High Five! All Time Toronto Raptors Starting Five

Given that the Raptors are still a relatively new franchise, they have not had much in terms of playoff success or longevity of players in a Raptors' uniform. The team had players who had their best years with Toronto (Damon Stoudamire) and others who came on the downside of their career (Jalen Rose) but were still solid enough. Then you had those who blossomed elsewhere and were not with the franchise long enough to entertain us while they are/were in their peak (Tracy McGrady, Marcus Camby, Chauncey Billups).

Having written all of that, I chose my lineup based on the players contributions to the success to the franchise and the impact that they had. Picking the team that I did, I went for chemistry, offense, quickness. The lineup also brings a combination of leadership, hustle, defense and other intangibles. I feel that it is a solid complement of different skills and abilities of stars and role players that can win games together. Let's introduce them, shall we?

PG Jose Calderon

Why?: The current starting PG for the Raps will finally get to do his thing on a full time basis and not have to worry about splitting time with T.J Ford. When a starter, he put up some All-star caliber numbers and can shoot well from anywhere. He's quick, passes well, and plays with passion. I always thought he was a poor man's Steve Nash given his ability to go to the glass and lay it in with his left and I think that's a fair comparison even down to their inability to play much defence. He can't guard the quick ones, but he tries hard and I applaud effort. If I watched the Raptors from their inception, then I might be inclined to put Mighty Mouse, Damon Stoudamire here as he put up some sick numbers for a PG his size and won Rookie of the Year as well. Jose's putting up some good numbers himself and has contributed to the Raptors making the playoffs the past two years so he gets my nod here.

SG Alvin Williams

Why?: This was the toughest position by far for me to pick. In addition to Alvin, I considered Doug Christie, Morris Peterson, and Jalen Rose. Alvin retired as the franchise's all time leader in assists mainly because he played the point his entire career, but he did put in some time at the 2-spot and I can't ignore his defence and clutch shooting. Christie fits more the mold of the prototypical 2-guard as he can handle the ball, shoot, and play defence. In fact he was the better player, but I loved Alvin's heart and thought he had more of an impact. Mo Pete is the franchise leader in games played and he also brought a lot of heart and energy to the Raptors, but I felt that he didn't contribute as much to the Raptors' playoff success as Alvin had. There have definitely been better players than Alvin Williams, but he blossomed as a Raptor after becoming a forgotten man at one point but that perseverance allowed him to become an important member of that team that made its best playoff run in the 2001-0 season and that's why he's in my lineup.

SF Vince Carter (The Vince from 1998-2002)

Why?: Vince is still a sore topic with me. Arguably the greatest player in franchise history, his unceremonious departure still hurts today. He wasted his talent in his last years as a Raptor by having a poor attitude and injuries certainly made him a different player. That's why I'm going with the Vince Carter from his first four years in the league when he was making the nightly highlight reels as Vinsanity. If you want to call me out for ignoring his latter years as a Raptor, I just have to say that he was a different player in the years after and this is my article for open mic so I get to make and bend the rules for my own convenience. Vince was fearless, he attacked the rim, played defence when he had to and was your go to scorer. He would be the focal point of offense in this lineup and people would tune in to watch because Vince back then was a beast.

PF Chris Bosh

Why?: Fairly easy choice given that he has led the Raptors back into the playoffs, is an All-star who is still getting better and is the current face of the franchise. Plus, the videos for his website and stint on Jay Leno as a reporter were hilarious and get him some love from me. Easy pick here, but I did have to give it some thought only because I really wanted Charles Oakley in my lineup. Once he came to Toronto (along with Vince), the Raptors' identity changed. They had toughness and it all came from the Oak Man. I loved the no nonsense attitude that he brought to the team and he kept the other players focused. Since he moved on from the team, the label of 'soft' has been attached to the Raptors and they have not been able to shake it off.

C Rafael Araujo

Why?: Just kidding.

C Antonio Davis

Why?: He wasn't even a true center (I'm from Canada but I'll spell it the American way for the readers. Do I get points for that?) but he was the best the Raptors have had at the position. He brought toughness, defence, and leadership that was essential in the years of their first playoff run. AD could play the post but could also hit the jumper off the block and I feel that he and Bosh would complement each other quite well as a front-court. He was even an All-star as a Raptor and that gets him points.

There you have it. My all-time starting lineup for the Toronto Raptors.  Thanks for reading!