http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/teams/toronto_raptors/67 Recent articles about Toronto Raptors en-us The Toronto Raptors are pursuing Masai Ujiri to become the team's top basketball executive, according to sources. Ujiri was named the 2013 NBA Executive of the Year for his work as general manager of the Nuggets. Ujiri's contract with the Nuggets expires this summer and he has been in discussions on an extension. Korn/Ferry International, the search firm hired by MLSE to search for a new GM for the Raptors, has identified Ujiri as its top candidate. MLSE has until Monday to make a decision on whether to retain Bryan Colangelo, who could stay with the franchise under a new decision-maker. Ujiri worked for three years with the Raptors under Colangelo before becoming GM of the Nuggets. Sat, 18 May 2013 11:05:13 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/raptors_target_masai_ujiri_as_top_candidate/13644871 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/raptors_target_masai_ujiri_as_top_candidate/13644871 Raptors Target Masai Ujiri As Top Candidate http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/raptors_target_masai_ujiri_as_top_candidate/13644871 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png MLSE, owner of the Toronto Raptors, have hired a firm to search for a possible replacement for Bryan Colangelo. The Raptors have until Monday to make a decision on whether to pick up their option on Colangelo's contract for the 13-14 season. Kevin Pritchard and Troy Weaver are two names being mentioned as candidates to replace Colangelo, should the Raptors make a move. Tim Leiweke became CEO of MLSE last month and will have final say on the Raptors' general manager position. Fri, 17 May 2013 18:30:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/mlse_hires_firm_to_search_for_new_raptors_gm_no_decision_yet_on_colangelo/13642030 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/mlse_hires_firm_to_search_for_new_raptors_gm_no_decision_yet_on_colangelo/13642030 MLSE Hires Firm To Search For New Raptors' GM, No Decision Yet On Colangelo http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/mlse_hires_firm_to_search_for_new_raptors_gm_no_decision_yet_on_colangelo/13642030 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The Memphis Grizzlies finished off a depleted Oklahoma City Thunder team last night, and have advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history. The Grizzlies have a very good team built around the size and strength of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph  down low, and the gritty defense of Tony Allen and Mike Conley on the perimeter. The Grizzlies play “championship style” basketball, which means they rebound well and they play great defense. However, the one thing they lack is somebody who can go toe-to-toe with the likes of Kevin Durant and LeBron James on a nightly basis. That they don’t have. But they make up for it with their defense, rebounding, and all around team play. But as we have seen, good all around team play can only take you so far in the NBA playoffs, and at some point you need to have somebody step up and become the go-to guy. That seems to be the one piece the Grizzlies lack, and ironically it just might be the piece that they gave up when they traded Rudy G Thu, 16 May 2013 03:34:18 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/will_the_grizzlies_regret_trading_rudy_gay/13628420 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/will_the_grizzlies_regret_trading_rudy_gay/13628420 Will The Grizzlies Regret Trading Rudy Gay? http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/will_the_grizzlies_regret_trading_rudy_gay/13628420 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/0/f02e03b51ec41ddbbe4336885e21c4870ce758e0/mini/6942632.jpg   I’ve come to the conclusion that throwing the first pitch at a baseball game must be an extremely difficult undertaking because far too many athletes botch it when they get the chance. Toronto Raptors forward Amir Johnson, can now count himself among the other athletes to have an embarrassing moment on the mound, only he made the most of a funny situation when he asked for a mulligan then threw the ball into the crowd. Check the video out here: H/T to Pro Basketball Talk for the video. Tue, 14 May 2013 17:03:46 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/raptors_amir_johnson_tosses_terrible_first_pitch_at_bluejays_game_video/13617773 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/raptors_amir_johnson_tosses_terrible_first_pitch_at_bluejays_game_video/13617773 Raptors Amir Johnson Tosses Terrible First Pitch at Bluejays Game (Video) http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/raptors_amir_johnson_tosses_terrible_first_pitch_at_bluejays_game_video/13617773 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/a/9aca03bda5de72754bafe6d9c019256d0530276c/mini/6881572.jpg Amir Johnson threw a terrible first pitch It may be time to stop allowing basketball players to throw out the first pitch at baseball games. Amir Johnson, who plays for the