It’s stunning 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 group that after couldn’t land a marquee celebrity. And for years, almost each transfer he made labored.
However lately, that magic pale. Toronto hasn’t received a playoff sequence since 2020. And now, the group’s biggest 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 massive.
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 prospect. He believed in what he had and that perception modified every thing.
2. Drafting and creating the best means
Earlier than Ujiri, Toronto’s draft file 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, successful a D-League title in 2017 earlier than entering into key NBA roles. Improvement grew to become a franchise trademark.
3. The title that modified every thing
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 celebrity govt.
Toronto buzzed with “Kawhi Watch” all summer season. Had Leonard stayed, many consider 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 instances and falling quick within the 2023 play-in.
Ujiri’s perception in inner development might 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 dropping 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 might have sensed it was time. The franchise he as soon as led with full conviction was headed in a special route.
6. Legacy lives on
Earlier than Ujiri, the Raptors hadn’t received a playoff sequence since 2001. Below him, they made eight postseason runs, posted a 545–419 file (fifth greatest within the NBA since 2014) and received all of it.
