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7 players that the Toronto Raptors gave up on too soon

By Tyler Watts

22 Feb 1997: Center Marcus Camby of the Toronto Raptors Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport
22 Feb 1997: Center Marcus Camby of the Toronto Raptors Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport /
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Toronto Raptors, Chauncey Billups
Toronto Raptors, Chauncey Billups (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

4. Chauncey Billups

The Raptors became a franchise in 1995, and they were trying to amass talent and build a winner in Toronto in those early years. Boston drafted Billups third overall in 1997 as they were trying to rebuild after their incredible run led by Larry Bird. The 6-3 guard had moments as a rookie for the Celtics before being traded as part of a package to Toronto at the deadline for Kenny Anderson and Popeye Jones.

Billups did not stay long in Toronto, as he was sent to the Nuggets less than one year later. The Raptors got two first-round picks in the deal, including one that turned into Morris Peterson, but Billups developed into Mr. Big Shot. He was a five-time All-Star, who made three All-NBA teams and two All-Defensive teams along with leading the Pistons to the championship in 2004 where he won Finals MVP.

Chauncey Billups could have aided the Toronto Raptors.

Billups only played 29 games for the Raptors, and the 21-year-old barely got a chance to showcase his skill set. The Raptors gave up on him way too soon, and they never even gave Billups a chance to play next to Vince Carter.

Would Chauncey Billups have blossomed into a five-time All-Star in Toronto? The Raptors had the chance to find out, but they squandered it.