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TSN Raptors Reporter

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With the Toronto Raptors celebrating their 20th anniversary season in 2014-15, Josh Lewenberg and TSN.ca take a look back at the franchise's first two decades with weekly Top Five lists, counting down the standout and signature players and moments in team history.

5. Bruno Caboclo (2014-Present)

What is Bruno doing on this list over the likes of Jose Calderon, Matt Bonner and Reggie Evans - all worthy candidates - you might ask. Fair question. He's only been a Raptor for nine months, appearing in just four games and logging a grand total of 16 minutes. But no rookie in the history of the franchise, and maybe the NBA, has ever been embraced as a cult hero quite like the 19-year-old Brazilian. Consider his debut. With the Raps up big on the Bucks in late November, the sellout Air Canada Centre crowd chanted for the young forward. When he finally checked in, playing the entire fourth quarter, the building reached a fever pitch. They roared each time he touched the ball and used his name in a variety of chants that ultimately left the soft-spoken Caboclo speechless after the game. "Butterflies in my stomach," said Caboclo, describing the feeling. "Bruno is like Justin Bieber," fellow Brazilian Lucas Nogueira joked. Fans were skeptical when Ujiri went off the board to select Caboclo 20th overall in last June's entry draft, but are justifiably intrigued by his enormous wingspan, sound jumper and general mystique. Will they have the same patience for him if and when his development process plays out on the court, in meaningful game time (years away)? Perhaps, but for now he remains beloved.

4. Amir Johnson (2009-Present)

When Johnson - a young and relatively unknown commodity - was acquired in an under the radar deal during the summer of 2009, the local media declined an opportunity to interview him upon his arrival. It didn't seem necessary. A year later, his contract extension raised eyebrows. Now, six seasons into his time in Toronto, it's one of the league's bargain deals and Johnson has become a staple in the Raptors lineup, considered to be their best screener and help defender. His workmanlike approach and penchant for playing through injuries - a common thread on this list - endeared him to the fan base. On top of that, few have embraced the city like he has. Slowed by a series of nagging ankle ailments in recent years, Masai Ujiri will have a difficult decision on his hands this summer when Johnson hits unrestricted free agency. Parting ways with the team's longest tenured player may not sit well with the Raptors faithful.

3. Morris Peterson (2000-07)

The franchise leader in games played, Peterson has become synonymous with the Raptors brand. His career began just as the team was at its peak, pairing with Vince Carter on the wing, ultimately bridging the gap to the Chris Bosh era and division-winning season in 2006-07. Playing a full 82-game season four years in a row, Mo Pete was as reliable as they come, a true iron man. He defended his position well, hit his shots and often dazzled the crowd with circus plays you'd have to see to believe. After seven seasons in Toronto, Peterson signed with New Orleans as a free agent. His return to the ACC was a memorable one. "I might start crying," the forward had said before that game in 2008. As the crowd gave him a well deserved standing ovation, he walked to centre court and planted a kiss on the Raptor logo, a fitting moment for one of the most admired and respected players in the franchise's 20-year history.

2. Jerome Williams (2001-03)

Williams couldn't wait to become a Raptor. Acquired from the Pistons at the trade deadline in 2001, the veteran forward immediately jumped in his car and drove to Toronto so he could be at practice the following day. That was just the beginning. Self proclaimed the Junkyard Dog, his energy and love for the game was contagious, not just on the court but throughout the arena, where fans frequently chanted for JYD. His style of play was easy to appreciate and identify with. Williams made the most of his ability through tenacious effort, particularly on the defensive end and on the boards. He filled a crucial role off the bench as the Raps won their first and only postseason series and helped them make an unexpected playoff push in Carter's absence the following year. To this day, his bark still resonates with Raptors fans.

1. Alvin Williams (1998-06)

An underdog through and through, Williams was drafted as a second-rounder and came to Toronto in the trade for Damon Stoudamire during his rookie year. In his eight seasons with the Raptors, the point guard played with debilitating injuries, won position battles over more experienced teammates and overcame the team's botched attempt to trade him away. After a deal sending Williams to Boston was nixed by his failed physical (or Rick Pitino's cold feet), the Philadelphia-native was forced to swallow some pride, making the best of an uncomfortable situation. A year later, his improved play made newly signed starting point guard Mark Jackson expendable at the trade deadline, allowing Williams to blossom in a new role, for a winning team. His crowning moment came during the playoffs in a deciding Game 5 at Madison Square Garden, hitting the go-ahead bucket, the biggest shot in franchise history. Everyone loves an underdog, but Williams' mental toughness and admiration for the city and its fan base puts him over the top.

Honourable mention: Jose Calderon (2005-13), Matt Bonner (2004-06), Muggsy Bogues (1999-01), Reggie Evans (2009-11), Jorge Garbajosa (2006-08), Lou Williams (2014-present)