Toronto Raptors executive addresses why Masai Ujiri was allowed to do the NBA Draft before his sudden exit

MLSE believes the Raptors can move forward without Ujiri

During his tenure with the Toronto Raptors and the Denver Nuggets, Ujiri earned respect. He has made several notable decisions, such as acquiring Leonard and selecting Pascal Siakam late in the draft. Siakam eventually became a championship-level player, even beyond the Raptors.

Ujiri’s consistency is a big reason behind people’s reaction to the exit. The question fell to MLSE to address why Ujiri still took charge in his final NBA Draft this week.

“I think the discussion with Masai was a discussion that was private between the two of us. The fact that he led the Draft shows Masai’s integrity. Our trust and our belief that he’ll always have the best interests at heart for the Raptors,” MLSE CEO Keith Pelley said in a press conference.

“I can’t say it any more times that there are more factors that came into this decision. The timing was right to make a change. We believe that with this stability I’ve outlined multiple times, that gave us the opportunity to do, and that’s what we have done.”

The next steps for the Toronto Raptors after Ujiri’s exit

With Ujiri’s exit, there are questions surrounding the Raptors organization. He orchestrated a 545-419 record during his time in Toronto, numerous postseason berths, and a championship. Ujiri’s exit is significant, as he is synonymous with the franchise.

Now, the team must find a way forward. The team’s general manager, Bobby Webster, is still in charge. He has a plan for the future, so he will likely be the primary decision-maker. The team has a star in Scottie Barnes, but the rest of the roster is uncertain.

RJ Barrett is talented, but he does not feel like a Raptors player. He is an interesting case, especially in trade discussions with other teams. Other trades could happen, but that will be up to Webster’s plans.

Webster should have plans alongside the rest of the front office staff. They will take the next steps as the Raptors look to return to the postseason. The team already considered trades for the #9 overall pick, but they continue to gear up for the future.