Andrea Bargnani
The Big A: The Raptors' first number one pick and a towering beacon of hope.
Selected first overall in the 2006 NBA Draft, Andrea Bargnani became the Toronto Raptors' inaugural number-one pick. Fans quickly dubbed him "The Big A," making him the face of a team shifting from lottery dependence to playoff contention. He brought international flair and elite shooting into the paint, signaling a new era of global scouting for the franchise.
- Role
- Center/Power Forward
- Affiliation
- Toronto Raptors (2006–2013)
- Draft Status
- First Overall Pick (2006 NBA Draft)
- Jersey Number
- 7
- Status
- Franchise Legend / Retired
- Legacy
- First-ever #1 pick in Raptors history
Lore & Background
The bond between Bargnani and the Toronto fanbase was immediate and profound. Despite the growing pains of an NBA rookie adapting to a physical league, he commanded respect through his basketball IQ and sportsmanship. He became the centerpiece of the "Big Three" era alongside Chris Bosh and Vince Carter, leading the Raptors to their first ever 50-win season in 2007-08. Even after his trade to New York, his jersey number 7 remains one of the most recognizable symbols of that specific chapter in Raptors lore.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Air Canada Centre was thick with anticipation as the 2006 Draft unfolded. When the Commissioner's voice boomed, "With the first pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors select Andrea Bargnani," the arena erupted. A young Italian giant walked onto the hardwood for the first time, clutching a Raptors jersey that felt heavier than any he had worn before. He looked up at the rafters, realizing that from this moment on, his name was forever etched into the fabric of Toronto basketball history.
Reader's Guide
Andrea Bargnani's tenure with the Raptors (2006–2013) is defined by high expectations and a unique skill set. As the first-ever number one pick in franchise history, he carried the weight of a city on his shoulders immediately upon arrival. His signature move was an unstoppable mid-range jumper from deep in the paint, often stepping out to 18 feet to drain shots over defenders. This ability made him a nightmare for traditional centers and opened up driving lanes for teammates. He peaked during the 2007-08 season, helping lead Toronto to its first-ever 50-win campaign. Although he was never officially retired by the franchise due to NBA rules regarding jersey retirement timelines and his subsequent trade, Bargnani is universally regarded as a legend in Toronto. His number 7 is rarely worn by active players out of respect for his contributions.
Did You Know?
- Bargnani was the first player selected from Europe with the number one overall pick in NBA history.
- He holds the Raptors record for most points scored in a single game by a rookie (36 points).
- His selection in 2006 marked the first time the Raptors held the top draft pick since their inception.
- Despite his size, he was known for excellent footwork and passing ability from the high post.