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Toronto Raptors: 10 stars you didn’t know played for the Raptors

By Holden Walter-Warner

OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 13: Hedo Turkoglu #26 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena on March 13, 2010 in Oakland, California. The Warriors won 124-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 13: Hedo Turkoglu #26 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena on March 13, 2010 in Oakland, California. The Warriors won 124-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo credit should read CARLO ALLEGRI/AFP via Getty Images) /

10. Damon Stoudamire

Hardcore Raptors historians may remember Damon Stoudamire as a footnote in franchise history. After all, only one player can stake the claim of being the team’s first ever draft pick; Stoudamire was selected with the seventh overall pick of the 1995 NBA Draft after an illustrious collegiate career with the Arizona Wildcats.

Stoudamire also may be more memorable than most on this list because he spent more time on the team, making it to a third season with the Raptors. Nothing compared to his initial burst with the team, though. During his rookie season, the guard averaged 19.0 points and 9.3 assists per game, shooting 39.5 percent from 3-point range and becoming the first Raptor to win Rookie of the Year (Vince Carter is the only other).

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His second season was arguably better. Stoudamire started 81 games, scoring a career-high 20.2 points per game. His assist numbers dropped slightly, but it seemed like the Raptors had a star to build their franchise around.

Averaging 19.4 points per game during his third season, the Raptors suddenly cut the cord, sending him and two others to the Portland Trail Blazers for three players, three picks and cash. Stoudamire’s career fell off in Portland.

Stoudamire still holds many of the franchise rookie records and started every game he played for the Raptors, though none of those games took place in the postseason. He’s now in his fourth season as head coach of the Pacific Tigers in college basketball’s West Coast Conference.

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