Greatest Shot Blockers in Toronto Raptors History: A Top 5 Ranking

Chris Bosh is often remembered for his successful tenure with the Miami Heat, where he won two championships. However, his impressive NBA career started in Toronto when he was selected as the No. 4 pick in the 2003 Draft. Bosh excelled in all areas of the game during his time with the Raptors, particularly standing out on defense by averaging 1.4 blocks per game as a rookie. He continued to showcase his defensive prowess by maintaining at least 1.0 blocks per game in each of his remaining five seasons in Toronto.

1. Chris Bosh, 2003-10 (600 blocks)

2. Amir Johnson, 2009-15 (480 blocks)

Amir Johnson entered the league as a second-round pick of the Detroit Pistons in 2005. After four years in Detroit, Johnson arrived in Toronto via trade before the 2009-10 season. Johnson’s best all-around seasons would come during his time with the Raptors. Johnson leveraged his 6-foot-9 frame to average between 1.1 and 1.6 blocks per contest in all but the last of his five seasons in Toronto. 

3. Jonas Valančiūnas, 2012-19 (472 blocks) 

Jonas Valanciunas continues to thrive entering his 14th season, but he initially established himself with the Raptors beginning in the 2012-13 campaign. The 6-foot-11 Lithuanian was selected by Toronto with the fifth overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. Valanciunas quickly nabbed NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors partly by virtue of his 1.3 blocks per game. He’d go on to record over 1.0 rejections per contest in two other Raptors seasons before a trade sent him to the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2018-19 season.

4. Vince Carter, 1998-2004 (415 blocks)

Hall of Famer Vince Carter planted the seeds for his memorable 22-year NBA run during his time with the Raptors, where he landed via a draft-night trade with the Golden State Warriors in June 1998. Carter made his professional debut in February of that season following the conclusion of the lockout, and he established himself immediately. In terms of blocks, Carter amassed them at a clip of between 1 and 1.5 per game in four of his first five seasons, which made him an elite defensive presence.

5. Antonio Davis, 1999-2003, 2006 (405 blocks)

Antonio Davis was a seasoned pro when he arrived in Toronto in 1999. He played in both Greece and Italy for three years before suiting up for the Indiana Pacers for six seasons. Davis blossomed as a scorer with the Raptors, but his defensive game also grew during that period. Davis averaged between 1.1 and a career-high 1.9 blocks per game, making his first Raptors stint the high point of his impressive 13-year NBA career.