The Toronto Raptors are poised to celebrate a significant milestone as they prepare to hang their first jersey in the rafters. This momentous occasion honors arguably the most influential and yet also one of the most controversial superstars in the franchise's history. Vince Carter, the hyper-athletic dunk master and a legend of the 2000s basketball era, will have his iconic number 15 jersey retired on November 2nd. This special ceremony will take place on the same night the Raptors face off against the Sacramento Kings, making it a double celebration for both the team and its fans.
There is a compelling case for Vince Carter to be the inaugural Toronto Raptors player to have his jersey retired, but he is certainly not destined to be the last. Although the Raptors franchise has only been in existence for thirty years, this lone team from the North has already made a significant impact on the history of the league.
With a historic championship run and numerous legendary players who have graced the hardwood over the years, the Raptors have cemented their place in basketball lore. Carter's jersey retirement is just the beginning of what promises to be a proud tradition honoring the icons who have contributed to the team's legacy.
The next question that arises is: who will be the next players to have their jerseys retired by the Toronto Raptors? Over the years, many fan favorites have made lasting impressions on the franchise, alongside numerous impactful role players who have enjoyed significant tenures with the team.
However, it is these three Raptors legends who truly stand out among their peers. For the following reasons, it is reasonable to conclude that they are at the forefront of future candidates for jersey retirement by the Raptors.
3. Kawhi Leonard
Commonly known as the "Klaw", Kawhi Leonard made quite an impact during his time in Toronto. If you're a devoted Toronto Raptors fan or a proud Torontonian like myself, you undoubtedly remember the Raptor fever and the "Kawhi Kraze" that swept over the city during the 2018-19 season.
When this soft-spoken defensive dynamo arrived in Toronto from San Antonio—a team where he had already secured a Finals MVP award, contributed to a gutsy championship win, and earned two Defensive Player of the Year awards—his transition marked a significant change of scenery. Raptors fans welcomed him with open arms, eager to witness the remarkable talent that would soon take the franchise to new heights.
It's insane to think Leonard spent a lone season in Toronto, but that single season lives freely in the history books forever because of the highlights and moments that will stand the test of time. Leonard, who is no stranger to restrictions throughout the regular season, only played 60 games during that time, yet he still posted solid end of season stats of nearly 27 points, over seven rebounds, and just over three assists a game.
During the 2019 NBA Playoffs, Leonard's performance reached nearly god-like levels. Everyone remembers his iconic buzzer-beater or "The Shot" against the 76ers—a moment that felt almost scripted for Hollywood. It's not every day that two tough teams battle to a Game 7, where the finale culminates in a game-winning shot of such magnitude.
The Raptors would go on to dispatch the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals, despite facing early adversity going down 0-2. The only test remaining keeping Toronto from the Larry O'Brien trophy was the dominant Golden State Warriors dynasty, who had won several NBA titles in the years prior.
Although Toronto lucked out with several key Warriors players suffering injuries, you can't argue Leonard was still playing a level of basketball out of his mind. As Leonard secures another NBA title and a Finals MVP award for his time with the Raptors, the chant echoes: "We the North are now We the Champions!"
Regardless of whether Leonard genuinely desired to be in Toronto, one thing is certain: he remained committed to his promise of elevating the team to the best of his abilities. This dedication ultimately led to the Raptors franchise securing a historic championship.
At that time, one could easily argue—an argument shared by many impartial fans and analysts alike—that Kawhi Leonard was the best NBA player in the world, thanks to his remarkable contributions to the Raptors. One day, Leonard's number 2 will hang in the rafters of Scotiabank Arena, honoring his significant contribution to the team's only championship to date.
2. DeMar DeRozan
If Vince Carter isn't Toronto's most polarizing player, then DeMar DeRozan is certainly the next name that comes to mind. A member of the iconic 2009 NBA Draft class, which included Blake Griffin, James Harden, and Stephen Curry, DeRozan was selected by the Raptors with the ninth overall pick.
He would join a struggling Raptors team led by an impatient star, Chris Bosh, who had long been seen as the franchise's cornerstone. Despite his talent, Bosh had yet to achieve postseason success due to a lack of strong co-stars and other poor front office decisions. Before long, Bosh took his talents to South Beach, joining LeBron James and Dwyane Wade to form a formidable Big Three. Meanwhile, DeRozan emerged as Toronto's primary star for the next several years.
DeRozan experienced an eventful tenure with the Toronto Raptors, earning three All-Star selections and making the All-NBA Second Team in 2018 and the All-NBA Third Team in 2017. He established himself as the franchise's all-time leading scorer and formed a dynamic duo with floor general Kyle Lowry.
DeRozan primarily served as the Raptors' lead option during five playoff runs in his era. Although the team reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2016, they largely fell short against a dominant LeBron-led Cleveland Cavaliers squad in the years that followed. DeRozan's struggles were often highlighted in each disappointing loss.
After the Raptors fell short to the Cavaliers again in 2018, the team underwent a significant overhaul. They made the bold decision to fire reigning NBA Coach of the Year Dwane Casey and traded their franchise star DeMar DeRozan to the San Antonio Spurs in a blockbuster deal for Kawhi Leonard.
Just like that, the DeRozan era in Toronto had come to an anticlimactic end. Over the years, DeRozan has expressed his belief that he could have led a championship-worthy squad. Unfortunately, he was often put in the position of a fall guy, making him an easy scapegoat for the front office as they sought a different direction after constantly coming up short in the playoffs.
Although the parting between Toronto and DeMar DeRozan was not particularly graceful, it does not diminish his significant contributions to the franchise. If the Raptors and Vince Carter could reconcile despite their past challenges, there is surely a future opportunity for both parties to mutually agree to honor DeRozan by retiring his number 10 jersey.
1. Kyle Lowry
DeMar DeRozan may be the Raptors' all-time leading scorer, and Kawhi Leonard could be the generational superstar Toronto had never seen before. However, if you ask any die-hard Raptors fan, one name consistently stands out as the "G.R.O.A.T." (Greatest Raptor of All Time): South Philly's finest, Kyle Lowry.
As the all-time leader in several statistical categories, including assists and steals, Lowry’s contributions on the court have been pivotal in shaping the team's identity. His relentless work ethic, tenacity, and leadership have set a standard for excellence within the organization. Lowry was not only a prolific scorer and playmaker; he was the heart and soul of the Raptors during his tenure.
Lowry played a crucial role in leading the Raptors to their first NBA Championship in 2019. His contributions in the playoffs. He also played a pivotal role in fostering a mindset within the Toronto Raptors that empowered them to challenge larger and more formidable opponents.
Despite his relatively stocky build and shorter stature compared to many players in the league, he became a beacon of unwavering determination and resilience. His tenacity on the court served as an inspiring example, motivating his teammates to rise to the occasion, even when critics and analysts counted them out.
Kyle Lowry's influence transcended mere statistics; he cultivated a winning culture that transformed the Raptors into a perennial playoff team, firmly establishing them as a formidable force in the league. His resume speaks volumes: he was selected as an All-Star six times during his tenure with the Toronto Raptors, earned a spot on the All-NBA Third Team in 2016, and, most notably, played a crucial role in securing the 2019 NBA Championship.
This array of accomplishments reinforces the immense impact Lowry had on the franchise, making a compelling case for the retirement of his jersey. Given that he is now 38 years old and approaching the conclusion of his NBA career, it is highly likely that Lowry will soon witness his historic number 7 elevated to the rafters, ensuring its rightful place in Toronto's illustrious history.