Toronto Raptors had a chance to show the world that hoops players can indeed, throw out a first pitch. This didn’t exactly go the way Johnson hoped it would. Amir tossed out the first pitch at the Toronto Blue Jays game, that turned into grounder past the catcher. However, just when Johnson could have embarrassed himself even more he redeemed himself to a degree. Johnson called for another pitch and instead of throwing it back to the catcher, he earned some points with the crowd by heaving it into the second deck. Check it out: H/T: CBS/ Eye on Basketball The post VIDEO: Amir Johnson horrible first pitch appeared first on Pass The Pill - Kings of Hoops. Tue, 14 May 2013 16:34:49 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/video_amir_johnson_horrible_first_pitch/13617227 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/video_amir_johnson_horrible_first_pitch/13617227 VIDEO: Amir Johnson horrible first pitch http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/video_amir_johnson_horrible_first_pitch/13617227 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/f/ffa53daf0791e73d949940b327a7aa5bcfffad77/mini/6868044.jpg Amir Johnson of the Toronto Raptors had the chance to toss out the first pitch for a recent Toronto Blue Jays game, and it wasn’t exactly perfect. Amir posted the entire event to his YouTube page and now we get to witness his poor effort. Amir ended up bouncing the ball to the catcher which is not the ideal scenario. The pitch wasn’t the worst we have ever seen, but it is safe to say that Amir chose the right sport to go professional in. The failed pitch allowed his teammates  to have a little fun at his expense. #bbpBox_325384231628980224 a { text-decoration:none; color:#FF0000; }#bbpBox_325384231628980224 a:hover { text-decoration:underline; }Great first pitch by @IamAmirJohnson -__- ....smh wrong sport not supposed to bounce it lolApril 19, 2013 4:03 pm via EchofonReplyRetweetFavorite@QuincyAcyQuincy Acy[Ball Don't Lie] Article found on: Next Impulse Sports Tue, 14 May 2013 16:08:19 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/raptors_amir_johnson_should_stick_to_basketball/13616969 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/raptors_amir_johnson_should_stick_to_basketball/13616969 Raptors’ Amir Johnson Should Stick To Basketball http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/raptors_amir_johnson_should_stick_to_basketball/13616969 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/a/9aca03bda5de72754bafe6d9c019256d0530276c/mini/6881572.jpg Toronto Raptors big man Amir Johnson threw a terrible ceremonial first pitch before a Blue Jays game at the Rogers Centre last month, as it bounced halfway to home plate and skipped past the catcher. Amazingly, video of the debacle did not surface until today. The sad "Price Is Right" music sums up the first pitch by Johnson perfectly. Surprisingly, Johnson was given the extremely rare opportunity for a second try to get the ball over home plate. So how did that one go? Well, Johnson wasted that opportunity by deliberately throwing the baseball high up into the seats for a lucky fan to grab. It could have been worse. At least Johnson didn't break anything. Video via AmirTV. H/T Sportress. Visit us at holdoutsports.com and follow us on Twitter @HoldoutSports. Tue, 14 May 2013 15:42:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/amir_johnson_throws_disastrous_first_pitch_at_blue_jays_game_video/13616729 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/amir_johnson_throws_disastrous_first_pitch_at_blue_jays_game_video/13616729 Amir Johnson throws disastrous first pitch at Blue Jays game (Video) http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/amir_johnson_throws_disastrous_first_pitch_at_blue_jays_game_video/13616729 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/5/9/593d8c7c2dbb0982c32bbbb5a4c7d52efe2d63a4/mini/6945776.jpg Toronto Raptors star Amir Johnson threw a horrendous first pitch recently at a Toronto Blue Jays game. Johnson has a sense of humor about the whole thing as he posted this documentary style footage about the event. Video: Amir Johnson throws an awful first pitch The post Video: Toronto Raptors Amir Johnson throws out an awful first pitch for the Blue Jays appeared first on Players View. Tue, 14 May 2013 14:39:29 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/videoraptors_amir_johnson_throws_an_awful_first_pitch_for_the_blue_jays/13616183 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/videoraptors_amir_johnson_throws_an_awful_first_pitch_for_the_blue_jays/13616183 Video:Raptors Amir Johnson throws an awful first pitch for the Blue Jays http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/videoraptors_amir_johnson_throws_an_awful_first_pitch_for_the_blue_jays/13616183 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/f/ffa53daf0791e73d949940b327a7aa5bcfffad77/mini/6868044.jpg Colangelo's contract has a team option for next season with the Raptors, but it may be declined if the team heads in a complete rebuilding mode I wrote back a few weeks ago that the Toronto Raptors were