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Toronto Raptors: Four takeaways from Masai Ujiri’s season ending press conference

By Chris Okrainetz

May 23, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri (right) gestures as he speaks with media during pre-game shoot around before the Raptors host Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri (right) gestures as he speaks with media during pre-game shoot around before the Raptors host Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 15, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) during a break in the action against the Milwaukee Bucks in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Milwaukee defeated Toronto 97-83. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Ujiri would like to bring Kyle Lowry back

Ujiri made it no secret — the Raptors want to bring back Lowry. However, he did also acknowledge the fact that Lowry might not want to return and how that would have a “domino effect” on Toronto’s offseason.

"“It’s our job to try and get Kyle to come back and do it the best way that we possibly can,” said Ujiri. “We want him back, he’s been a huge part of the success here but what is to say Kyle doesn’t call me five days from now and say, you know what, I’m not coming. Then whatever I’ve said here doesn’t mean anything. So, yes, there is a domino effect there and we have to make the right decision.”"

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Essentially, the ball is in Lowry’s court now. The Raptors can offer him more money than anybody else, but the 31-year-old guard has made it clear he wants to win a ring. Can he do that in Toronto? Given the way the roster looks right now, no. But if they retool and address their areas of concern, maybe.

The problem for Lowry is both conferences have their monoliths. The East feature LeBron James and the Cavs, while the West features the cerebral Warriors. Does signing with a team like, let’s say, the Spurs give Lowry a better shot at winning a ring? Perhaps. But there’s no guarantee.

Regardless of what Lowry could do, Ujiri and the Raptors made it clear on Tuesday; they want Lowry back in Toronto next season.

All quotes included this article are from Masai Ujiri’s press conference videos, courtesy of the Toronto Raptors YouTube page.

Next: Lowry will opt-out of deal, says he wants a ring

What did you think about Masai Ujiri’s press conference? What kind of changes would you like to see the Toronto Raptors make? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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