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Toronto Raptors: Top 5 Draft Picks Since 1995

By Joshua Howe

Oct 18, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers power forward Antawn Jamison (33) and Portland Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard (11) go for a rebound in the second half of the game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers power forward Antawn Jamison (33) and Portland Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard (11) go for a rebound in the second half of the game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 18, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers power forward Antawn Jamison (33) and Portland Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard (11) go for a rebound in the second half of the game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers power forward Antawn Jamison (33) and Portland Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard (11) go for a rebound in the second half of the game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Antawn Jamison

Taken Fourth Overall in 1998

Surprised? You shouldn’t be. Not if you know what this pick landed the Raptors.

After taking Jamison fourth, Toronto quickly dealt him to the Golden State Warriors for none other than Vince Carter (who was taken fifth). This trade happened immediately, so I count it as the Raps basically drafting Vinsanity, since he began his NBA career in Toronto.

Air Canada spent six full seasons with the Raptors before the infamous trade between Toronto and New Jersey, in which Carter played a big role in trying to escape his first team. That trade left a bad taste in the mouths of fans and the franchise struggled mightily after his departure.

In fact, it’s really never been the same since. That is, until the past two seasons which have had the Raptors play some of their most successful ball ever. Still, Half Man Half Amazing was the best player the Raps have ever had and that doesn’t seem to be changing soon.

Carter single-handedly turned around the fate of the franchise, which was going nowhere after the Raps failed to win even 30 games over their first three seasons. He brought a flair and charisma that was invaluable. Players wanted to be him, people loved watching him, he loved showing off.

It was a perfect union.

He helped the franchise get to the playoffs for the first time ever beside T-Mac in 2000. He could score at will and remains one of the best (if not THE best) in-game dunker of all-time. His athleticism was on another level.

Unlike McGrady, Carter spent most of his best statistical years in Toronto despite being traded during his prime. The season after the Raps got to the playoffs for the first time, VC averaged 27.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks on 46.0 percent shooting from the field and 40.8 percent shooting from downtown.

During his second (and last) go round in the playoffs with Toronto, Vince did all he could to try and make his way to The Finals. He and the Raptors lost in Game 7 to the Philadelphia 76ers, and that was the last fans got to see of Vinsanity try and win a playoff game for Toronto.

Over the past few years, most fans have seemingly forgiven Vince for his rough departure from the team. Some even want him to come back and play his last season in The Big Smoke.

It’s undeniable that Carter is one of the faces of Canadian basketball. He changed everything.

Some highlights:

  • Won the 1998-9 Rookie of the Year award
  • Made First Team All-Rookie
  • In his sophomore year, was selected as an All-Star, made Third Team All-NBA and emphatically won the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest
  • Made Second Team All-NBA in 2001
  • Scored 50 points in Game 3 of the 2001 series against Allen Iverson and the 76ers
  • Set an NBA playoff record in the same game for most threes made in a single game
  • Dropped a franchise record 51 points (now tied with Terrence Ross) against Phoenix in 2000
  • Five-time All-Star with Toronto
  • Gold medalist from the 2000 Olympics
  • First in franchise points per game (23.4)
  • First in franchise usage percentage (29.8)
  • First in franchise PER (21.8)
  • Second in franchise field goals made (3,541)
  • Second in franchise minutes per game (37.5)
  • Second in franchise total win shares (47.7)
  • Second in franchise points (9,420)
  • Third in franchise steals (534)
  • Third in franchise blocks (415)
  • Third in franchise free throws made (1,784)
  • Fourth in franchise assists (1,553)
  • Fifth in franchise rebounds (2,091)

Some list. Oh, and he did this. Good lord did he do that.

Love him or hate him, Vince Carter was one heck of a player. The Raptors made one of the best draft day trades ever by snagging him.

Next: NBA Draft: Best Player Ever Selected in all 60 Spots

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