pursuing Phil Jackson for team president, a new role for the title-winning head coach. But now, with current president and general manager Bryan Colangelo facing a team option to determine his future role with the Raptors, the franchise--out of the playoffs for the last five seasons and 34-38 in the 2012-13 campaign--has a choice to make: Either keep Colangelo around and risk the continuing of futility or cut him loose, go all-out for Jackson, and drum up some more interest in the team if not improve it significantly. As Frank Zicarelli of the Toronto Sun notes (note: In the column, he refers to the Nets as being from "New Jersey" still, not Brooklyn. Newspapers, I tell ya), the new president of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (the parent company of the Ra... Mon, 13 May 2013 14:14:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/with_raptors_in_transition_presidentgm_bryan_colangelo_finds_his_job_status_on_unsteady_ground/13607030 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/with_raptors_in_transition_presidentgm_bryan_colangelo_finds_his_job_status_on_unsteady_ground/13607030 With Raptors in transition, President/GM Bryan Colangelo finds his job status on unsteady ground http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/with_raptors_in_transition_presidentgm_bryan_colangelo_finds_his_job_status_on_unsteady_ground/13607030 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Colangelo's contract has a team option for next season with the Raptors, but it may be declined if the team heads in a complete rebuilding mode I wrote back a few weeks ago that the Toronto Raptors were pursuing Phil Jackson for team president, a new role for the title-winning head coach. But now, with current president and general manager Bryan Colangelo facing a team option to determine his future role with the Raptors, the franchise--out of the playoffs for the last five seasons and 34-38 in the 2012-13 campaign--has a choice to make: Either keep Colangelo around and risk the continuing of futility or cut him loose, go all-out for Jackson, and drum up some more interest in the team if not improve it significantly. As Frank Zicarelli of the Toronto Sun notes (note: In the column, he refers to the Nets as being from "New Jersey" still, not Brooklyn. Newspapers, I tell ya), the new president of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (the parent company of... Mon, 13 May 2013 10:41:51 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/with_raptors_in_transition_presidentgm_bryan_colangelo_finds_his_job_status_on_unsteady_ground/13605578 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/with_raptors_in_transition_presidentgm_bryan_colangelo_finds_his_job_status_on_unsteady_ground/13605578 With Raptors in transition, President/GM Bryan Colangelo finds his job status on unsteady ground http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/with_raptors_in_transition_presidentgm_bryan_colangelo_finds_his_job_status_on_unsteady_ground/13605578 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The Toronto Raptors have requested permission to interview Tyronn Lue for a position on Dwane Casey's coaching staff. Lue has been an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics since 2009. Sun, 12 May 2013 20:14:16 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/raptors_request_permission_to_interview_tyonn_lue_for_assistant_job/13602764 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/raptors_request_permission_to_interview_tyonn_lue_for_assistant_job/13602764 Raptors Request Permission To Interview Tyonn Lue For Assistant Job http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/raptors_request_permission_to_interview_tyonn_lue_for_assistant_job/13602764 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/6/2/6266c5d7d950c9b7b7fdb7d752f90afa8e580a3d/mini/PicImg_NBA_FEB_18_fef8.jpg Gary Washburn sent out this tweet yesterday: The #Raptors have asked for permission to speak with #celtics asst. Tyronn Lue for position on Dwane Casey's staff, according to Danny Ainge — gary washburn (@GwashNBAGlobe) May 11, 2013 Unless the Raptors want to A: make Lue their backup point guard (he's still just 36 years old, and last played in 2009 for Orlando), B: give him the head coaching job, or C: pay him a ton more that he's getting now, I can't imagine why he'd want to leave Boston for Toronto.  This tweet suggests that options A and B aren't happening, so it's probably going to come down to $$$.  Or Danny Ainge could just tell them to back off. Follow Mark on twitter @LucidSportsFan Sat, 11 May 2013 19:00:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/the_raptors_want_tyronn_lue/13598255 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/the_raptors_want_tyronn_lue/13598255 The Raptors want Tyronn Lue http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/the_raptors_want_tyronn_lue/13598255 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/6/2/6266c5d7d950c9b7b7fdb7d752f90afa8e580a3d/mini/PicImg_NBA_FEB_18_fef8.jpg Jalen Rose makes story time on Grantland quite entertaining. This time on the “B.S.Report,” Jalen tackles the frequent problem of girlfriends and wives at the same game. Not random players significant others, a married player with his main and mistress both wanting to be in the stands to cheer him on. Rose discusses seating arrangements.   