Toronto Star: Edward Rogers fought plans to keep Raptors’ Masai Ujiri

[ATLTimekeeper]

Let's be honest. While grateful for what Masai has done, this was an Emeritus contract. It's to honour Masai's past work and keep up our perceived prestige in the league. If that prestige doesn't translate to free agent signings, then the contract is a fail. There's still plenty of chance for that to happen, but it certainly doesn't seem like a slam dunk. Additionally, Masai has been pretty clear that his interests are very divided if not completely elsewhere. We gave him the candy store while allowing him to shop around. Good for him. He's a good negotiator. But Ed has a right to be skeptical. That said, ultimately, I would have given Masai the bag too. He's pretty iconic and is reassuring to fans and investors.

He was allowed to shop around because his contract ended. We gave up the candy store because he had candy store offers. What are we supposed to be honest about here?

Why is his job only about recruiting FAs? He won a title without them.

[positivetension]

We should really break up these big telecom companies, unfortunately those in power are in bed with them.

It's actually insane that we lot them rob us blind like this. These are lousy people with a government backed cartel.

[Dalek]

Masai is just incredible at PR and embodying Canadian values as a leader. People love him for that, but I do think he has not really positioned Toronto for the future. He says we are rebuilding, but when will Toronto be relevant again. I think Rogers was asking for a plan and that is fair because how bad will this team be?

Here is my take on Masai's tenure:

Prior to the 2019 championship Toronto was a bit of laughingstock being bullied by LBJ every playoff series. They did win a lot in the regular season though, but the East was historically bad during that time.

Toronto had one championship run based on a lucky trade for Kawhi Leonard and LBJ moving to another conference. Also, Golden State losing their most important player to injury also helped immensely.

After the Championship, he bungled all the free agencies there after losing Ibaka, Gasol and Lowry for little to no compensation.

Masai has always valued Toronto players so high with without testing the market. The Khem Birch signing makes no sense and I doubt he was valued in the market the way Toronto signed him on. Siakam was signed before being on the open market - same as OG, and FVV got a pretty big contract as a 6 foot PG who only averaged 17.6 points, 6.6 assists at the time of his deal.

Trent Jr. was RFA and yet they signed him right away when they could have went after other players with their capspace and signed him with Bird rights. Or, they could have done their own sign and trade if another team wanted him. He isn't a bad player, but the contract value at his age is tough to accept.

Lowry's sign and trade really only helped Miami and only brought a mediocre prospect in Achuiwa and a paperweight in Dragic and killed all the capspace that had been planned for the past summer. It wasn't a great free agency, but we missed out on Richaun Holmes and Spencer Dinwiddie which would have made this team much better and supported the core team if that was direction we were going in.

Instead we have an awkward group of vets in their primes who have to play with a bunch on underexperienced players that may make the playin game. I only say this because other front offices with cheaper and shrewd GMs have made huge strides like Chicago, NY, Atl, Phoenix and maybe even Charlotte will take step this year.

We are literally in year 2 of a rebuild. How long did it take those other organizations with their “cheaper shrewd GMs” to rebuild?

It not about how long the rebuild is, it is about working with the assets you have. They could have gotten more for Lowry, Ibaka, Gasol, could have tested the market for their own guys that were RFAs, and drafted better.

Scottie is great, but Flynn seems like a mistake seeing how a guy like Desmond Bane is averaging nearly 20 PPG in year two. The two seconds from this year are also question marks given the talent still out there in Greg Brown, Sharife Cooper, Brandon Boston, Jericho Sims, Santi Aldama among others.

The are above the cap currently with for the next couple years with a core of FVV, OG, Siakam, Trent Jr. and Birch so it is an approach that warrants a few questions about the ceiling of these guys. They basically are gambling that this system will make these super roleplayers into stars, which is a bit of stretch to me. Of course he could make a few trades and really build around Scottie, which to me will be the conclusion of this.

