3 former Raptors who will return to Toronto for the first time in 2022

The Toronto Raptors placed such a big bet on the skill level of last year’s team that they chose to bring back the entire rotation. Even in a period of relative stability during the last few months, Toronto has seen many of the holdovers from years past move on for greener pastures.

Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, O.G. Anunoby, and Chris Boucher are the only players on the roster that were also on the 2019 championship team. The new faces this team have brought in over the prior few seasons pushed Raptors basketball into a fearless new era.

The Raptors have seen some of the players on the back end of the roster join division rivals and make attempts to ply their trade elsewhere. At the same time, some contributors from the title team were sent away in favor of some younger blood to help keep this team competitive.

These three players could make their first return trips to Toronto as enemies this season. Considering how warmly Raptors fans received many of the players who filled a role and helped make their respective teams successful, expect a hearty dose of cheers when this trio comes back.

3 former Toronto Raptors who may return for the first time in 2022

3. Jalen Harris, New York Knicks

Svi Mykhailiuk is also on the Knicks right now, but there is truly no contest when looking at which of the two is a more beloved player. Harris may have been suspended for the season last year, but that hasn’t eroded the optimism and support he has received and will keep receiving from Raptors fans.

There’s a chance that Harris gets cut and potentially ends up reuniting with the Knicks via their G League team. One or two fortuitous bounces could get Harris back onto the roster. After paying his dues and serving his suspension, the entire NBA will be rooting for Harris to make a statement.

Former Toronto Raptors pick Jalen Harris is back.

Harris may have taken a year off, and his limited diet of minutes in the bubble means that it is still unknown just how high his ceiling in the pros is. The Nevada product showed his bucket-getting ability with a 30-point effort against the Mavericks, ending his rookie season on a high note.

If Harris is going to become an NBA player for the next half-decade, the Knicks need to spend a ton of time correcting his flaws and nourishing his talents. If he wiggles into the Knicks’ plans for this year, he could play a very small role in a potential playoff push.