The Toronto Raptors, who the Lakers play tonight, have been to the playoffs six times in their history. Their best years were with Vince Carter and Chris Bosh. Their worst moment was Kobe Bryant’s 81 point game. And drafting Andrea Bargnani number one in 2006. Now, the Raptors are the best team in the Eastern Conference and for good reason. They were very specific and intentional about what they needed to do to change their organization, both systemically and strategically. The Raptors always had a great fan base and community support. Now, all they needed was a team the fans could be proud of.
This is how they did it.
Nov 28, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Amir Johnson (15) dunks the ball against the Dallas Mavericks at Air Canada Centre. The Mavericks beat the Raptors 106-102. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
A Bold General Manager. Gifted General Manager Masai Ujiri rejoined the Toronto Raptors in 2013. He had been the Raptors Director of Global Scouting and Assistant General Manager before taking the Denver Nuggets General Manager job. He engineered the Carmelo Anthony trade to New York. The Nuggets got the best end of that deal- multiple players and draft picks and cap room.
When Ujiri returned to Toronto in May 2013, the first thing he did was trade Andrea Bargnani to the Knicks. Bargnani was a useless seven footer who didn’t rebound and launched three point shots. Ujiri recognized it was failed pick and cut ties. In return, he received three veterans (Marcus Camby, Steve Novak, Quentin Richardson) and three draft picks. He waived Camby and Richardson.
In December 2013, Ujiri traded Rudy Gay for Patrick Patterson, Chuck Hayes, Greivis Vazquez and John Salmons. Rudy Gay struggled to translate his individual skills into a team concept in which his teams were dominant with him on the court. Ujiri recognized that 24 year old DeMar DeRozan, who the Raptors signed to an extension in 2012, needed the playing time that Rudy Gay was receiving. Vasquez was the back up point guard the Raptors desperately needed to ease some of the pressure off Kyle Lowry. Patterson plays twenty minutes a game and gives the Raptors size and scoring. Hayes plays 10 minutes a game.
When Ujiri took over the Raptors they had just completed a season in which they won 34 games and finished last in their division. After one year with Ujiri as G.M., they finished first in the Atlantic Division.
This past summer, Ujiri had a decision to make about Kyle Lowry, their most important player, who was a free agent. The Miami Heat wanted Lowry in their backcourt and were willing to overpay. Ujiri convinced Lowry to return to Toronto. He played the loyalty card and Lowry bit, even though the Raptors offered him far less money than the Heat would have put on the table. Lowry did not even interview with the Heat.
Ujiri then traded John Salmons to the Hawks for Lou Williams. Williams, a scorer with a quick release, tore his ACL in 2013. In his first months back he didn’t look like the same player. But Ujiri guessed that Williams was still recovering. Given more time, Williams would regain his form. This year, Williams is shooting 40% from three, averaging 14 points a game.
It took Ujiri 18 months to take the Raptors from worst to first. They have the best record in the Eastern Conference. They score more points than the Golden State Warriors. They are 9th in defense. They have the 6th best bench. Come summer, they’ll have $20 million dollars to spend.
A Dominant Backcourt. Toronto drafted shooting guard DeMar DeRozan (USC) in 2009 with the 9th pick. Three years later they signed him to a four year, $40 million dollar extension. The following season he made the All-Star team and averaged 23 points. Kyle Lowry bounced around and developed a reputation as a player difficult to deal with. He had a tendency to burn bridges and teams were exhausted by him. The Philadelphia native was drafted by Memphis, played for the Rockets and was traded to Toronto in 2012. Maturity allowed him to take the foot off the gas pedal and ease back. In the NBA, it is a plus to be driven and tough but Lowry’s personality was alienating his teammates and, worse, it was hurting his game. He has never been an All-Star which will change this year. Lowry is the straw the stirs the Raptors drink. He is their most important player.
Nov 28, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (22) is defended by Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Rewriting Terrible History. Eight years ago, Kobe Bryant dropped 81 points on the Raptors. Everyone associated with that team is gone. Bryan Colangelo, the Raptors GM in 2006, is no longer part of a NBA front office. Chris Bosh is gone. Jose Calderon is gone. Matt Bonner is gone. Jalen Rose is retired, as is Antonio Davis. Sam Mitchell, the Raptors coach in 2006, was held accountable for that performance and in many circles was blamed. The Raptors was his last head coaching job.
The Raptors got here the only way you can. When you rebuild, you truly rebuild. You tear the house down. You start from scratch. You accept it won’t be pretty.