[lobosloboslobos]

Let's be honest. While grateful for what Masai has done, this was an Emeritus contract. It's to honour Masai's past work and keep up our perceived prestige in the league. If that prestige doesn't translate to free agent signings, then the contract is a fail. There's still plenty of chance for that to happen, but it certainly doesn't seem like a slam dunk. Additionally, Masai has been pretty clear that his interests are very divided if not completely elsewhere. We gave him the candy store while allowing him to shop around. Good for him. He's a good negotiator. But Ed has a right to be skeptical. That said, ultimately, I would have given Masai the bag too. He's pretty iconic and is reassuring to fans and investors.

not at all.

1) Masai is being paid for what he will do not what he has done. However, a good way (but not the only way) to know what someone you are hiring will do is to look at what they have done in a similar role in the past. In Masai's case that includes:

increasing the value of the company he works for by $500m
winning his franchise's first ever world championship
radically changing the perception of his franchise for the better across the city, the country, the league and the world
leading with absolute integrity a team that has been virtually scandal and issue-free for 7 years

to name just a few

2) Masai has not been clear that his interests are divided. on the contrary he has made it clear again and again that he is absolutely committed to this team and this city, even though like many people he has broad interests and investments

3) his success or failure in the future will not be determined by his ability to sign big name free agents, but by:

- playoff success and titles won
- good trades and drafting and player development
- increased profitability
- increased franchise value

Masai has a stellar track record in all these things and Ed has no reason whatsoever to be skeptical, apart from being a born prick

[anotherhomer]

Why is there a nitpick on ujiri?
I think his FO isn't perfect but they made more good moves than bad, which are quite minor

Let me ask this question....are you really comfortable with raps being led by a different FO beside Ujiri?

[maternal85]

Why is there a nitpick on ujiri?
I think his FO isn't perfect but they made more good moves than bad, which are quite minor

Let me ask this question....are you really comfortable with raps being led by a different FO beside Ujiri?

We all know why they're nit-picking on Ujiri. Again, if he was another colour, ran the leafs, and had the same success, would this be an issue ?

[Dalek]

Don't know if I am writing into a trap, but what I am seeing is you are essentially upset we didn't get Dinwiddie or Holmes this summer. Precious is definitely not a mediocre prospect, and frankly I rather have Precious at his age and contract than overpay for a guy like Holmes. Ibaka and Gasol are shells of their former selves; the latter has retired. Expect this year to be the beginning of a rebuild; other teams will make the playoffs before us, but that's okay. All the main people in the front office got their contracts renewed, so they go into this rebuild safe.

I think a rebuild is a good play, but why be over the cap with a team that is rebuilding? I am excited to see how all this plays out, but the core with Lowry was barely average last year. Not sure a big leap is coming so why keep all these guys?

Masai/Bobby constantly choose character over talent. Even hear it from FVV and Nurse in their media. These championship guys are now forced into teaching these young guys how to basically play basketball. I think this will lead to frustration from the vets within 10 games or so.

[VancouverRaps]

lmao. What a **** idiot Ed Rogers is

[right between the eyes]

Let's be honest. While grateful for what Masai has done, this was an Emeritus contract. It's to honour Masai's past work and keep up our perceived prestige in the league. If that prestige doesn't translate to free agent signings, then the contract is a fail. There's still plenty of chance for that to happen, but it certainly doesn't seem like a slam dunk. Additionally, Masai has been pretty clear that his interests are very divided if not completely elsewhere. We gave him the candy store while allowing him to shop around. Good for him. He's a good negotiator. But Ed has a right to be skeptical. That said, ultimately, I would have given Masai the bag too. He's pretty iconic and is reassuring to fans and investors.

You do realize that we're the only team in another country right? That alone makes it a lot tougher to sign big time free agents. Regardless of what Masai does and whatever success we have, this might never change! Toronto is often rated as the best road city by NBA players, but living here is a different story. Most Americans would prefer living in their home country. Masai has no choice but to acquire players via trade or develop players in our system. We now have the reputation of having the best player development program in the league.
To rate him on big FA acquisitions isn't fair.

