Masai Year End Presser @ 10am

[MavCarter]

Why tf would masai wait for a seattle team whos ownership is completely unknown? Dude put an emphasis on how important ownership is to him

[NinjaBro]

The whole thread is derailed from that stupid post ffs. Where are the mods?

Mods asleep at the wheels.

[WuTang_CMB]

Regarding firing Devlin...

We need this guy, he's hype AF

Watch on YouTube

Spero dedes is the best

[Skeezo]

I'm not sure what to make of the press conference. I agree with many that for most of the PC, and the language Masai used it would seem he is committed and leaning toward returning. However, that emotional turn didn't give me the confidence of someone coming back, but more of someone recognizing this is the end.


I do wonder what Masai is asking for from MLSE to become a top-tier "global franchise?" Is it really just more marketing now? I mean he got them to get him a new practice facility, one of the best situated G-League teams in the NBA, an ASG, and a championship. What more is there, to elevate us? I've heard some people mention post-game shows, but I remember RaptorsTV having that at one-time and nobody really tuned-in. As a matter-of-fact, I even think OPEN GYM is becoming a bit stale. Others are mentioning better positioning on TSN/Sportsnet, but let's face it, the Raptors fan-base are cord-cutters, so I'm not sure how much that helps us.

For some reason, I think it will be things that we would not even notice here in Canada... For example, maybe a permanent scouting/operations base in Africa or other locations. Beefed up marketing in targeted global locations that are partial to the Raptors brand. Maybe an offseason base located some where in LA, Vegas, or Florida where players/coaches often make their offseason.

[Mascot]

The only reason for him to start crying is that he is leaving and could not hold it in when Grange talked about what the players said about him.

I reckon he is going to Africa for other reasons too.

[mtcan]

I'd tell Robert Myers to take a hike if I could get Masai Ujiri if I were Joseph Lacob

I think Bob Myers has done a pretty good job in Golden State...maybe better than Masai?

He got off to a great start but he's been pretty bad the past 2-3 years. They've had one of the worst supporting casts the past couple of years. Then last year they drafted Wiseman instead of Ball which I think will come back to haunt them. Then you had the organization as a whole get heavy criticism for rushing to bring back KD in the playoffs.

GS tanked hard last season and that was the right decision. I'm not not calling Wiseman a bust or a worse pick than Ball...not just yet. The Wiggins + Minnesota pick for Russell trade was a good move...and is even better if the pick becomes a top 10 pick (even better if #4)...so Myers has made some decent moves amongst some bad luck with Klay's health...

[mtcan]

The only reason for him to start crying is that he is leaving and could not hold it in when Grange talked about what the players said about him.

I reckon he is going to Africa for other reasons too.

Is he going to win championships in Africa?

[Zan Tabacco]

Why do we have such paranoia about him going to teams with solid management and even teams that don't exist? C'mon guys...have some confidence...

I'd tell Robert Myers to take a hike if I could get Masai Ujiri if I were Joseph Lacob

I think Bob Myers has done a pretty good job in Golden State...maybe better than Masai?

They're both great, but Masai did more with less. His one ring impresses me more than Myers' three. Myers inherited Curry and got Durant for free, which made every other decision that much easier. The Wiseman pick was a whiff, aside from that I've liked pretty much every move he's ever made.

[rocky_da_best]

Finally got around to watching the presser. What an incredible man Masai is. If it wasn't evident before, this man bleeds for our team. How can anyone dislike him or overtly question his decision making? I don't want to see any slander of him or any Pooh Pooh-ing * wink wink* of this man ever again. We must protect him and keep him at all costs.

For the record, I thought he got emotional because of what was said about him as opposed to him leaving. It sounds to me like he has unfinished business here and he wants to bring more championships to Toronto. However, it does sound like he has legitimate gripes with ownership. If you're MLSE, you have to do what he says because the way he talks up the Raptors, you'd assume if he was given what he wants that he'll be able to just build the team to a status that'll ultimately make more money for MLSE.

The same way we talk about a statue of Kyle outside ACC, we need to start talking about a Builder's category for jersey retirement/statue for Masai outside the Arena. This man is a treasure. Can't say enough good things about him!

Personal Attack and Baiting.

[mtcan]

I'd tell Robert Myers to take a hike if I could get Masai Ujiri if I were Joseph Lacob

I think Bob Myers has done a pretty good job in Golden State...maybe better than Masai?

They're both great, but Masai did more with less. His one ring impresses me more than Myers' three. Myers inherited Curry and got Durant for free, which made every other decision that much easier. The Wiseman pick was a whiff, aside from that I've liked pretty much every move he's ever made.

No question...Bob Myers definitely had more to work with...

[Oakville_Raptor]

What a racist post.

Just garbage.

I agree! Garbage post! I'm all for diversity but if you're calling for white people to be removed just cause they're white you're a racist! Gtfo

They're not good at their jobs.

Speaking of not being good at their jobs...is Kayla Gray being replaced for doing Raptors games now that she has that show? I'd like to see someone like Kia Nurse take that job permanently

[carlosey]

Masai is right, toronto has everything to be a Manchester United type franchise and thats where the ownership has to step it up. To me it sounds like he is asking them to commit to investing in the franchise and that will make him stay. The guy is a leader and this will be a test of wether this ownership group is strong enough to build a massive thing or if they are weak.

