THE Toronto Raptors retired the primary jersey in franchise historical past this season, placing Vince Carter’s quantity 15 within the rafters.
Who ought to be subsequent?
Philadelphia 76ers 9-time NBA All-Star Paul George lately addressed the subject on “Podcast P.’
George defended the case of three gamers, together with one in every of his former teammates and a present one as properly.
For starters, George is certain DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry deserve the honors.
For years, the 2 NBA veterans had loads of common season success with the Raptors. DeRozan, a former High 10 decide of the Raptors, appeared in 5 playoff sequence for Toronto.
Despite the fact that DeRozan’s finest years within the playoffs got here throughout his time in Toronto, the Raptors by no means received the championship below the veteran ahead.
Nonetheless, George is satisfied DeRozan did sufficient to have his jersey retired.
Paul George thinks Kawhi Leonard, DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry ought to all have their jersey numbers retired by the Toronto Raptors.
“DeMar and Kyle must go collectively.”
“The town of Toronto ought to put Kawhi up there, simply because he received a championship for… pic.twitter.com/6SguKhS5zh
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“It’s a must to take into consideration what DeMar did in Toronto,” George stated.
In 9 seasons, DeRozan performed practically 700 video games. He averaged 20 factors, 4 rebounds and three assists throughout that stretch. DeRozan was a three-time All-Star as a Raptor.
As for Lowry, George believes longevity is the important thing to his case.
“Kyle’s longevity, he deserves it,” George stated
Having been within the league since 2006, Lowry raced with a number of groups earlier than touchdown in Toronto. After touchdown with the Raptors in 2012, Lowry performed there all through the 2020-2021 season.
The veteran guard averaged 18 factors, seven assists and 5 rebounds over 9 seasons. Lowry was a six-time All-Star for the Raptors and performed a task within the franchise’s first NBA Finals victory.
George’s third argument got here for his former Los Angeles Clippers teammate, Kawhi Leonard. Though Leonard solely spent one season with the Raptors, George believes the sport was impactful sufficient to think about Leonard a franchise legend.
“Kawhi, I do know it’s one season, however the metropolis of Toronto ought to put Kawhi up there. He received a championship for them,” George stated.
You will not discover anybody who would not dispute that Leonard held probably the most worth on the Raptors’ roster throughout their championship run in 2018-19.
Through the common season, Leonard averaged 27 factors and 7 rebounds whereas taking pictures 37 % from three.
Within the playoffs, Leonard posted averages of 31 factors, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. He was thought of the MVP of the 2019 NBA Finals.
One season may not be sufficient for Leonard’s jersey to be retired within the North, however George’s sentiment is not off the mark. This might be one thing the group would take into account in just a few years.
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