Masai Year End Presser @ 10am

[ATLTimekeeper]

Man those quotes about the play in don’t do justice for the actual video of himself speaking on it. He really ethers the stupidity of that whole concept of trying to make it into the playoffs that was pushed by the media and so many fans. Feels good to have a Gm who sees the bigger picture.

Watch on YouTube

My God do I ever wish their was a Hot Tub time machine just to be able to post this clip everytime TM thought they'd bark up about the Play In n how it was the answer the shambles...

Pure gold!

I don't think too many people wanted the play-in. Once the deadline passed the team lost a couple of big games to bad teams and then they went full into tank mode. There were a few perma tankers that claimed the Raptors weren't tanking properly, when it was obvious that they were babying injuries and letting the bench and 905 handle the last stretch of games.

[ItsDanger]

Did he explain what he meant by "I want to know . . ." what the ownership is prepared to do to put us with the "great teams" & "winners"? People assume promotion but I think this needs clarity. Its a player's league now, team brand is yesterday. Its a function of the sport.

[Ackshun]

Yep.

And this is good news for everyone. MLSE should be happy with this for their leader to want to grow this organization even more.

LEt MAsai do his thing !!!! this is a no brainer.

The raptors deserve to be considered one of the top brands in the world with the likes oif Manchester United. Thats what Masai's vision is.

But did it really have to come down to contract renewal time to achieve those things? Like, couldn't Masai have done those things while earning his salary.

Yes. Leverage.

Masai likely to stay but if he continues to build winners, he expects ownership to back it up and grow the brand to something bigger than ever.

Whatever we think the Raptors can be ... remember Masai probably thinks 100x bigger. That's just how these guys are programmed mentally.

I guess I see it from both angles. If he found a way to grow it bigger than ever while contractually employed, it increases his leverage as well no?

Either way. Cant wait for it to be over.

[DelAbbot]

Man those quotes about the play in don’t do justice for the actual video of himself speaking on it. He really ethers the stupidity of that whole concept of trying to make it into the playoffs that was pushed by the media and so many fans. Feels good to have a Gm who sees the bigger picture.

I have a feeling it was similar feeling within Rogers and Bell. I bet you they were pushing Masai for play-in.

I mean that is the Leafs-owners-motto - who needs the cup when this town gets sellout crowds, playoffs or not.

[Ackshun]

Yep.

And this is good news for everyone. MLSE should be happy with this for their leader to want to grow this organization even more.

LEt MAsai do his thing !!!! this is a no brainer.

The raptors deserve to be considered one of the top brands in the world with the likes oif Manchester United. Thats what Masai's vision is.

But did it really have to come down to contract renewal time to achieve those things? Like, couldn't Masai have done those things while earning his salary.

You can get more out of the organization when it comes time to re-sign though. A lot of it is probably also growing basketball infrastructure through Canadian grassroots programs and his GOA initiative.

Yeah it could be this. Maybe a mix of personal needs + the stuff you mentioned

[Yallbecrazy]

What Manchester Unted did was be the first sports team to market globally. That's why there are so many Man U fans in North America, Africa, Asia, etc. If the Raptors start marketing a lot in Europe, Africa, Asia, etc we may end up with more money through merchandise sales as well as having players from abroad that grew up Raptors fans more likely to come to us in free agency. The next Jokic or Doncic may choose Toronto over NY or LA if they leave their current team 10-20 years down the road.

[VC15Era]

Masai "Blank Cheque" Ujiri

[WuTang_CMB]

But did it really have to come down to contract renewal time to achieve those things? Like, couldn't Masai have done those things while earning his salary.

Yes. Leverage.

Masai likely to stay but if he continues to build winners, he expects ownership to back it up and grow the brand to something bigger than ever.

Whatever we think the Raptors can be ... remember Masai probably thinks 100x bigger. That's just how these guys are programmed mentally.

I guess I see it from both angles. If he found a way to grow it bigger than ever while contractually employed, it increases his leverage as well no?

Either way. Cant wait for it to be over.

But he can only do so much. This is a turning point, so he lined it up perfectly with his contract over. Leverage is he can walk which he knows they will cry.

We are talking about Rogers/Bell and the connectivity they have to the direct consumer. Thats why in his mind he wants it MUCH improved.

The Lakers, the Celtics all massive followings in their own state. We have a country and Raps organization act like the ugly brother to the Leafs. This falls on them because the team has been producing for 8 seasons now.

