From the basketball-rich nation of Lithuania, Jonas Valanciunas has emerged as one of the better big men in the NBA. 

Taken fifth in 2011, Valincuinas joined Toronto the following season, quickly becoming a starter.  After an average rookie season, the Center would begin to average double-digits in Points per Game, and also well over eight boards.  A good blocker, Valincuinas was unafraid to dig in and use his size, and his shooting skills were more than decent.  With the Raptors, Valincuinas finished three times in the top ten in Field Goal Percentage and twice in True Shooting Percentage and Total Rebound Percentage.  He has also shown incredible efficiency, thrice going over 20 in PER in a season with the team. 

As good as he became, The Raptors gambles and traded him to Memphis for Marc Gasol, and it was beneficial for both sides.  Toronto won the NBA Title, and Valincuinas had even higher production with the Grizzlies.  With Toronto, JV had solid numbers, averaging 11.9 Points and 8.4 Rebounds per Game.

We know what a lot of you are thinking.

How can Jose Calderon be ranked this high?

Kyle Lowry had a reputation of being a malcontent when he arrived in Toronto. 

It is safe to say that isn’t the case any more. 

DeMar DeRozan took over as the all-time leading scorer for the Toronto Raptors this past and he became the go to player for the “We The North” franchise”.  The four-time All-Star has watched his game statistically and efficiently improve his game year after year and the only reason he does not have a higher rank is because of his early seasons where his overall game was far from complete.