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Toronto Raptors: Chris Bosh’s place in franchise history

By Paul Taylor

NEW YORK - JANUARY 28: Chris Bosh #4 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket between Wilson Chandler #21 and Al Harrington #1 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 28, 2010 in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - JANUARY 28: Chris Bosh #4 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket between Wilson Chandler #21 and Al Harrington #1 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 28, 2010 in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) /
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Chris Bosh has all but officially retired from the NBA, but where does he stand among the best players to ever put on a Toronto Raptors jersey?

What is Chris Bosh‘s place in Toronto Raptors history, when it comes to ranking his importance to the franchise? Suddenly, this question take on more prominence.

Speaking to The Ringer‘s Bill Simmons on Monday, Bosh essentially admitted his NBA career is over. While he hasn’t officially retired yet, he said:

"“That has been a tough thing to deal with, but I’m good…That time has passed. I’ve made the decision not to pursue it anymore.”"

As recently as last season, Bosh was still convinced he would be able to play in the NBA again. However, due to ongoing issues with blood clotting, he has finally decided to move on to the next stage of his life.

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The 34-year-old has said he will officially retire during his jersey retirement ceremony in Miami next month. Understandably, thoughts turn to if the Raptors should follow suit.

The Raptors are one of just three teams in the NBA, who do not have any retired numbers. In this respect, does Bosh deserve to receive the honour in Toronto?

This is not necessarily an easy question to answer. Retiring Bosh’s jersey is more straightforward in Miami, where he helped the Heat advance to four consecutive NBA Finals and win two championships, albeit with a lot of help from LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.

It is pretty much accepted that Bosh is one of the top four players in Raptors history as of right now, along with Vince Carter, DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry. But is he number one?

After all, Carter is the star who put the team on the map with his dazzling skills and by helping them make their first foray into the playoffs, in three consecutive seasons. Meanwhile, DeRozan and Lowry were and are respectively part of the most consistently successful period in franchise history.

However, when you delve a little deeper, Bosh has a stronger argument for being ranked first. Consider that he has the best defensive and overall win shares in team history, and is second for offensive win shares (behind Lowry).

The 2003 fourth overall draft pick is also first in franchise history for total offensive, defensive and total rebounds. In addition, he made five All-Star appearances as a Raptor and helped them win their first ever division title.

The problem is, Bosh never convinced you or gave you the confidence that he was a genuine superstar. In fact, he was almost the main man by default in Toronto.

The reality is, the Dallas, Texas native only had one winning season during his seven seasons North of the Border, helping the team qualify for the playoffs on just two occasions. Does that really sound like someone who should have his jersey retired?

In fairness, the question should really be, does Bosh deserve to have his Raptors’ jersey retired first? Most people would initially think this honour should go to Carter.

However, does Carter deserve the honour after how he left Toronto? No matter how much certain people attempt to sweep it under the carpet now, his attitude towards the end of his time in Southern Ontario was unprofessional. (And that’s putting it kindly.)

The more you think about this, the more it seems like DeRozan or Lowry deserve the honour of having their jersey retired first by the Raptors. After all they’ve achieved, i.e the individual records, the team success and their loyalty, it actually makes a lot of sense.

In fact, it could even serve as a double-ceremony. What better way to celebrate two players who are best friends off the court, by retiring both of their jerseys at the same time.

At this point, some people may ask if this means waiting for one or both of DeRozan or Lowry to retire? However, given the Raptors have already been around for 23 seasons, what’s another few years?

Overall, when it comes down to it, there is no denying Bosh is one of the best players in franchise history. However — assuming it’s going to happen — he should wait his turn to have his jersey retired in Toronto.

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Where would you rank Bosh in franchise history? Do you believe the Toronto Raptors should retire his jersey or not, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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