6 Basketball Players who Played for Suns 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 Phoenix Suns 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 Suns and the Raptors.
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)
Shawn Marion
Shawn Marion, nicknamed “The Matrix”, was drafted 9th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 1999 NBA Draft. He quickly became a key player for the Suns, known for his ability to fill up the stat sheet with points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
Marion was a four-time NBA All-Star and was considered one of the most versatile players in the league, capable of playing and defending multiple positions effectively. His career includes stops with the Heat, Raptors, and Cavaliers, but he is perhaps best remembered for his time with the Mavericks, where he won an NBA Championship in 2011.
For his career, Marion scored 17,700 points, grabbed 10,101 rebounds, and racked up 1759 steals, which demonstrates his ability to contribute across various facets of the game.
Marion Key Stats
- All-NBA (Suns)
- All-Star (Suns)
- NBA Championship (Mavericks)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Suns)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Suns)
Goran Dragic
Goran Dragić was selected as the 45th overall pick in the second round of the 2008 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs, but he was subsequently traded to the Phoenix Suns.
Over his career, Dragić has played for several teams, including the Suns, Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, and Toronto Raptors. He was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2014 and earned an All-Star selection in 2018.
Dragić has career averages (to date) of 13.3 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game. His crafty playmaking, scoring ability, and leadership on the court have been key factors in his success as an NBA player. He played an instrumental role in helping the Miami Heat reach the NBA Finals in 2020.
Dragic Key Stats
- All-Star (Heat)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Heat)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Rockets, Suns, Heat)
Jermaine O’Neal
Jermaine O’Neal is most recognized for his time with the Indiana Pacers. A versatile center and power forward, O’Neal’s career spanned 18 seasons from 1996 to 2014, during which he played for multiple teams, including the Trail Blazers, Heat, Celtics, Suns, and Warriors.
Selected directly out of high school by the Trail Blazers in the 1996 NBA Draft, O’Neal spent his initial seasons in a limited role. However, upon being traded to the Pacers, he flourished and became a key player, earning six All-Star selections and being named the NBA’s Most Improved Player for the 2001-02 season.
O’Neal’s prime years in Indiana were marked by consistent scoring and rebounding, as well as a robust defensive presence that earned him multiple All-NBA nods. Despite the individual accolades, team success eluded O’Neal, as the Pacers made several playoff appearances but never reached the NBA Finals during his tenure.
O’Neal Key Stats
- All NBA (Pacers)
- All-Star (Pacers)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Pacers)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Pacers)
P.J. Tucker
After being drafted by the Toronto Raptors in the second round of the 2006 NBA Draft, P.J. Tucker had a brief stint in the league before refining his skills overseas. He returned to the NBA in 2012, signing with the Phoenix Suns.
Tucker gained prominence during his five seasons with the Suns due to his gritty defense and ability to stretch the floor. However, it was his time with the Houston Rockets where he really made a mark, establishing himself as one of the league’s top “3-and-D” specialists.
Tucker has bounced around to multiple teams in recent years providing solid play on the court and veteran leadership, including the 2021 Championship Bucks team.
Jalen Rose
Jalen Rose had a successful 13-year career in the NBA. Rose was selected 13th overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1994 NBA Draft, and had stints with the Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, and New York Knicks.
Rose’s most successful years came with the Pacers, where he played a vital role in the team reaching the NBA Finals in 2000. That season, he averaged 18.2 points per game and proved himself to be a strong performer in the playoffs.
Post-retirement, Rose transitioned to a media career and has become a prominent sports analyst. Rose also established the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, a public charter school in his hometown of Detroit, underscoring his commitment to educational reform and community service.
Rose Key Stats
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Pacers, Bulls)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Nuggets, Pacers, Bulls, Raptors)
