The Toronto Raptors have always been a franchise that looks to all corners of the globe in order to put together the best 15-man roster possible. Toronto has been a haven for some of the best African and European talent in the world who wish to ply their trade in North America.
Toronto’s roster at the moment is led by British-born OG Anunoby and Cameroonian Pascal Siakam, all while Masai Ujiri (who is Nigerian, Kenyan, and British-born) oversees things. Basketball is a global game, and the Raptors are the league’s best example.
The Raptors have routinely gone to Europe in order to locate franchise cornerstones. Many of the high draft picks they’ve accrued over the years have been used on talent from this region. These players have since taken it upon themselves to rewrite Toronto’s franchise record books.
These three players stand out as the most impactful arrivals from across the Atlantic the Raptors have had in their franchise history. Be it through a low-risk free agency signing or careful scouting, Toronto has a fairly high success rate when it comes to plundering talent.
Top 5 European-born players in Toronto Raptors history.
5. Rasho Nesterovic (Slovenia)
While Toronto continued to shuffle centers in and out of the starting lineup in Chris Bosh’s formative years, one of the few who managed to perform well in the post-Antonio Davis era was the wily veteran Nesterovic. The godfather of Luka Doncic, Rasho carved out a respectable NBA career.
While more well-known for his exploits with the Timberwolves and Spurs, Nesterovic averaged 6.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in three seasons with the Raptors. He was by no means a game-changer, but he was a worthwhile rebounder who played on some good Raptors teams.
Toronto Raptors: Andrea Bargnani was a solid scorer.
4. Andrea Bargnani (Italy)
While the 7-0 Bargnani is remembered infamously by some Raptors fans due to the fact he never lived up to the billing as the No. 1 overall pick. However, Toronto managed to milk plenty of value out of one of the best scorers that ever suited up for this franchise.
From 2008-09 to 2011-12, Bargnani averaged 18.0 points and 5.6 rebounds per game with solid efficiency. While not the future Hall of Famer that Toronto’s front office thought they were getting with the top pick, it’s hard to look at his decade long-career in the NBA and declare him a massive bust considering his numbers.
3. OG Anunoby (United Kingdom)
Anunoby is going to climb up this list in relatively short order if he manages to stay healthy and continue his excellent style of basketball. Born in England before relocating to Missouri, Anunoby has had an unusual path to stardom in the NBA.
Anunoby went from the No. 23 overall pick to a legitimate tertiary gunner on a team with championship aspirations. When paired with elite defense at multiple positions, his body has been the only thing keeping him from being recognized as one of the best small forwards in the league.
Toronto Raptors: OG Anunoby continues to get better.
2. Jose Calderon (Spain)
Inarguably the best point guard the Raptors ever had before Kyle Lowry came to town, Calderon gave the Raptors a solid scorer and gifted passer who spent most of his prime years north of the border. The recently retired Spanish sensation ranks high on Toronto’s all-time list for points and assists.
Calderon averaged 10.0 points and 7.2 assists per game while making his mark as one of the purest shooters in the league during that timeframe. With one more standout perimeter mate to take some of the pressure off, Calderon could have become a genuinely outstanding point guard who led his team to postseason success.
1. Jonas Valanciunas (Lithuania)
Valanciunas was a bit of an unknown when the Raptors used the No. 5 overall pick in 2011 on the Lithuanian giant. Even after waiting a year and putting up with some growing pains as he adjusted to life in the NBA, Toronto eventually turned Valanciunas into a hard-nosed paint presence.
Valanciunas, who was traded to the Grizzlies for Marc Gasol during the championship run, put up per game averages of 11.8 points and 8.4 rebounds during his seven-season stint. He was an integral starter on Dwane Casey’s best Raptors teams who took ownership of the restricted area.
Toronto Raptors: Jonas Valanciunas had a solid career.
Valanciunas is currently playing the best basketball of his career. After averaging a double-double in Memphis, Valanciunas was able to average 17.8 points and 11.5 boards for a playoff-bound Pelicans team. The skills we saw in Toronto are on full display.
As is the case with DeMar DeRozan, it’s a shame that Valanciunas had to be sent away before he could enjoy basking in the glow of a championship. However, the history books will be very kind to him after a productive Toronto Raptors career that placed him high on several all-time lists.