Best Draft Pick In Toronto Raptors History

Since joining the league in 1995 as one of two Canadian expansion teams, the Toronto Raptors have become "Canada’s Team," capturing a historic world championship in 2019. While the "We The North" culture is now world-renowned, it was built on a foundation headed up by three draft picks who each left their mark on the Raptors franchise.

Chris Bosh, selected fourth overall in the legendary 2003 NBA Draft, stepped into the void left by Vince Carter as a skinny 19-year-old forward. Bosh quickly became the face of the franchise over his seven seasons, growing into a five-time All-Star in Toronto. A nightly double-double threat who led the team to its first-ever Atlantic Division title in 2007, Bosh remains the franchise’s all-time leader in rebounds and blocks, proving that a superstar could not only thrive in Toronto but also lead them to the postseason.

Years later, the Raptors found a diamond in the rough with Pascal Siakam. Selected 27th overall in 2016 out of New Mexico State, Siakam grew from a late first-round draft pick into an All-Star. Once a G League Finals MVP, Siakam eventually became the second scoring option on the 2019 championship team. A multiple-time All-NBA selection and All-Star, Siakam’s journey from a late first-rounder to vital championship component is one of the best stories in franchise history. 

When it comes to the best draft pick in franchise history, however, DeMar DeRozan stands out above all others. 

One of the most sought-after high-school recruits to come out of Compton, California, DeRozan decided to stay close to home to play for the USC Trojans, despite having scholarship offers to attend more traditionally successful Division I programs.  In what would be his one-and-done college season, DeRozan led the Trojans to the second round of the NCAA Tournament before declaring for the 2009 NBA Draft. 

Selected ninth overall by the Raptors, DeRozan joined a retooling Toronto team that featured a strong starting unit, but had little in the way of depth off the bench. After starting with the second unit, DeRozan finished the season playing 65 of 77 games with the starting five, averaging just 8.6 points and 2.9 rebounds. 

Becoming a full-time starter in his sophomore season, DeRozan more than doubled his scoring average, becoming one of the best transition and mid-range threats in the game. As the Raptors roster began to fill out, it would be no surprise that the team reached the playoffs for the first time in five years at the same time that DeRozan had his first All-Star worthy season. 

DeRozan and the Raptors would go on to appear in the postseason four more times, advancing as far as the Eastern Conference Finals in 2015-16. 

Over nine seasons, DeRozan transformed from a raw, high-flying rookie into a four-time All-Star, etching his way into the Raptors record book.  Upon being traded to the San Antonio Spurs in the summer of 2018, a move that did not sit well with the Raptors fan base, DeRozan left Canada’s only NBA team as the franchise’s all-time leader in games played (675), total points (13,296), field goals made (4,719), and free throws made (3,539). 

DeRozan wasn't just a great player; he was the first superstar who truly seemed to want to be a Raptor for life, setting the standard for loyalty and excellence. His journey from a 19-year-old rookie to the greatest scorer in franchise history makes him the undisputed best draft pick in Toronto’s history.