It’s surprising for Raptors followers — not simply due to who he was, however what he means to the franchise. Ujiri introduced swagger, imaginative and prescient and credibility to a crew that when couldn’t land a marquee famous person. And for years, almost each transfer he made labored.
However just lately, that magic pale. Toronto hasn’t received a playoff collection since 2020. And now, the crew’s best chief is gone quietly, with out the victory lap many anticipated.
So what occurred? And why now?
Let’s discover the rise, dominance and supreme unraveling of Ujiri’s Raptors.
1. The daring strikes that sparked a brand new period
Ujiri constructed his legacy by trusting his intestine and betting huge.
He began quick, flipping energy ahead Andrea Bargnani and buying and selling small ahead Rudy Homosexual for a crew that grew to become Toronto’s bench mob. That 2013 deal sparked a shock playoff push and kicked off a seven-year postseason streak.
Ujiri didn’t commerce level guard Kyle Lowry when he had the possibility. He believed in what he had and that perception modified all the pieces.
2. Drafting and growing the appropriate manner
Earlier than Ujiri, Toronto’s draft document was a punchline. He turned it right into a pipeline.
He landed level guard Delon Wright (2015), heart Jakob Poeltl (2016), energy ahead Pascal Siakam (2016), small ahead OG Anunoby (2017), small ahead/energy ahead Scottie Barnes (2021) and capturing guard Gradey Dick (2023). He additionally signed undrafted level guard Fred VanVleet.
Many developed with Raptors 905, profitable a D-League title in 2017 earlier than getting into key NBA roles. Growth grew to become a franchise trademark.
3. The title that modified all the pieces
2019 was Ujiri’s masterpiece. He traded capturing guard DeMar DeRozan and Poeltl for small ahead Kawhi Leonard, fired head coach Dwane Casey, promoted Nick Nurse to HC and introduced in heart Marc Gasol. Energy ahead/heart Serge Ibaka, acquired earlier, grew to become a key piece.
The outcome? Canada’s first NBA title — a second that made Ujiri a famous person government.
Toronto buzzed with “Kawhi Watch” all summer season. Had Leonard stayed, many imagine they might’ve repeated.
4. Perception in a fading core
After 2019, Ujiri stayed loyal to Siakam, Anunoby and VanVleet. However the Raptors stalled, lacking the playoffs a number of occasions and falling brief within the 2023 play-in.
Ujiri’s perception in inside progress could have price them key rebuild home windows. His religion in “the tradition” was admirable, however holding on too lengthy meant lacking out on peak commerce worth and shedding VanVleet for nothing.
5. A shift in energy
Ujiri’s affect had clearly pale. GM Bobby Webster grew to become extra seen. Internal tensions simmered. MLSE’s Rogers-led regime centered extra on cost-cutting and short-term outcomes.
With no contract extension and rising uncertainty on the high, Ujiri could have sensed it was time. The franchise he as soon as led with full conviction was headed in a unique course.
6. Legacy lives on
Earlier than Ujiri, the Raptors hadn’t received a playoff collection since 2001. Beneath him, they made eight postseason runs, posted a 545–419 document (fifth finest within the NBA since 2014) and received all of it.
