The birds of prey extend the contract of the general manager Bobby Webster, making him head of the basketball operations

The Toronto Raptors did what was foreseen and extended the contract of the general manager Bobby Webster, making it the undisputed leader of the basketball operations, while formally assuming a president to replace Masai Ujiri.

“Crossing this complete process this summer and the meeting with external candidates played a fundamental role in arrival at this decision as it clarified that we already have the right person who guides the Raptors internally,” said Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Keith Pelly CEO in a note. “When we evaluated the numerous considerations, including the construction of the roster, the team’s culture and the competitive panorama, it had perfectly made sense to officially deliver the team to Bobby and give it time and support to allow the development of its plan.

“After spending time together this summer in Las Vegas, I was very impressed by Bobby’s leadership style, by his relationship with the players and staff, his reputation with his peers throughout the League and – above all and above all – his vision for the Raptors. This team is his, now, to guide and I know that everyone does not see time of what comes after.”

Not taking a president to replace Ujiri is not a surprise, Mlse has reduced or eliminated the role of the president with other owned sports organizations, such as the NHL Toronto Maple Leafs.

With Webster taking the command, not to expect changes from how the Raptors built their list: he was the general manager for the Raptors for nine years and was with the team for the 13 years in which Ujiri was head of the basketball operations. Webster contributed to building the list of the 2019 championship and this current one, which has a good dose of talent – Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Jakob Polytl – but questions about Fit and Balance.

Giving Webster this expanded role suggests that Ujiri’s dismissal did not concern victories and losses in the field, in this case, the franchise would shake things. There have been relationships outside Canada on long -standing friction between Ujiri and Edward Rogers, executive president of the MLSE board of directors, who could have led to the expulse of Ujiri.

For Raptors fans, outside the loss of Ujiri’s strong and positive voice, not many changes with the team. That this is a good thing is a different conversation.