Masai Appreciation Thread

[rapz101]

What a trash ownership group.

[And1+2]

He brought us out of some really dark times, and his tenure ultimately brought us something that I thought I would never see in my lifetime, a Raptor Championship.

Put him into the hall of fame.

[gp2015]

At the very least, Masai in no way deserved to get fired on his way out.

That was just disgusting way to treat someone that has done so much for this team.

[Michael Bradley]

Incredible run. Never thought I'd see a Raptors championship in my lifetime. He cultivated an amazing era for Raptors basketball and was pure class the whole way through. He will be missed.

[Kreamy]

At the very least, Masai is no way deserved to get fired on his way out.

That was just disgusting way to treat someone that has done so much for this team.

Absolutely. They should have just let him play out his contract unless he asked for it.

[junot111]

staying on topic with the Masai appreciation, I think Raps fans connected with him so much not just because of his shrewd basketball moves, but just as a self-made minority that came up and made something for himself, like many immigrants to the city of Toronto, and unlike the nepo-corpo guys that are pushing him out. He was our guy. And for his accomplishments I honestly think he deserves whatever's the equivalent of a jersey retirement for a FO exec.

[tsherkin]

I honestly think he deserves whatever's the equivalent of a jersey retirement for a FO exec.

That'd be really nice to see. I doubt it happens, but it makes sense. He was a huge part of the team for like a decade plus, took us to the highest peaks of the sport and presided over what was unquestionably the most successful stretch in franchise history to date.

[TimeForChange]

Was not happy with how he handled the roster the last few years but he did a lot for this organization and I will always be grateful.

He did not deserve to be fired in this manner and **** Rogers.

[xAIRNESSx]

Masai is a Toronto legend

Put him in the rafters

[Jcity08]

At the very least, Masai is no way deserved to get fired on his way out.

That was just disgusting way to treat someone that has done so much for this team.

Most disgraceful thing Ive seen in a while.

[Boardbreaker]

Hopeful he still stays involved in the city after a year off. Maybe even with the Tempo.

[ConSarnit]

Does any franchise have a bigger gap between their best GM and 2nd best GM?

[Morris_Shatford]

It wasn't even just the Championship;

We won 50 games five times under Masai;
We won more than 48 games eight times under Masai;

The best we did prior was 47 games.

Debating the upside of guys like Quickly and Barnes rather than Jerryd Bayless and Nathan Jawai on these very forums has been an absolute pleasure during what qualifies as "bad times" under Masai.

We stopped being Clippers North during his tenure;
We stopped being "Barney the dinosaur" and became a honest to goodness good team and for that after some of the absolute garbage prior is so appreciated

It was largely a decade of more good times than bad times -
There are picks, trades, and signings I hated and those I hated and was proven wrong on.

We often call Lowry the GROAT, but there is an argument for Masai.

[NoBias]

Love you Masai, sorry you had to leave like this. May all your future endeavours be successful.

[Deep1984]

I’ve been watching the raptors since the get go through all the rough times and Masai was a blessing. Raptor legend for sure! For everyone who didn’t appreciate has value fu.

[Pooh_Jeter]

I've had my issues with Masai over the past few years, but now that he is leaving he deserves his flowers and to be rightfully celebrated as the 2nd best GM in Raptors history. Good luck on your next adventure Masai.

Please don't troll.

[OakleyDokely]

I've had my issues with Masai over the past few years, but now that he is leaving he deserves his flowers and to be rightfully be celebrated as the 2nd best GM in Raptors history. Good luck on your next adventure Masai.

D- troll attempt

gotta make it funny at least

[billy_hoyle]

Man should have been given the chance to see how this current team played this year.

Best GM I've seen in Toronto.

Good luck to him. He won't need it.

Expect him to do bigger things.

[DreamTeam09]

The architect - The champion - the LEGEND

[JB7]

Greatest President/GM any Toronto franchise has ever seen.

He needs a statute in front of the ACC.

He will be forever missed. This day will go down as one of the darkest in Toronto sports history.