From current GM Bobby Webster to former head coach Dwane Casey, we look at five candidates who could be 色色啦’s next head of basketball operations.
Instead, Webster will get an extension of his contract as the team鈥檚 general manager to run the organization.
鈥淲hen we weighed the many considerations, including roster construction, team culture and competitive landscape, it made perfect sense to officially hand the team to Bobby and give him the time and support to allow his plan to develop,鈥 MLSE president Keith Pelley said.
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Webster worked in lockstep with Masai Ujiri in turning the Raptors into the 2019 NBA champions and has been central to the rebuilding process the team has undertaken for the last three seasons.
Ujiri, who was the team鈥檚 vice-chairman, president and most recognizable front office personality, left MLSE in June despite having another year on his contract.
Pelley said then that the billion-dollar monolith felt a change at the top was necessary despite saying ownership was fine with the way the rebuilding process was going.
Ownership said it would cast a wide net investigating possible replacements and, according to league sources, it met with about a dozen candidates before promoting from within.
The team said it will not appoint a president at this time.
There is a path for Maple Leaf Sport & Entertainment to eventually add a president, Pelley said, but there is no time frame.
鈥淚鈥檓 grateful to Keith, to the board, and to our ownership for this opportunity聽鈥 the chance to continue the work that I love, for a team, a city, and country that鈥檚 become home,鈥 Webster said in statement. 鈥淭he things that are important to me聽鈥 a deep love for basketball, thoughtful and empowering leadership, and a competitive fire聽鈥 are the pillars of who I am as a leader. That鈥檚 what you鈥檒l see from me every day. This is a new chapter in Raptors basketball, but one thing that will not change is our passion for winning, and our goal to bring another championship to 色色啦.鈥
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Webster, 40, is entering his ninth聽season as general manager and 13th聽with the Raptors, and his 21st in the NBA.聽
Before being named general manager in June 2017, he held the titles of assistant general manager and vice-president, basketball management and strategy.聽
“After spending time together this summer in Las Vegas, I was very impressed by Bobby鈥檚 leadership style, his rapport with the players and staff, his reputation with his peers across the league and聽鈥 especially and importantly聽鈥 his vision for the Raptors,” Pelley said in a statement. “This team is his, now, to lead and I know we all look forward to what comes next.鈥
Doug Smith is a sports reporter based in 色色啦. Follow him on
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