Enough is enough now, we should be neck and neck with the Leafs with coverage and branding. Heck, our social media following blows them outta the water.

[WuTang_CMB]

What Manchester Unted did was be the first sports team to market globally. That's why there are so many Man U fans in North America, Africa, Asia, etc. If the Raptors start marketing a lot in Europe, Africa, Asia, etc we may end up with more money through merchandise sales as well as having players from abroad that grew up Raptors fans more likely to come to us in free agency. The next Jokic or Doncic may choose Toronto over NY or LA if they leave their current team 10-20 years down the road.

100%.

Seek your advantages. promote promot promote and masai will back it up with a winning product.

[mtcan]

Yes. Leverage.

Masai likely to stay but if he continues to build winners, he expects ownership to back it up and grow the brand to something bigger than ever.

Whatever we think the Raptors can be ... remember Masai probably thinks 100x bigger. That's just how these guys are programmed mentally.

I guess I see it from both angles. If he found a way to grow it bigger than ever while contractually employed, it increases his leverage as well no?

Either way. Cant wait for it to be over.

But he can only do so much. This is a turning point, so he lined it up perfectly with his contract over. Leverage is he can walk which he knows they will cry.

We are talking about Rogers/Bell and the connectivity they have to the direct consumer. Thats why in his mind he wants it MUCH improved.

The Lakers, the Celtics all massive followings in their own state. We have a country and Raps organization act like the ugly brother to the Leafs. Enough is enough now, we should be neck and neck with the Leafs with coverage and branding. Heck, our social media following blows them outta the water.

The Lakers are an international brand...that is why the league pushes for the Lakers to be good...and cries when they miss the playoffs. Look at how big the Lakers brand is in countries like the Philippines...entire countries cheer for the Lakers.

Masai wants that level of notariety. How do you market to that degree?

[PhilBlackson]

Watch on YouTube

My God do I ever wish their was a Hot Tub time machine just to be able to post this clip everytime TM thought they'd bark up about the Play In n how it was the answer the shambles...

Pure gold!

I don't think too many people wanted the play-in. Once the deadline passed the team lost a couple of big games to bad teams and then they went full into tank mode. There were a few perma tankers that claimed the Raptors weren't tanking properly, when it was obvious that they were babying injuries and letting the bench and 905 handle the last stretch of games.

Not even remotely true.

There were (much of the same collection of posters) people fighting it right until we were mathematically eliminated swearing it was the way and talking like those who didn't want to were foolish, now Masai just made them look it lol

#poeticjustice

[ItsDanger]

What Manchester Unted did was be the first sports team to market globally. That's why there are so many Man U fans in North America, Africa, Asia, etc. If the Raptors start marketing a lot in Europe, Africa, Asia, etc we may end up with more money through merchandise sales as well as having players from abroad that grew up Raptors fans more likely to come to us in free agency. The next Jokic or Doncic may choose Toronto over NY or LA if they leave their current team 10-20 years down the road.

That's a major expense if accurate. Not sure how viable it is given the amount of power in the player's hands currently.

[DelAbbot]

My God do I ever wish their was a Hot Tub time machine just to be able to post this clip everytime TM thought they'd bark up about the Play In n how it was the answer the shambles...

Pure gold!

I don't think too many people wanted the play-in. Once the deadline passed the team lost a couple of big games to bad teams and then they went full into tank mode. There were a few perma tankers that claimed the Raptors weren't tanking properly, when it was obvious that they were babying injuries and letting the bench and 905 handle the last stretch of games.

Not even remotely true.

There were (much of the same collection of posters) people fighting it right until we were mathematically eliminated swearing it was the way and talking like those who didn't want to were foolish, now Masai just made them look it lol

#poeticjustice

LMAO, revisionist history starting already.

[SFour]

To be honest, this sounds like a guy that is staying. He is hungry

this is what I've been saying for awhile now....he's hungry for another championship because his 1st one was ruined by that Oakland cop

[ATLTimekeeper]

My God do I ever wish their was a Hot Tub time machine just to be able to post this clip everytime TM thought they'd bark up about the Play In n how it was the answer the shambles...

Pure gold!

I don't think too many people wanted the play-in. Once the deadline passed the team lost a couple of big games to bad teams and then they went full into tank mode. There were a few perma tankers that claimed the Raptors weren't tanking properly, when it was obvious that they were babying injuries and letting the bench and 905 handle the last stretch of games.

Not even remotely true.