[Los_29]

I think Bob Myers has done a pretty good job in Golden State...maybe better than Masai?

He got off to a great start but he's been pretty bad the past 2-3 years. They've had one of the worst supporting casts the past couple of years. Then last year they drafted Wiseman instead of Ball which I think will come back to haunt them. Then you had the organization as a whole get heavy criticism for rushing to bring back KD in the playoffs.

GS tanked hard last season and that was the right decision. I'm not not calling Wiseman a bust or a worse pick than Ball...not just yet. The Wiggins + Minnesota pick for Russell trade was a good move...and is even better if the pick becomes a top 10 pick (even better if #4)...so Myers has made some decent moves amongst some bad luck with Klay's health...

They didn't plan on tanking. Curry got hurt 5 games in and that's all she wrote. Curry/Dray without Klay is still one of the worst teams in the league. They got in that position because Myers failed to put a good team around them and they are also in cap hell. They are paying Klay/Wiggins/Dray nearly 100 million dollars.

Russell trade was good but there is a reason why Minny threw in a FRP. Wiggins has one of the worst contracts in the league. Minny still made an awful move but it's not like GSW won't be hurting for the next three years having to pay a mediocre core (minus Curry) 100m dollars a year.

I'm not calling Wiseman a bust either but I don't think he projects to be a modern big in this league and he's also a huge project. Meanwhile Lamelo Ball has a very bright future in this league. No excuse to not make that pick.

[alan_156]

Sounds like Masai is the next one from 2019 on his way out also. Where? I dont know. I just find that Masai is thinking more about options elsewhere then he is looking at the home he had for years. Because people this unsure, and open about it, are usually people with a foot in the door and are waiting for a good opportunity to come along that gives them that push out.

Yeah, i think he'll out price himself out for even MLSE.

Just my guess.

Mind you, if i am MLSE, i'd pay him whatever.

There's zero chance he'll price himself out for MLSE, like zero chance. He'll get whatever pay cheque he wants from them, that's not the issue. He probably wants a more commitment from them to:

A) continue to help push Toronto not to become an after thought of the league

B) be willing to go over the luxury tax to attract high end talent in free agency so it becomes an attractive destination

It's hard to consistently become a contender year after year without attracting big name free agents and constantly have to settle with finding diamonds in the rough in the late first round/undrafted players.

[Los_29]

What a racist post.

Just garbage.

I agree! Garbage post! I'm all for diversity but if you're calling for white people to be removed just cause they're white you're a racist! Gtfo

They're not good at their jobs.

You should watch the play by play from other teams. You'll appreciate what we have a lot more. It's one of the best in the league and it's actually quite diverse. Kia Nurse, Sherman Hamilton, Sam Mitchell, Kate Beirness and Alvin Williams all involved to some degree in the Raptors broadcasts. I also like the idea of throwing in an all woman broadcast from time to time.

[Coco Costanza]

I agree! Garbage post! I'm all for diversity but if you're calling for white people to be removed just cause they're white you're a racist! Gtfo

And what if it's actually a white person making the comments?

Do Chinese people call it Chinese food or just food ????

What's the point of this comment?

[TdotBasketball]

Full Summary:

Still evaluating on the blackberry passport

[Badonkadonk]

Why tf would masai wait for a seattle team whos ownership is completely unknown? Dude put an emphasis on how important ownership is to him

It's not completely unknown, it's Tim Lieweke and his brother (among others). The whole rumour is predicated on the relationship between Tim & Masai, and the fact that they could potentially offer a small ownership stake and carte blanche over the basketball side of things (the hockey team starts next season).

[mdenny]

I agree! Garbage post! I'm all for diversity but if you're calling for white people to be removed just cause they're white you're a racist! Gtfo

They're not good at their jobs.

Speaking of not being good at their jobs...is Kayla Gray being replaced for doing Raptors games now that she has that show? I'd like to see someone like Kia Nurse take that job permanently

Kayla doesn't do raptor games except for that all-female episode.

[rocky_da_best]

Finally got around to watching the presser. What an incredible man Masai is. If it wasn't evident before, this man bleeds for our team. How can anyone dislike him or overtly question his decision making? I don't want to see any slander of him or any Pooh Pooh-ing * wink wink* of this man ever again. We must protect him and keep him at all costs.

For the record, I thought he got emotional because of what was said about him as opposed to him leaving. It sounds to me like he has unfinished business here and he wants to bring more championships to Toronto. However, it does sound like he has legitimate gripes with ownership. If you're MLSE, you have to do what he says because the way he talks up the Raptors, you'd assume if he was given what he wants that he'll be able to just build the team to a status that'll ultimately make more money for MLSE.

The same way we talk about a statue of Kyle outside ACC, we need to start talking about a Builder's category for jersey retirement/statue for Masai outside the Arena. This man is a treasure. Can't say enough good things about him!

Personal Attack and Baiting.

Didn't realize naming another poster is a personal attack lmao. This board nowadays I swear. Some of yall wont quit until you rid RGM of anyone who you don't agree with lol

Can't even make a joke without someone's panties getting in a twist