[vaff87]

This is not Edward's first rodeo. He was involved in efforts with the Blue Jays to push Beeston and Alex A out the door.

Edward has been involved in the exits of previous CEOs and executives at Rogers Communications and his dealings with Ujiri were also not the first time he clashed with highly-respected Toronto sports executives.

In 2014, Rogers attempted to hire Kenny Williams, then the executive vice-president of the Chicago White Sox, to fill the role Paul Beeston held as the president of the Blue Jays. That move was scuttled when Jerry Reinsdorf, the owner of the White Sox, alerted his close friend Beeston of Rogers’s intentions.

Rogers was also involved in the departure of Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos after negotiations fell apart over the role Anthopoulos would play under Beeston’s successor, Mark Shapiro.

And while the jays continue to specialize in finishing in 4th place, the Braves are playing in the World Series. I stopped caring about the jays when this pissant pushed AA out the door. They’re a lost cause as long as they’re owned by these idiots. Watch how great their off-season will go.

The Jays are actually better than the Braves. They won more games and had a run differential nearly 50 runs better. And did that while playing the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays a combined 57 times. They have a much, much more difficult path than the Braves. The Braves wouldn’t sniff the playoffs, let alone World Series if they were in the AL East.

[SharoneWright]

Let's be honest. While grateful for what Masai has done, this was an Emeritus contract. It's to honour Masai's past work and keep up our perceived prestige in the league. If that prestige doesn't translate to free agent signings, then the contract is a fail. There's still plenty of chance for that to happen, but it certainly doesn't seem like a slam dunk. Additionally, Masai has been pretty clear that his interests are very divided if not completely elsewhere. We gave him the candy store while allowing him to shop around. Good for him. He's a good negotiator. But Ed has a right to be skeptical. That said, ultimately, I would have given Masai the bag too. He's pretty iconic and is reassuring to fans and investors.

You do realize that we're the only team in another country right? That alone makes it a lot tougher to sign big time free agents. Regardless of what Masai does and whatever success we have, this might never change! Toronto is often rated as the best road city by NBA players, but living here is a different story. Most Americans would prefer living in their home country.
.
.
To rate him on big FA acquisitions isn't fair.

Well, according to this, Masai is golden. If he bags a big FA, he's a miracle worker. But if he doesn't, it was impossible anyway. Pay that man his money!!
If Bobby is handling contract work, then ya, Masai's job is to provide the clout and prestige necessary for our franchise to be relevant and attractive to guys. At this point, I'd be satisfied if he secures Barnes' next big extension - which of course the CBA will do for him.

[anotherhomer]

Did Edward rogers hired navigator to paid a few posters to attempt to shape opinions...aka BC.....

or these guys are here, well don't really appreciate what ujiri brings to this organization?
I don't want to name-call, but either they are trolls or just not smart


It's sad this happens

[Shaazzam]

Let's be honest. While grateful for what Masai has done, this was an Emeritus contract. It's to honour Masai's past work and keep up our perceived prestige in the league. If that prestige doesn't translate to free agent signings, then the contract is a fail. There's still plenty of chance for that to happen, but it certainly doesn't seem like a slam dunk. Additionally, Masai has been pretty clear that his interests are very divided if not completely elsewhere. We gave him the candy store while allowing him to shop around. Good for him. He's a good negotiator. But Ed has a right to be skeptical. That said, ultimately, I would have given Masai the bag too. He's pretty iconic and is reassuring to fans and investors.

You do realize that we're the only team in another country right? That alone makes it a lot tougher to sign big time free agents. Regardless of what Masai does and whatever success we have, this might never change! Toronto is often rated as the best road city by NBA players, but living here is a different story. Most Americans would prefer living in their home country.
.
.
To rate him on big FA acquisitions isn't fair.

