6 Basketball Players who Played for Grizzlies and Raptors
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Grizzlies and the Raptors.
Marc Gasol
Marc Gasol was drafted 48th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2007 NBA Draft, his rights were later traded to Memphis where he made his NBA debut in 2008.
With Memphis, Gasol became one of the league’s premier centers, being named an All-Star three times and winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2013. He was also a key part of the “Grit and Grind” Grizzlies that made several deep playoff runs.
In 2019, he was traded to the Toronto Raptors, where he played a crucial role in the team’s run to their first NBA Championship. Post the championship run, he had short stints with the Lakers and the Grizzlies again before leaving the NBA to return to Spain to play for Girona in 2021.
Gasol Key Stats
- All-NBA (Grizzlies)
- All-Star (Grizzlies)
- NBA Championship (Raptors)
Kyle Lowry
Kyle Lowry was selected 24th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2006 NBA Draft. The point guard later found significant success with the Toronto Raptors, with whom he spent the majority of his career.
Lowry is a six-time NBA All-Star (2015–2020) and was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2016. His biggest career highlight came in 2019 when he helped lead the Raptors to their first-ever NBA Championship, defeating the Golden State Warriors in the Finals.
In terms of statistics, Lowry has averaged about 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists per game over his career. He is particularly known for his three-point shooting, leadership on the court, and gritty defensive play.
Lowry Key Stats
- All-NBA (Raptors)
- All-Star (Raptors)
- NBA Championship (Raptors)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Raptors)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Rockets, Raptors, Heat)
Vince Carter
Vince Carter is renowned for his extraordinary leaping ability, scoring prowess, and longevity in the league. He was selected fifth overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 1998 NBA Draft but was immediately traded to the Toronto Raptors, where he quickly emerged as a star.
Carter was a sensation in Toronto, earning the nickname “Vinsanity” for his remarkable athleticism and spectacular dunks. His performance in the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest, where he showcased a variety of stunning dunks, remains one of the most memorable in NBA history.
Throughout his career, Carter earned eight All-Star selections. Remarkably, he played 22 seasons in the NBA, retiring after the 2019-2020 season with the Hawks. His longevity, combined with his high-flying playing style and scoring ability, ensured his place as one of the most entertaining and respected players in NBA history.
Carter Key Stats
- Rookie of the Year (Raptors)
- All-NBA (Raptors)
- All-Star (Raptors, Nets)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Raptors, Nets)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Nets)
Rudy Gay
Rudy Gay is an NBA forward known for his scoring ability, athleticism, and versatility on the court. Selected from UConn 8th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2006 NBA Draft, Gay was subsequently traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he spent the initial part of his NBA journey.
With the Grizzlies, he quickly developed into one of the team’s primary scoring options and played a significant role in the team’s growth as a Western Conference contender.
Following his tenure in Memphis, Gay played for the Raptors, Kings, Spurs, and Jazz. Throughout his career, he’s been recognized for his ability to create his own shot and provide instant offense, either as a starter or coming off the bench.
Gay Key Stats
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Grizzlies, Kings)
Jonas Valanciunas
Jonas Valanciunas is a 6’11” center from Lithuania. He was selected 5th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors. He spent his early NBA career with the Raptors, where he made significant contributions as a solid post-scorer and rebounder.
In the middle of the 2018-19 season, Valanciunas was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. He continued to demonstrate his strong skills in the paint and rebounding with the Grizzlies.
In 2021, Valanciunas was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, where he continues to bring his strong interior presence to the team. Over his career, Valanciunas has been recognized as one of the more consistent centers in the league.
Valanciunas Key Stats
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Grizzlies, Pelicans)
Danny Green
Danny Green is celebrated for his three-point shooting prowess and staunch perimeter defense. After playing college basketball for the University of North Carolina, where he won an NCAA championship in 2009, Green was selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Though he had a slow start to his NBA career, Green eventually found his footing with the San Antonio Spurs. He was part of the Spurs’ 2014 NBA Championship team and set a record for most three-pointers in an NBA Finals series that year.
Green’s value as a “3-and-D” player has kept him in demand. He played for the Toronto Raptors, contributing to their 2019 NBA Championship win. After his stint in Toronto, Green played for the Los Angeles Lakers and was instrumental in their 2020 NBA Championship run, marking his third NBA title with three different teams.
