Toronto Raptors: Top 5 Jonas Valanciunas highlights

With Jonas Valanciunas now gone, we honour the affable big man by counting down the top five moments from his career with the Toronto Raptors.

The Toronto Raptors made a significant move on Thursday, by trading for Marc Gasol. In the process, it removed any lingering doubt — if there was still any — that the Raptors are going all-in this season, even if it sets them up to take a major step back in future years.

As much as the overriding sentiment is that the Raptors made the right move by bringing in Gasol, there is still a somewhat bittersweet taste for the majority of fans. Comparable to the feeling when DeMar DeRozan was traded, a lot of people are saddened and shocked to see Jonas Valanciunas leave.

It was extremely easy to root for Valanciunas. It was clear the affable big man was liked by teammates, media and fans alike.

In addition, it was worth noting the 26-year-old had improved every year he had been in the league. Yes, there were still concerns about his defence, but his development was an ongoing process and you got the feeling he was going to continue to get better.

Unfortunately for Raptors fans, this process will now take place elsewhere. All that is left for us to do, is celebrate and honour Valanciunas, by counting down his top five moments in Southern Ontario.