luciano
The Toronto Raptors have had a noteworthy presence at the All-Star Weekend festivities. In addition to Scottie Barnes in the Rising Stars Game, Fred VanVleet will become the first undrafted player in 15 years to participate in the All-Star game. After not sending anyone last year, Toronto is back on track.
The Raptors have typically been a somewhat regular fixture during their last few decades. From Vince Carter’s showstopping dunks in the early part of the millennium to Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan seemingly making the All-Star game every year, Canada has had some serious representation.
VanVleet will try to help LeBron James’ team push forward to a victory in the All_Star game, as the finest Wichita State has to offer will try to continue showing the league just how foolish they were for not drafting him. It could make for one of the best moments in Raptors’ franchise history.
If VanVleet is productive enough, he could earn a well-deserved spot in the annals of Raptors All-Star Weekend history. He needs to unseat one of these three moments if he wants to end up on that exclusive list.
Top 3 All-Star Weekend Moments in Toronto Raptors history.
3. Jason Kapono’s Three-Point shootout, 2008
Kapono was only in Toronto for two seasons, but he made the most of them. Not only did he lead the NBA in three-point percentage during his first year in Canada, but he won the Three-Point Shootout for the second consecutive season. No one has defended their Three-Point crown since.
Kapono connected on an insane 50 of his 98 shots, blitzing through the competition without breaking a sweat. You don’t make over half of your shots in a two-season span for no reason, and Kapono proved that he was still one of the best shooters of his era in New Orleans.
Jason Kapono gave the Toronto Raptors a Three-Point title.
VanVleet’s own performance in the same competition left something to be desired, as he did not end up making it to the finals. No Raptor has won it since Kapono, and it looks like that streak is going to continue for a few more years unless VanVleet comes back with a vengeance.
Kapono might not have been a member of any championship teams in Toronto, but he had two very productive seasons north of the border. The UCLA alum was able to carve out a long career for himself on the back of his shooting, and his performance in this shootout crystallized his skill in this area.