Raptors’ Masai Ujiri: “Championship is the End Goal, We Have to Identify Those Players”
Toronto, ON – Raptors’ president Masai Ujiri is determined to bring the team back to championship contention, emphasizing the importance of acquiring talent and building with championship-caliber players.
“Our goal is getting better and adding more players and building this team and growing to be a championship team. A championship is the end goal of all of this, and when that comes, we don’t know, but we have to identify those players and build with those kinds of players.”
Masai Ujiri, Raptors’ President
Acquiring Talent: The Brandon Ingram Trade
The Raptors made a significant move at the trade deadline, acquiring Brandon Ingram from the Pelicans and signing him to a multiyear extension before he even played a game for the team.
“At the end of the day, you have to acquire talent. We have to do it in a unique way in the market that we’re in and we’ve got to jump on opportunities that come our way, sometimes after we really study them.”
Masai Ujiri, Raptors’ President
From Rebuild to Contention
Ujiri’s comments this week marked a departure from his stance last year, when he expressed a willingness to embark on a multiyear rebuild. The Raptors’ draft class this year, including Ja’Kobe Walter, Jonathan Mogbo, Jamal Shead, and Jamison Battle, has shown promise and played significant roles.
“I was really happy with the way these guys played and hopefully their development comes up more and more. Yeah, we tried to attack the odds in the lottery and see what we can do. It’s a good draft. And honestly, wherever we fall, we feel very confident. Our guys have done a lot of work all year. We’re extremely excited.”
Masai Ujiri, Raptors’ President
Darko Rajakovic: Ready for the Next Phase
With the Raptors’ focus shifting towards winning, head coach Darko Rajakovic has the full buy-in of his players, led by RJ Barrett.
“He’s a really good coach. He cares about us. He really does. He comes in and he challenges us every single day. And it’s nice when you know that you have somebody that cares about you — makes you want to play even harder for them. Darko’s a guy you can have conversations with about anything, and he’s very helpful. Always teaching, but he listens to us and our ideas. Yeah. So, like, that stuff is great.”
RJ Barrett, Raptors’ Guard
Paul George: Big Three Bonding Offseason
Sixers’ wing Paul George wants the team’s big three – himself, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid – to spend more time together this offseason to build chemistry.
“I think that’s very important. We’ve already talked about seeing each other, where we’re going to be this summer. So we’ve already had those conversations about connecting once the season’s over. I think it’s very important. I don’t think it’s healthy to go two, three months before seeing each other, regardless of if we’re checking in over the phone. It’s just different seeing each other.”
Paul George, Sixers’ Forward
Knicks’ Two-Big Lineup in Playoffs?
The Knicks might turn to two-big lineups in the playoffs against the Pistons, with Mitchell Robinson and Karl-Anthony Towns playing together. Despite limited minutes together this season, the duo outscored opponents by 9.2 points per 100 possessions.
Did you know?
The Raptors’ last championship was in 2019, led by Kawhi Leonard and Pascal Siakam.
Pro Tip
Follow the Raptors’ offseason moves closely, as Ujiri’s aggressive approach to talent acquisition could shape the team’s future quickly.
FAQ
- Q: What was the Raptors’ last championship?
- A: The Raptors’ last championship was in 2019.
- Q: Who led the Raptors to their last championship?
- A: Kawhi Leonard and Pascal Siakam led the Raptors to their last championship in 2019.
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