The 5 most ferocious Toronto Raptors of all time

The Toronto Raptors haven't always enjoyed the type of on-court success their rabid fanbase dreams of, but the franchise has produced a number of ferocious fan favorites in its quest for that elusive glory.

Here are five such Raptors legends.

Charles Oakley

Only three of Oakley's 19 NBA seasons were spent north of the border, but the scowling big man was the baddest man on the block during the franchise's most successful and memorable period.

Oakley was the wily veteran budding superstars like Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady could lean on – and hide behind if need be – endearing himself to Raptors fans while striking fear in the hearts of his opponents.

This excerpt from the Toronto Star's Doug Smith on Oakley in 2007 says it all:

He was a guy who got suspended for a Raptor game for drilling a basketball at Jeff McInnis's head at a shootaround. He got tossed from a pre-season game before it began for slapping Tyrone Hill in the head to remind him about a gambling debt.

Oakley has a long list of memorable sayings, ranging from "If it ain't broke, don't break it," to "Just because there's glass on the road don't mean there's been an accident."

Ferocious, indeed. And slightly terrifying.

Jerome Williams

Can any former Raptor (not named Oakley) embody what it means to be 'ferocious' quite like the man dubbed Junkyard Dog?

Williams averaged a modest 7.9 points and seven rebounds over his 180 games with the Raptors, but his penchant for being the first to hit the floor or dive three rows into the crowd often received the loudest cheers of the night, particularly from his own supporters' section: The Dogg Pound.

He also once did this to Dikembe Mutombo.

Antonio Davis

Before DeMar DeRozan or Kyle Lowry came along, Davis was the only Raptor not named Carter or Bosh to represent the team in an All-Star game. But make no mistake, his game was predicated on ferocity, not finesse.

Davis is perhaps best remembered for his role in helping the Carter-less Raptors finish the 2001-02 season on a 12-2 tear to squeak into the playoffs, with the career 10 points per game scorer averaging 20 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and a block over the final nine games.

Keon Clark

The most surprising name on this list for younger fans shouldn't surprise Day 1 die-hards.

Clark only played parts of six seasons in the Association, with two of those coming in Toronto, but his high energy play was an inspiring component of the only Raptors team to win a playoff series.

Over his 127 games with the Raptors, Clark averaged nearly 11 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks, posting a Player Efficiency Rating of 17.5 while setting the franchise record for blocks in a game (12) that still stands today. His 16 rebounds in a playoff game, meanwhile, recorded in 2002 against the Detroit Pistons, stood as a team record until Jonas Valanciunas collected 18 against the Brooklyn Nets last season.

His trademark snarl and thunderous posters won't soon be forgotten.

Amir Johnson

When it comes to the last six years of Raptors basketball, three things have been certain: death, taxes and Amir Johnson playing through pain.

The veteran big man has missed a grand total of just 25 games through six seasons with the franchise, despite a plethora of ankle sprains that would make mere mortals quiver.

The toughness of modern athletes is often called into question by old-timers. Not one would dare question Johnson's ferocity.