Toronto Raptors: Masai Ujiri Has Eye-Opening Reaction After the Team's Disappointing Fall to 9th in the Draft Lottery 1 Mar 20, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images

Toronto Raptors: Masai Ujiri Has Eye-Opening Reaction After the Team’s Disappointing Fall to 9th in the Draft Lottery

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated May 16, 2025 9:20 AM ET

The Toronto Raptors entered the draft lottery hoping to receive a Top 4 pick or, at the very least, stay put at No. 7. Instead, they dropped two spots and ended up with the ninth overall pick.

Fortunately for the Toronto Raptors , they have historically selected well in this draft position several times, so team president Masai Ujiri wasn’t perturbed when the ping-pong balls decided their fate.

Toronto Raptors: Masai Ujiri Has Eye-Opening Reaction After the Team's Disappointing Fall to 9th in the Draft Lottery 2 Dec 1, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a basket and drawing a foul against the Miami Heat in the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

“Tracy McGrady. DeMar DeRozan. Jakob Poeltl…We’ll be fine. I guarantee you we’ll be fine,” Ujiri said via Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report has the Toronto Raptors going with Noa Essengue from Ratiopharm Ulm in his mock draft, especially since the team must make some frontcourt decisions this summer.

Toronto Raptors News: Masai Ujiri shares expectations for the team in 2025-26

Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri expects his team to improve next season. They missed out on a play-in tournament spot after finishing the 2024-25 regular season with a 30-52 record.

Toronto Raptors: Brandon Ingram Expressed Excitement to Play With This 1 New Teammate While Throwing Subtle Shade at CJ McCollum 2 Nov 22, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) dribbles against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and guard Buddy Hield (7) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

“Continue to grow as a team,” Ujiri said. “Everybody make a jump and see. Get BI (Ingram) back healthy and see how we all gel together. I think it’ll be great.”

The Toronto Raptors traded Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and two future draft picks in exchange for Brandon Ingram last February. However, the one-time NBA All-Star has yet to suit up for the franchise due to a serious ankle injury.