Post by Braz on Oct 4, 2020 9:34:49 GMT -8
This Article is a combination of various sources and an interview with new Raptor's GM Braz. These have been some crazy years in Tdot but the tides are steadying and here is why.
10/4/2020 Raptors President of Basketball Operations Masai Uriri releases the following statement on behalf of the Toronto Raptors Organization
"We as the Raptors franchise are a proud franchise and recognize the last few years have not been what the fans have expected or deserved. After 4 long years we were ready to move on from the former GM. With the season pressed up against us we felt forced to make a decision to give the role to Tyga due to his experience with most of the GMs. After quickly realizing his head was not in it we have moved forward with a top international Talent- The Brazilian Dude. Braz comes with a wealth of experience from NBADSL and is now ready to be the face of this franchise for years to come. As part of this commitment to our organization and fans we make a promise that losing is not our culture. Within the next 5 seasons the Raptors will secure a playoff birth. Right now we ask the fans to be patient with us as we rebuild this the "right way".
What can we make of this? The fans of Toronto are excited to have a GM who is active and determined t to win. With a clean slate on Cap in the next few seasons + the ability to build from the draft the times are exciting in Toronto. Braz has come in blazing and has been communicating closely with several GMs. All players are available as the goal seems to be to collect assets.
"The Plan" as they call it seems to be clear. Bottom out this year while searching the market for a guy who can put some fans in the seats, build hard through the draft. Right now the Raptors are looking at a top 5 pick and two late firsts which could build a core of young talent. In future years as we get closer to our 5 year promise we will make strategic strikes on the FA market. In addition the level involvement Braz brings and his competitive nature guarantees all his players will be camped appropriately and have the best access to resources among any team in the great BBS.
A Quick Q&A with Braz
Q: Kidd is clearly the best player on this team, even in his older age. What are your plans for him. it seems he wants a chance to contend before he hands it up.
A: Kidd came here and has been a great asset in terms of mentoring our other players. Kidd may one day be a coach in this league. However we want to make it clear that Kidd is available to teams that are contending. Kidd can turn a fringe playoff team into a deep contender with his leadership, passing and great defense.
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Q: Gerald Wallace has a bad rap in this league, why do you believe in him so much?
A: Wallace is 27 years old and turning the corner. Part of Wallaces problem in the past is he was raw and relied way too much on his athletic ability. This season in Toronto sharing the court with Kidd has helped him slow down his approach. You can see the stides he has made with his career high FG%. Past that Wallace could plug in as a super sub, start the 3 or the 4. Wallace will hustle for you and get you around 3 SLOCKS per which we appreciate vs his 1.5 TO (cut down from 2.7). You have to know how Gerard fits in. He does not want to be the main focus but is always happy to play his role and make everyone better.
Q: With the draft coming up what will be your focus?
A: As it seems the draft class has yet to be announced, however, we want to go into this draft with a top 5 pick and a few other assets. Hopefully these late firsts can be packages to move up to the teens. If we can walk away with a cornerstone and a roleplayer we will be happy.
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10/4/2020 Raptors President of Basketball Operations Masai Uriri releases the following statement on behalf of the Toronto Raptors Organization
"We as the Raptors franchise are a proud franchise and recognize the last few years have not been what the fans have expected or deserved. After 4 long years we were ready to move on from the former GM. With the season pressed up against us we felt forced to make a decision to give the role to Tyga due to his experience with most of the GMs. After quickly realizing his head was not in it we have moved forward with a top international Talent- The Brazilian Dude. Braz comes with a wealth of experience from NBADSL and is now ready to be the face of this franchise for years to come. As part of this commitment to our organization and fans we make a promise that losing is not our culture. Within the next 5 seasons the Raptors will secure a playoff birth. Right now we ask the fans to be patient with us as we rebuild this the "right way".
What can we make of this? The fans of Toronto are excited to have a GM who is active and determined t to win. With a clean slate on Cap in the next few seasons + the ability to build from the draft the times are exciting in Toronto. Braz has come in blazing and has been communicating closely with several GMs. All players are available as the goal seems to be to collect assets.
"The Plan" as they call it seems to be clear. Bottom out this year while searching the market for a guy who can put some fans in the seats, build hard through the draft. Right now the Raptors are looking at a top 5 pick and two late firsts which could build a core of young talent. In future years as we get closer to our 5 year promise we will make strategic strikes on the FA market. In addition the level involvement Braz brings and his competitive nature guarantees all his players will be camped appropriately and have the best access to resources among any team in the great BBS.
A Quick Q&A with Braz
Q: Kidd is clearly the best player on this team, even in his older age. What are your plans for him. it seems he wants a chance to contend before he hands it up.
A: Kidd came here and has been a great asset in terms of mentoring our other players. Kidd may one day be a coach in this league. However we want to make it clear that Kidd is available to teams that are contending. Kidd can turn a fringe playoff team into a deep contender with his leadership, passing and great defense.
Q: Gerald Wallace has a bad rap in this league, why do you believe in him so much?
A: Wallace is 27 years old and turning the corner. Part of Wallaces problem in the past is he was raw and relied way too much on his athletic ability. This season in Toronto sharing the court with Kidd has helped him slow down his approach. You can see the stides he has made with his career high FG%. Past that Wallace could plug in as a super sub, start the 3 or the 4. Wallace will hustle for you and get you around 3 SLOCKS per which we appreciate vs his 1.5 TO (cut down from 2.7). You have to know how Gerard fits in. He does not want to be the main focus but is always happy to play his role and make everyone better.
Q: With the draft coming up what will be your focus?
A: As it seems the draft class has yet to be announced, however, we want to go into this draft with a top 5 pick and a few other assets. Hopefully these late firsts can be packages to move up to the teens. If we can walk away with a cornerstone and a roleplayer we will be happy.
