Kyle Lowry is widely regarded as the GROAT (the Greatest Raptor of All Time) and for good reason.
The former Toronto star has had some amazing moments over the years. He ranks first in franchise history in assists, three-pointers made, steals, triple-doubles, and win shares. More importantly, he played a pivotal role in delivering the Raptors’ first and only NBA championship in 2019.
So when it comes to deciding who belongs on the Raptors’ Mount Rushmore, Lowry’s opinion carries significant weight. During a recent appearance with @PleaseRelateToThis, Lowry revealed his personal Raptors Mount Rushmore. This list included: himself, Vince Carter, DeMar DeRozan, and Alvin Williams.
While the first three names are hardly surprising, Williams’ inclusion is bound to spark debate among Raptors fans. Building a Mount Rushmore is never easy. Worthy candidates always seem to be left out, and in this case, several franchise legends have strong arguments for being up there.
One of those names is Kawhi Leonard. Although he spent just one season in Toronto, it could be argued that it was the greatest individual season in franchise history.
Leonard led the Raptors to the 2019 championship and delivered one of the most memorable playoff runs the NBA has ever seen. He scored 732 points during the postseason which is the third-highest total in a single playoff run in league history.
Along the way, he hit the iconic four-bounce buzzer-beater against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 of round two, posterized Giannis Antetokounmpo during the Eastern Conference Finals, and dominated the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals to help end their dynasty.
To cap it all off, Leonard became just the third player in NBA history to win Finals MVP with two different teams and the first to accomplish the feat with franchises from both conferences.
Another notable player is Chris Bosh. The Hall of Famer emerged as an All-Star in just his third NBA season and enjoyed a remarkable five-year stretch in Toronto, averaging 22.8 points and 9.9 rebounds per game while shooting 50 percent from the field. During that span, he was the only player in the league to hit all three marks.
Bosh also helped stabilize the franchise following Vince Carter’s departure, leading the Raptors to three consecutive playoff appearances and ushering in a new era of competitiveness.
Then there’s Pascal Siakam, whose resume continues to grow in significance as time passes. Across eight seasons in Toronto, Siakam became one of the most accomplished players in franchise history, ranking fifth among the team’s all-time leaders in games played and points scored.
He was also a key contributor to the 2019 championship team and captured the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award during that same season.
As for Williams, his impact on Raptors history shouldn’t be overlooked. He was regarded as a fan favourite and respected leader. Still, when comparing resumes many fans would likely argue that Leonard, Bosh, or Siakam have stronger cases for a spot on the mountain.
Then again, Mount Rushmore debates are rarely objective. Personal relationships often influence opinions, and Lowry’s connection with Williams runs deep. Both are Philadelphia natives and Villanova products, sharing a connection to each other that extends well beyond their ties to the Raptors.
Whether fans agree with Lowry’s choices or not, one thing is certain: any Raptors Mount Rushmore conversation begins with the GROAT himself.