There were (much of the same collection of posters) people fighting it right until we were mathematically eliminated swearing it was the way and talking like those who didn't want to were foolish, now Masai just made them look it lol

#poeticjustice

Disagree. There were a lot of people that wanted to tank three games in, and that clearly wasn't Masai's goal. And at the deadline he brought up trying to make the play-in. At some point he changed his mind and everyone rested. Some media members and a few posters questioned why they wouldn't aim for the play-in, but no one needed to hear from Masai that they were trying/not trying. It was obvious. Certainly fans can think that Masai is wrong to tank at any point.

He also said they might just draft the best fit for the team and not the best talent available, how does that sit with you?

[WuTang_CMB]

I guess I see it from both angles. If he found a way to grow it bigger than ever while contractually employed, it increases his leverage as well no?

Either way. Cant wait for it to be over.

But he can only do so much. This is a turning point, so he lined it up perfectly with his contract over. Leverage is he can walk which he knows they will cry.

We are talking about Rogers/Bell and the connectivity they have to the direct consumer. Thats why in his mind he wants it MUCH improved.

The Lakers, the Celtics all massive followings in their own state. We have a country and Raps organization act like the ugly brother to the Leafs. Enough is enough now, we should be neck and neck with the Leafs with coverage and branding. Heck, our social media following blows them outta the water.

The Lakers are an international brand...that is why the league pushes for the Lakers to be good...and cries when they miss the playoffs. Look at how big the Lakers brand is in countries like the Philippines...entire countries cheer for the Lakers.

Masai wants that level of notariety. How do you market to that degree?

- Win on the court
- Market globally
- GET STARS !!! Magic, Bird, Jordan. Lakers, Boston , Bulls. It's not a coincidence.

[ForeverTFC]

Everyone thinks he is staying after that?

I got opposite vibes. He mentioned his family twice, the "three young kids".. And the amount of other things he wants to pursue.

Then again he did mention his role provides a big platform.

Then again he cried towards the end as if he was saying good bye.. Or maybe just good bye to Kyle.

Mentioning family means he's going to Washington/Seattle/LA. Nobody wants to raise their kids in Canada.

Have you lived in - or had an extended stay - in any of these cities? I can tell you that Toronto will be preferred to DC/Seattle 8 times out of 10.

[Pooh_Jeter]

It's encouraging hearing a lot of what Masai said. Until we know what exactly the impediment with ownership is and how Masai truly wants to build this team going forward (if he stays) it's tough to draw grand conclusions.

He definitely did take a blow torch to those just happy to be here and resting on the laurels of the championship. If he himself won't coast on it (and won't allow ownership to either), why would fans?

[ATLTimekeeper]

What Manchester Unted did was be the first sports team to market globally. That's why there are so many Man U fans in North America, Africa, Asia, etc. If the Raptors start marketing a lot in Europe, Africa, Asia, etc we may end up with more money through merchandise sales as well as having players from abroad that grew up Raptors fans more likely to come to us in free agency. The next Jokic or Doncic may choose Toronto over NY or LA if they leave their current team 10-20 years down the road.

The NBA under Adam Silver is trying to expand their reach, but they get pushback from the networks that pay the bills and it ends up with a league very much interested in what LeBron had for breakfast. But it's evident from the trend of stars and superstars coming from outside the U.S. that Silver's going to get his way. And Masai has been busting his a** to be ahead of the curve. I'm sure its embarrassing to be put on the 2nd channel when the Jays hit spring training, or whatever. There's an hour of Leafs radio a day on both stations in August. They need to catch up.

[Brinbe]

To be honest, this sounds like a guy that is staying. He is hungry

this is what I've been saying for awhile now....he's hungry for another championship because his 1st one was ruined by that Oakland cop

Lol, you know that was my exact takeaway too. Especially when he was talking about literally winning one here

And we're already an international brand. There are raptor fans everywhere. It's all about getting corporate backing and push to elevate the team where it needs to be in locally/nationally in congruence with its potential.

I just think there's a lot of old farts that need to see the light. The Raptors are a bigger brand everywhere but home because this is hockey central and there's a resistance to playing second fiddle to basketball. There's a lot of old money dynamics involved there. But that's the current push and pull of the entire Western world right now.

Between globalisation and keep Canada a certain type of 'Canadian' mentality.

Like crabs in a barrel, they'd rather spite themselves instead of seeing basketball and the Raptors thrive. And a lot of that is going away, but not all of it. That's what Masai is talking about. Make a REAL commitment.