Well, according to this, Masai is golden. If he bags a big FA, he's a miracle worker. But if he doesn't, it was impossible anyway.
If Bobby is handling contract work, then ya, Masai's job is to provide the clout and prestige necessary for our franchise to be relevant and attractive to guys. At this point, I'd be satisfied if he secures Barnes' next big extension - which of course the CBA will do for him.

Yup, that's all a sports president needs to do. Provide clout to get players.

[vaff87]

Hit piece or not, its factual. The guy is trying to take over Rogers by force after being booted.

The guy is a racist MAGA POS trying to dump a top level executive that happens to be black.

You do the math.

Should be an interesting chant at the game tonight.

I’m not defending Edward Rogers here. And he probably is a racist. But when he essentially forced Beeston and AA out with the Jays, according to an article posted in this thread, he tried to hire Kenny Williams from the White Sox to take over. Kenny Williams is Black. I’m not trying to defend the guy, I just wanted to mention that anecdote.

[SharoneWright]

You do realize that we're the only team in another country right? That alone makes it a lot tougher to sign big time free agents. Regardless of what Masai does and whatever success we have, this might never change! Toronto is often rated as the best road city by NBA players, but living here is a different story. Most Americans would prefer living in their home country.
.
.
To rate him on big FA acquisitions isn't fair.

Well, according to this, Masai is golden. If he bags a big FA, he's a miracle worker. But if he doesn't, it was impossible anyway.
If Bobby is handling contract work, then ya, Masai's job is to provide the clout and prestige necessary for our franchise to be relevant and attractive to guys. At this point, I'd be satisfied if he secures Barnes' next big extension - which of course the CBA will do for him.

Yup, that's all a sports president needs to do. Provide clout to get players.

Well he's on the board now,, so I'm sure there's even more! You're right!

Masai's job, with this new contract, seems to be to burnish MLSE's apple with their money. Hopefully that translates to attractiveness to players,,, and maybe a new outdoor court in Rexdale! Raptors gets success on the court and a growing loyalty with the fans and Masai produces a good ROI - making Rogers and Bell money. If anyone can do it, it's him!

That's what a sports president should be about. Am I wrong?

Anyone who looks to a sports president as some sort of sacrosanct avatar is going overboard imo.

[guvernator]

This is cute. This board has such a chip... As if having POC team president, they get to enjoy a share of his 15 million check as well (I'm a minority too you sheeple, before you get on your high horse).

[grimlock]

This is cute. This board has such a chip... As if having POC team president, they get to enjoy a share of his 15 million check as well (I'm a minority too you sheeple, before you get on your high horse).

[guvernator]

This is cute. This board has such a chip... As if having POC team president, they get to enjoy a share of his 15 million check as well (I'm a minority too you sheeple, before you get on your high horse).

go through the thread. Half the posters are fighting a imaginary race war.

[Quattro]

This is not Edward's first rodeo. He was involved in efforts with the Blue Jays to push Beeston and Alex A out the door.

And while the jays continue to specialize in finishing in 4th place, the Braves are playing in the World Series. I stopped caring about the jays when this pissant pushed AA out the door. They’re a lost cause as long as they’re owned by these idiots. Watch how great their off-season will go.

The Jays are actually better than the Braves. They won more games and had a run differential nearly 50 runs better. And did that while playing the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays a combined 57 times. They have a much, much more difficult path than the Braves. The Braves wouldn’t sniff the playoffs, let alone World Series if they were in the AL East.

The great thing about owning the jays is that their fan base is so conditioned to losing that you can crap the bed every year and they’ll just line up to defend the team with excuse after excuse.

How come the Rays who also play in the AL east consistently contend for the playoffs or win the division with the minuscule resources they have?

They had a great year this year. I’ll give them that. Let’s see what happens to Ray and Siemian this winter. Want to place any bets that neither will be wearing blue next season because, of course, it wouldn’t be fiscally prudent to keep them.

[lobosloboslobos]

This is cute. This board has such a chip... As if having POC team president, they get to enjoy a share of his 15 million check as well (I'm a minority too you sheeple, before you get on your high horse).

you sure are a minority around here.