Best Toronto Raptors players in franchise history from every country
By Mike Luciano
Italy: PF Andrea Bargnani
Bargnani may not have been worthy of being picked No. 1 overall, but he eventually evolved into a 20 points per game scorer during his NBA career. Bargnani’s Raptors career could have been better with more support around him, but his scoring skill makes it tough to be too critical of what he became.
Japan: SF Yuta Watanabe
FIBA World Cup star Watanabe, who has since moved to Brooklyn and Phoenix after leaving the Raptors, went from an also-ran who signed a two-way contract with Toronto to a legitimate high-energy wing off the bench who can hold his own offensively due to his deadly 3-point shot.
Andrea Bargnani had success with the Toronto Raptors.
Lithuania: C Jonas Valanciunas
Valanciunas might be having his best statistical seasons away from Toronto, but his legacy in the NBA will be centered around what he did during his time with the Raptors. A consistent rebounder and post presence, history will look on Valanciunas’ Toronto tenure favorably.
Nigeria: PF Precious Achiuwa
Achiuwa will put even more distance between himself and the rest of the pack in 2023 and beyond. He isn’t a terrific creator, but it’s hard to look at his raw athletic ability and impressive on-ball defense and not get excited about what he could be when fully realized.