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Toronto Raptors: Masai Ujiri’s in it for the long haul

By Paul Taylor

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 24: Executive Director and Founder of SEEDS Academy Amadou Gallo Fall (L) presents general manager of the Toronto Raptors Masai Ujiri with an award at the SEED Project 2014 Summer Event at Up
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 24: Executive Director and Founder of SEEDS Academy Amadou Gallo Fall (L) presents general manager of the Toronto Raptors Masai Ujiri with an award at the SEED Project 2014 Summer Event at Up /
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Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri made it clear on Friday morning he has no intention of leaving anytime soon, whether we like it or not.

In theory, Friday morning was all about Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka, as both players were officially welcomed back to the Toronto Raptors on multi-year contracts. However, any comments the duo made, ended up being of secondary importance.

Instead, the media conference acted as a forum for Masai Ujiri to confirm his commitment to the Raptors, for the long-term future. In his defence, the only reason it was even discussed, was because he was asked a question about the New York Knicks.

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Fairly or not — the latter in this writer’s humble opinion — the Raptors’ president was criticized for keeping quiet, as speculation circulated about the Knicks’ interest in him. The feeling was he should have spoken up to alleviate any concerns about him potentially leaving.

However, you could make the argument that Ujiri was under no obligation to say anything. For example, if he had no intention of even talking to the Knicks, he might have though their was nothing to explain – in other words, nothing to see here people… move along…all move along.

Regardless, the 47-year old was not about to back down, when asked directly about the Knicks’ rumoured interest on Friday. Responding to the Toronto Sun‘s Ryan Wolstat and other members of the media, he said:

"“I’m a Toronto Raptor, and I’m hoping to be a Toronto Raptor for life, whether you guys like it or not.”"

And just like that, all doubt was removed, or at least as much as it can be in a sports media market such as Toronto. Regardless, Ujiri made it clear he’s essentially going to be around until he either retires or is fired.

In that respect, you have to wonder if the 2013 NBA Executive of the Year had a similar conversation with Lowry and Ibaka. It would certainly explain why both players decided to commit to Toronto for another three years.

Ujiri is known to have an excellent relationship with the Raptors’ roster, including Lowry and Ibaka. And that alone, should offer a solid reason for keeping him around for as long as he wants to stay.

Next: Raptors have discussed Cory Joseph trade

It will understandably be tough to even reach the NBA finals, never mind win a championship, while LeBron James is playing in the East. Regardless, what kind of success are you predicting for the Raptors over the next three seasons? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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