Masai Ujiri: Despite a difficult season, the Toronto Raptors’ culture endures
During his end-of-season press conference on Wednesday, Ujiri acknowledged that he might have been too critical of the organization in his previous remarks, driven by a desire to steer Toronto back on course. Despite initiating four trades over the winter to reshape the team, a string of injuries and off-court issues derailed the Raptors, leading to a dismal finish with 19 losses in their final 21 games.
Reflecting on the challenging season, Ujiri noted that the resilient spirit of the Raptors’ championship-winning culture from 2019 still endured.
“I am certain that the culture of this team will consistently remain at a high standard,” Ujiri affirmed. “While we may encounter adversity like any other entity, human collective, or organization, the backbone of this franchise will remain robust.”
The overhaul of the Raptors began on December 30 with a significant trade involving OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn heading to the New York Knicks in exchange for Immanuel Quickley and Mississauga native RJ Barrett. A pivotal move on January 17 saw all-star Pascal Siakam departing for the Indiana Pacers, effectively marking the end of Toronto’s championship era. Just hours before the NBA trade deadline on February 8, Toronto acquired Kelly Olynyk from Kamloops, B.C., and Ochai Agbaji from the Utah Jazz.
However, injuries plagued the new-look Raptors, with their core players only managing to play together for seven games. Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl underwent surgeries in March, sidelining them for the remainder of the season. Additionally, Barrett and Quickley took time off to mourn personal losses, while Jontay Porter faced repercussions as the NBA probed into irregular betting activity, resulting in a lifetime ban from the league.
These setbacks contributed to a streak of 15 consecutive losses, the second-worst in team history, as Toronto limped to a 25-57 record, ranking sixth-worst in the league.
Ujiri expressed his deep pride in the organization, acknowledging the collective effort of the team, ownership, and everyone involved in persevering through challenges. With a touch of humor, he recognized the strain even on reporters covering the team, emphasizing the difficulty of the journey. Despite the tough times, he credited their enduring culture for seeing them through, commending the dedication of all contributors.
Looking ahead, Toronto’s rebuilding phase will continue into the off-season, focusing on the upcoming draft where they anticipate securing two or three picks, pending the draft lottery results. While acknowledging the uncertainty, Ujiri dismissed doubts about the draft’s quality, highlighting past instances where standout players emerged from supposedly weaker drafts.
He remained open to various avenues for team improvement, including free agency, particularly targeting established players to bolster specific positions. With a humorous touch, he emphasized his patience but expressed a desire for progress without undue delay.
Rajakovic, in his endorsement of Ujiri and Webster, underscored the importance of talent acquisition, expressing confidence in their ability to shape the team’s future. Additionally, there’s a strong indication of extending Quickley’s contract, as he expressed his affection for Toronto and desire to remain with the team.
Meanwhile, Ujiri addressed the expected rise in ticket prices for the upcoming season, a decision largely influenced by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. However, he assured consideration of market factors and fan interests in the decision-making process, indicating a balance between financial viability and fan accessibility.