Toronto Raptors: 4 Takeaways from Masai Ujiri’s pre-draft press conference

Player development is important to the Raptors

Speaking of player development, Ujiri mentioned the Raptors emphasis on player development twice during his press conference and said the team has “many cool things” planned for their program.

"“Player development is something we’re really thinking of doing many cool things with our player development program and we’re excited about that. I think itt’s a part of the game we have to pay attention too and build in our program.”"

Ujiri did not specify what those “cool things” are, but he did touch on the importance of the draft and how it plays a role in the Raptors’ player development.

"“With the way the new CBA is going, constructed, I feel that player development is something we have to pay attention to. and so whatever young players or draft picks we have we have to pay attention to it. You never know when you’re going to hit with that or something pans out that will help your team in any kind of way. I want to say 23 is an asset, but we concentrate on finding that player, the best possible player that we can where we are picking.”"

The draft is the crux of any team’s player development program, so it’s no surprise Ujiri believes it’s something the Raptors must put an emphasis on. Teams can always sign superstars via free agency, but since the new CBA is constructed in a way to encourage players to re-sign with the team that drafted them, it makes sense for teams to put even more emphasis on the draft.

You can watch Ujiri’s entire press conference below, courtesy of the Raptors YouTube channel.

Next: Kyle Lowry fires back at the media

What did you think of Masai Ujiri’s pre-draft press conference? What would you like to see the Toronto Raptors do this offseason? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.