On Monday, Tracy McGrady decided to close off his NBA career after a run to the Finals as a bit player in San Antonio.
It brought to light an interesting thought: how does McGrady rank among the all-time Raptors?
If the list were about all-time “what ifs?” he would be No. 1 — as in, what would have happened had he remained in Toronto? But this list is about the performances of McGrady and others while in a Raptors uniform.
Clearly, Vince Carter and Chris Bosh are the top two all-time Raptors but where do you go from there?
This is how we ranked them:
1. Vince Carter — 1998-2004 (403 Games, 23.4 PPG, 3.9 APG)
A no-brainer. Clearly the most important player in franchise history as he was at the centre of the glory years — as odd as that must sound considering the team’s history.
2. Chris Bosh — 2003-10 (509 Games, 20.2 PPG, 9.4 RPG)
Another obvious choice, although he never seemed to develop the same rapport with local fans that lesser lights were able to.
3. Damon Stoudemire — 1995-98 (200 Games, 19.6 ppg, 8.8 apg)
This is where things got tricky as Stoudemire’s time in Toronto was not lengthy but it was memorable. His advance stats aren’t strong to say the least but he meant too much to the fledgling Raptors not to be here.
4. Antonio Davis — 1999-2003, 2006 (310 Games, 13.3 PPG 9.2 RPG)
Davis came to the Raptors in a sneaky deal for Jon Bender. His arrival, along with that of Charles Oakley, helped change the culture here and provided some much-needed toughness and leadership.
5. Doug Christie — 1996-2000 (403 Games, 14.2 PPG 3.8 APG 2.1 SPG)
Mr. Christie did it all in Toronto and his 2.1 steals per game cannot be forgotten. Plus, we got the added bonus of watching him exchange hand signals with his wife during games.
6. Jose Calderon — 2005-2013 (525 Games, 10.1 PPG, 7.2 APG)
Toronto fans never seemed to warm to the tiny Spaniard but all he ever did for the team was perform. The Raptors kept bringing in point guards to take his spot but he continued to excel and never complained.
7. Morris Peterson — 2000-07 (542 Games, 12 ppg 3.8 RPG)
The all-time club leader in three-pointers made (801) and games played (542). To put the games played in perspective, the active leader on the current roster is DeMar DeRozan with 304 — it will take him another three full seasons to catch Mo’ Pete.
8. Andrea Bargnani — 2006-2013 (433 Games, 15.2 ppg, 4.8 RPG)
He actually looked like he might crack the top five over a season-and-a-half span from 2010-2012 but injuries (and perhaps indifference) ended his progress.
9. Alvin Williams — 1998-2006 (417 Games, 9.5 PPG 4.4 APG)
He went from being an afterthought in the Damon Stoudemire trade to being a key cog in the best playoff run in Raps history.
10. DeMar DeRozan — 2009-present (304 Games, 15.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG)
We have watched DeRozan slowly expand his game over his first four seasons in Toronto. He could be on the verge of stardom or mediocrity.
11. Marcus Camby — 1996-98 (126 Games 13.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.9 BPG)
His time in Toronto was brief but over his two seasons he anchored the frontline like few others.
12. Jalen Rose — 2003-06 (187 Games, 16.2 PPG, 3.4 APG)
Is the Raptors fourth all-time leading scorer (in average per game) although Toronto never reached the playoffs during his stay.
13. Charles Oakley — 1998-2001 (208 Games 7.9 PPG 8.0 RPG)
Paired with Antonio Davis to provide enough muscle to allow Vince Carter to work his magic.
14. Tracy McGrady — 1997-2000 (192 Games 11.1 PPG 2.5 APG 5.5 RPG)
What could have been? That can be said about his time in Toronto and also about a career derailed by injuries.
15. Donyell Marshall — 2003-05 (121 Games 13.8 PPG, 8.7 RPG)
Is in the Raptors top 10 for averages in both scoring and rebounding.
16. T.J. Ford — 2006-08 (126 Games 13.2 PPG, 7.2 APG)
If only the partnership of Ford and Calderon could have lasted longer.
17. Amir Johnson — 2009-present (299 Games, 8.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG)
Has had an underrated time in Toronto. Was the Raptors’ best and most consistent player over the past two seasons as his defence and rebounding are underappreciated.
18. Anthony Parker — 2006-09 (235 Games, 11.9, 4.0 RPG)
One of the best outside shooters in club history, Parker helped Toronto reach the playoffs in two of his three seasons as a Raptor.
19. Jerome Williams — 2001-03 (180 Games 8.7 PPG, 7 RPG
JYD might be considered the biggest all-time fan favourite in Toronto. He is now coaching Findlay Prep in Las Vegas — the school famous for producing Canadians Anthony Bennett, Tristan Thompson and Cory Joseph.
20. Walt Williams — 1996-98 (101 Games 15.3 PPG)
Hard to leave the Wizard off the list as he is the team’s fifth all-time leading scorer.
