3 Burning questions for Toronto Raptors heading into the offseason

#1 What is Masai Ujiri’s Future?

As both General Manager and President, Masai Ujiri has been the great architect putting together the greatest stretch of basketball by the Toronto Raptors franchise.

Under his guidance and decision making, the Toronto Raptors have won 50 plus games four years in a row.

They have made the Playoffs six straight years, won their division four out of the last 5 years, made the ECF twice, and it all culminated in the team winning the 2019 NBA Finals.

Masai Ujiri was named the NBA’s Executive of the Year in 2013 and is likely to be the recipient for the second time in 2019.

Considering this era of superteam basketball acquiring 3 or more stars to win, Masai Ujiri just led the Toronto Raptors to a title with not one lottery pick or so-called drafted franchise player on his roster.

While Leonard may now be a franchise player, he was not a lottery pick. Ujiri’s roster tweaks and changes have been impressive.

The Raptors have had to beat back suitors for the services of their super executive. In 2017, it was heavily rumored that New York Knicks owner James Dolan had eyes on Masai Ujiri until he decided the move would be too costly to pursue.

The latest talks are that the Washingon Wizards in looking to replace fired executive Ernie Grunfeld are willing to pay Masai Ujiri $10 million and give him a stake in ownership to leave Toronto and guide their troubled franchise.

If Ujiri leaves Toronto for another squad, his departure has ripple effects. Gone would be his masterful roster decisions and talent finding skills (see undrafted Fred Vanvleet or late first round draft pick Pascal Siakam).

Also, with the mystery and angst about Kawhi Leonard’s trust and commitment to Toronto could be weakened if the quiet introspective Leonard has to start a new business relationship with a different Toronto president or management team.

There are so many questions the Raptors will need to answer this offseason. Is Kyle Lowry still the point guard?

Will Siakam become an all-star in 2020 and the future of this team? Is O.G. Anunoby going to be a breakout player in his third year? Will the Raptors be able to defend their crown?

So many questions but time will tell. The NBA Draft is this Thursday and then there is another 10 days or so before players with player options need to declare whether they are opting out of their contracts and becoming free agents. Everyone wants answers now, but they are coming and soon.

Edited by Alan John