The Toronto Raptors have now been a franchise for 29 seasons after their inaugural season in 1995-1996.
While they may not have been around as long as other organizations, there have been notable names to wear a Raptors jersey.
One of those greats is Vince Carter. He was selected No. 5 by the Golden State Warriors in the 1995 NBA Draft and then traded to Toronto.
The trade paid off drastically for the Raptors as Carter spent seven seasons there. His best season was 2000-2001. He averaged a career-best 27.6 points on 46.0% from the field and 40.8% from three.
Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce thought very highly of Carter and believed he was going to be the next Michael Jordan:
“He (Vince Carter) was suppose to be the next Jordan, he was a nightmare” – @paulpierce34
Vince Carter was a MF problem! You needed to be extra locked in against him or you might’ve ended up on ESPN Top 10 😂https://t.co/0I5hKmMWsD pic.twitter.com/HEQ6LQDwot
— Kevin Garnett (@KevinGarnett5KG) December 6, 2023
When Jordan retired, the NBA was looking for the next face of the league. Pierce seemed to firmly believe Carter was that guy. Putting Carter in the same sentence as Jordan is something that is not to be taken lightly.
Carter would join forces with another Raptors great in Tracy McGrady. He was selected No. 9 in the 1997 NBA Draft, which would form a one-of-a-kind dynamic duo.
For Toronto to have the likes of Carter and McGrady is truly special. Carter would spend the glory days wearing a Raptors jersey, which helped put the Raptors on the map.
Vince was a gifted athlete and dynamic scorer for the Raptors. His success with Toronto has put him in the mix as one of the greatest Raptors ever.
Lou Williams reflects on his time in Toronto
Three-time Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams won of one those awards in his lone season with the Raptors in 2014-15. While it was only one year, Williams reflected on his time in Toronto and spoke highly of the city.
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