For a long time, Vince Carter was considered the best Toronto Raptors player of all time. It wasn’t until Chris Bosh came that anyone else was even considered, but most still sided with the man who went by Air Canada while wearing the purple threads. Then the Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan era came around, and many thought VC15 was moving down the list.
Then Kawhi Leonard came to town, in a deal that cost the Raps a player many believed to be the greatest in Raptors history. While many fans were sour at first, Kawhi has basically flipped the script to all his doubters and solidified one of the greatest single-seasons in Raptors history. One that has led them to a franchise first NBA Finals appearance.
Everyone knew it would still be tough sledding from there, though. The Golden State Warriors were waiting for them, making their 5th straight Finals. They know a thing or two (or THREE) about winning Championships.
Steph Curry. Draymond Green. DeMarcus Cousins. Klay Thompson. A possible Kevin Durant return. This could be the starting lineup for the All-Star game, let alone one team.
Who’s the best player in the series, though? Vince Carter has no doubt.
It’s interesting that Carter would say this, because he’s actually been less of an impact on the scoreboard. While offence and points certainly isn’t everything, and Kawhi has absolutely been contributing in those other areas, he’s been taking around five less shots per game.
In the words of the Klaw himself, he isn’t trying to force any hero basketball.
We’ll see if Kawhi can keep the magic going in Game 4. Catch the game on TSN at 9pm ET/6pm PT!
(H/T The Jump)
