Rebuilding.
That’s the word Toronto Raptors team president Masai Ujiri used to described the team’s identity for this season.
He was in attendance at the Raptors 2024 Media Day and made it clear that Toronto has a plan in place moving forward.
“I would use the word rebuilding. That’s the right word. We have a clear path going forward. Young team. Growing team…I think everybody sees that loud and clear,” Ujiri said.
Expectations will be low for the Raptors this season. However, this is still going to be a critical year for player development.
The Raptors have their young core locked up in Scottie Barnes, Immauel Quickley and RJ Barrett and the trio will have a full season together.
Gradey Dick will be entering his sophomore season and is looking like the team’s starting shooting guard for opening night so he will have a bigger role.
Also, the Raptors drafted four rookies who will each get opportunities to shine.
Ujiri knows it will be a process with the Raptors and patience will be needed. He acknowledged that this season will be more about building than wins and losses.
“You set the tone with how you play…but we all know the reality in this league and the draft is a way for us to build teams and to acquire players, especially in a market like ours,” he said.
This is the first time Ujiri will tackle a rebuild after the Raptors decided to hit the reset button last season.
With Ujiri in charge, the Raptors have had plenty of success and with him overseeing this rebuild, more success should follow.
However, Ujiri’s future with the team is uncertain after Rogers became a majority owner of Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment. Ujiri and Edward Rodgers relationship is in question after Rogers was reportedly against the decision to re-sign Ujiri in 2021.
Ujiri addressed his relationship with Rogers and stated that the two are on good terms.
“Business continues as usual…Edward Rogers and I have a great relationship. We’ve had the same exact relationship for 10 years…there’s nothing. There’s zero. There’s zero going on,” he said.
As is the case with most rebuilds, things will take time. But with Ujiri in charge, the Raptors’ future will be in good hands.
Vince Carter has message for fans not in favor of jersey retirement
Vince Cater’s No. 15 Toronto Raptors jersey will hang from the rafter of Scotiabank Arena on Nov. 2.
Most fans would agree that Carter deserves to have his jersey retired first by the Raptors, however there are some who feel it shouldn’t have been him.
Carter delivered a message to the fans who are not in favor of his jersey retirement.
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