Trust and believe, when you pick up the envelope from will call – that’s for the sides not wives, they don’t go through that headache – thought has been put into where you’ll be sitting and if you’ll get a postgame pass. So here’s my tip for both the jocks and those aspiring significant others. 1. Wives know where “the work” sits and the sides absolutely know where wifey sits. 2. You can try not leaving her passes but any crafty side piece will have a plan to get around this. You probably should make that clear upfront. 3. I’ve written a book on this topic and others like it. I can’t wait to let you in on what else goes on. Tue, 07 May 2013 18:49:32 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/jalen_rose_tells_how_he_used_to_keep_the_wives_amp_girlfriends_apart_at_nba_games/13570310 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/jalen_rose_tells_how_he_used_to_keep_the_wives_amp_girlfriends_apart_at_nba_games/13570310 Rose on handling wives and girlfriends http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/jalen_rose_tells_how_he_used_to_keep_the_wives_amp_girlfriends_apart_at_nba_games/13570310 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/2/424ba94083b26f367117ad0d647a8a4d2b850ec5/mini/jl.jpg Toronto Raptors: Regular Season Review and Awards Record: 34-48- 10th in East- 19th Review: The big news of the season for the Toronto Raptors was them acquiring All Star caliber forward, Rudy Gay, but even that was not enough to push them into the playoffs. Gay and DeMar DeRozan are now one of the highest scoring wing combos in the NBA and the foundation of the team moving forward. Rookie center, Jonas Valanciunas had a very solid rookie season and should be their franchise center moving forward, as he is incredibly skilled. Amir Johnson had an excellent season at power forward, Kyle Lowry was very competent at point guard, Terrence Ross showed flashes of his incredible talent, Alan Anderson and John Lucas were solid bench scorers and Andrea Bargnani was well, bad. They have a very intriguing core moving forward, but yet again, they go another season without a playoff appearance. MVP: Rudy Gay: 18.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists per game - Gay and DeRozan put up eerily similar ... Sat, 04 May 2013 19:43:12 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/toronto_raptors_regular_season_review_and_awards/13551689 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/toronto_raptors_regular_season_review_and_awards/13551689 Toronto Raptors: Regular Season Review and Awards http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/toronto_raptors_regular_season_review_and_awards/13551689 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/0/f02e03b51ec41ddbbe4336885e21c4870ce758e0/mini/6942632.jpg The Toronto Raptors are hotly pursuing Phil Jackson to be their new president.  Jackson has a close relationship with Tim Leiweke, former AEG operator, who now runs the Raptors organization.  Last week, however, Jackson told reporters that "There are some interesting situations that are presenting themselves, but I really haven't made up my mind yet what I'm going to do.”      One thing is for sure, Jackson would like to be a part of an organization "where you'd have the influence in [selecting the] coaching staff and the kind of culture that goes along with it."  Jackson doesn’t want some control, he wants a lot of control over an organization, if he is going to be a part of one.    Therefore, it appears as though, Jackson no longer wants to coach, but wants to return to the NBA in more of a front office position.  A position, as important as coaching a team. Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:18:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/toronto_raptors_are_pursuing_phil_jackson/13522241 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/toronto_raptors_are_pursuing_phil_jackson/13522241 Toronto Raptors Are Pursuing Phil Jackson http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/toronto_raptors_are_pursuing_phil_jackson/13522241 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Could the Zen Master be moving north of the border? According to a report by ESPN, former Bulls and Lakers head coach Phil Jackson is being targeted by the Toronto Raptors, who want to bring the 11-time NBA champion on board as team president. Former AEG chief Tim Lieweke, who now runs the Raptors, a major player in building Staples Center, is still close to Jackson from their time in LA. The ongoing Sacramento-Seattle debate plays into a potential move by Jackson. It was said that Seattle was a leading contender to land Jackson, should the city acquire the franchise from the California capital. Leading Seattle investor Chris Hansen was reported to have “hit it off” with Jackson. However, now that it appears the Kings are staying put, the Raptors are believed to be the frontrunner to have Jackson in their front office. There remains some skepticism around basketball that Jackson would be willing to relocate to Canada. In an interview last week with the San Francisco Chronicle, Jacks... Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:27:44 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/report_phil_jackson_being_targeted_by_toronto_raptors_for_team_president_position/13519067 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/report_phil_jackson_being_targeted_by_toronto_raptors_for_team_president_position/13519067 Report: Phil Jackson Being Targeted by Toronto Raptors for Team President Position http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/report_phil_jackson_being_targeted_by_toronto_raptors_for_team_president_position/13519067 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/0/d/0d562a1ab9f185e33c18dfd7ae82d58ee6195c6c/mini/lakers.jpg Tim Leiweke doesn't officially begin his tenure as president of the Toronto Raptors until June 30, but he will have influence over the MLSE board's decision on whether to pick up Bryan Colangelo's contract option for the 13-14 NBA season at a mid-May meeting. It had been assumed that the Raptors would give Colangelo and Dwane Casey one more season to produce better results, but the situation has presumably changed due to the presence of Leiweke. Phil Jackson is one candidate to take over the Raptors' front office. Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:02:50 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/future_of_colangelo_casey_with_raptors_in_doubt_with_leiweke_hire/13518929 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/future_of_colangelo_casey_with_raptors_in_doubt_with_leiweke_hire/13518929 Future Of Colangelo, Casey With Raptors In Doubt With Leiweke Hire http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/future_of_colangelo_casey_with_raptors_in_doubt_with_leiweke_hire/13518929 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Earlier this month, a report surfaced that indicated Phil Jackson is anxious to return to the NBA next season in some sort of capacity that may not be coaching. As you might expect, several teams have already expressed interest in bringing Jackson on board. However, it may surprise you to hear that the Toronto Raptors are believed to be a frontrunner. According to ESPN.com, the Raptors have intensified their pursuit of Jackson in hopes of making him their next team president. The man now overseeing the Raptors is Tim Leiweke, who was once a big name associated with the Los Angeles sports scene and has a close relationship with the NBA coaching legend. While many believe Jackson, who is 67 years old, would want to join a contender, that is not necessarily the case. Since Phil may not be interested in a head coaching position, he is looking to start out in a place where he would be able to oversee basketball operations and select a head coach. Now that Leiweke has taken control of the... Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:44:15 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/raptors_reportedly_working_to_sign_phil_jackson_as_team_president/13518662 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/raptors_reportedly_working_to_sign_phil_jackson_as_team_president/13518662 Raptors reportedly working to sign Phil Jackson as team president http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/raptors_reportedly_working_to_sign_phil_jackson_as_team_president/13518662 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/d/e/de96430a9feeb4a99fe94057e1c78661c64f52e6/mini/jackson.jpg Video: A dunk so big that the bench dosido's Sat, 06 Apr 2013 09:05:44 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/terrence_ross_at_it_again_with_monster_dunk/13330504 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/terrence_ross_at_it_again_with_monster_dunk/13330504 Terrence Ross throws down 360-degree dunk http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/terrence_ross_at_it_again_with_monster_dunk/13330504 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/d/6/d6ba76d320be2b37ca769144ad9c544459dd37f5/mini/Ross.jpg I’m flattered T… Actress Rachel McAdams got a nice little gift at the Raptors game. The Canadian born actress was handed a  dozen roses and a hug from The Raptor’s mascot, the Raptor at the Air Canada Centre last night. It’s not everyday someone of her stature attends a Raptors game. To see the Video continue reading.-TO Shaq Gets Licked by the Miami Heat’s Mascot Rockets Mascot Slugs a Lakers Fan Tue, 26 Feb 2013 10:55:48 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/raptors_mascot_goes_hard_for_rachel_mcadams/12994564 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/raptors_mascot_goes_hard_for_rachel_mcadams/12994564 Raptors mascot flirts with Rachel McAdams http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/raptors_mascot_goes_hard_for_rachel_mcadams/12994564 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/e/b/ebd92aff0def559cdb12df7673e3d47681be8d50/mini/mcAdams.jpg