(Photo by: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Davis would end up providing the toughness in the paint and helped propel the Raptors into the playoffs.
A.D. spent some time in Europe, but he played for the Indiana Pacers team that pushed the Chicago Bulls to the brink in the 1998 playoffs. Here was a guy who knew how to play basketball.
His inclusion would give the Raps some veteran leadership and guidance.
Dr. Grant's role in JP was much like A.D. He was there to provide his years of paleontology experience to the park. That experience would save everyone, except for the guy who ran to the bathroom while hiding from a T-Rex and was devoured on the toilet. Grant warned him though, their vision is based on movement.
#5- 1996 NBA Draft
Picks- Marcus Camby
JP Character- Robert Muldoon
Marcus Camby was a pretty productive guy for the Raps; that's if you can get past the fact that the Raptors passed on Kobe Bryant, Ray Allen and Steve Nash. Toronto should have had a crack at Allen Iverson, but rules are rules I suppose...
Camby had his best scoring seasons while playing in Toronto averaging 13.4 points a game and 6.8 rebounds. Camby also maintained a strong defensive presence averaging 2.9 blocks per game. He never played more than 63 games though, and was traded in 1998 for....
Charles Oakley.
Oakley was nearing the end of his career, but he was a gritty player who complimented Antonio Davis and let Vince Carter roam the court at ease. Oakley was the man who had bodyguarded Michael Jordan like a cautious mother, and would do so for Carter in Toronto. The man is scary.
His 7.9 rebounds a game and sheer presence would help usher in the first playoff era for Toronto.
Robert Muldoon was the game warden of Jurassic Park and probably the most bad ass man in the movie. It was he who volunteered to guard Ellie Satler as they made their to through the jungle. Muldoon sent Satler ahead to hunt a pack of velociraptors, distracting them as she ran for it. He was promptly eaten by the clever predators, but he did the work necessary to save the day. Just like Oak.
Honourable Mention- 2003 NBA Draft
Picks- Chris Bosh
JP Character- Ray Arnold (Samuel L. Jackson)
When Vince Carter disappeared from Toronto, Bosh was left to fill the void; just like how Ray Arnold was forced to reprogram the park after Dennis Nedry's betrayal.
Both stepped up admirably, but now with Bosh haggling for a max contract, things are getting scary.
Bosh is heading out into the jungle to reset the mainframe, and soon all we may have left of him is a bloody stump of an arm.
Just like poor Sam Jackson.
Honourable Mention- 1995 NBA Draft
Picks- Damon Stoudamire, Jimmy King
JP Character- John Hammond
Damon Stoudamire was the first source of pride for Toronto Raptors basketball. At a time when the Raps could barely win a game, he put together a spectacular Rookie of the Year campaign (outplaying Kevin Garnett, Rasheed Wallace, and Jerry Stackhouse for it in the process).
Jimmy King was notable for being the trade bait required to bring Popeye Jones to Toronto; sending spinach sales through the roof. Thanks Jimmy!
But Stoudamire and John Hammond provided the enthused exuberance that fuelled the Raps inaugural season and the beginning of Jurassic Park. Although things might not have worked out like they planned, we'll never forget when they turned around and said, "Welcome...to Jurassic Park!"
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