SportsTwo Forums - Toronto Raptors

SportsTwo Forums - Toronto Raptors http://sportstwo.com/ Back From Extinction en Wed, 22 May 2013 12:41:28 GMT vBulletin 60 http://sportstwo.com/images/misc/rss.png SportsTwo Forums - Toronto Raptors http://sportstwo.com/ Raps take campaign for Ujiri public, lay out $2-million/year offer http://sportstwo.com/threads/237229-Raps-take-campaign-for-Ujiri-public-lay-out-2-million-year-offer?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 03:53:30 GMT http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/58474/los-angeles-clippers-eyeing-david-west ---Quote--- Early estimates suggest that the Toronto...

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/pos...ing-david-west

Quote:

Early estimates suggest that the Toronto Raptors would be willing to offer Masai Ujiri an annual salary in excess of $2 million to leave the Denver Nuggets' front office.

The Nuggets, I'm told, nonetheless remain positive that they'll be able to hang on to Ujiri -- just named the NBA's Executive of the Year for the 2012-13 season -- while knowing they'll obviously have to raise his reported salary of $500,000 to keep him from wanting to leave.

It should be noted that, as of Monday night, Toronto had yet to secure permission from the Nuggets to officially woo Ujiri. But that hasn't stopped the Nigeria native from being billed as the Raptors' top target after it became apparent that Phil Jackson -- despite his longtime friendship with new Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment president and CEO Tim Leiweke -- was in no rush to embrace Toronto's interest.

Jackson has said repeatedly in recent weeks that he wants the opportunity to run a team from the top, a la Pat Riley, for the first time in his basketball career. After ESPN.com reported that the 11-ringed coaching legend wanted to let the fate of the Sacramento Kings play out before deciding anything about his future, Jackson said in a subsequent visit to "The Tonight Show" that his discussions about running basketball operations for the Chris Hansen-led group trying to purchase and relocate the Kings to Seattle were "serious talk."

Some league observers, however, remain convinced that Jackson's flirtations with teams are largely aimed at convincing Lakers lead basketball decision-maker Jim Buss to cede his organizational power to sister Jeanie Buss ... which would theoretically enable Jeanie to bring Phil, her fiancé, back to Lakerland as L.A.'s next front-office chief.

]]> Toronto Raptors speeds http://sportstwo.com/threads/237229-Raps-take-campaign-for-Ujiri-public-lay-out-2-million-year-offer <![CDATA[Raps don't win the draft lottery, pay their dues to OKC]]> http://sportstwo.com/threads/237226-Raps-don-t-win-the-draft-lottery-pay-their-dues-to-OKC?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 03:27:37 GMT Colangelo traded our first rounder this year (protected) to Houston as part of the Kyle Lowry deal. Houston flipped that pick in a package to OKC for...

Colangelo traded our first rounder this year (protected) to Houston as part of the Kyle Lowry deal. Houston flipped that pick in a package to OKC for superstar James Harden (who we passed on in favor of our Lithuanian centre prospect). The lottery was drawn tonight and that pick didn't go top-3 (12th) so we're sending it to the unfortunately named Thunder and next year we won't lose our chance at Wiggins. The most you can hope for at 12th is a role player based on recent draft history and since that's what we've got in Lowry I guess we shouldn't complain.

]]> Toronto Raptors speeds http://sportstwo.com/threads/237226-Raps-don-t-win-the-draft-lottery-pay-their-dues-to-OKC Colangelo stripped of GM title, remains President http://sportstwo.com/threads/237218-Colangelo-stripped-of-GM-title-remains-President?goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 22:37:36 GMT

I dunno what the term for this might be but Colangelo has been fired as GM of the Raptors but will remain on as team president. I'm not sure how that works but he's going to be in charge of the business end of the franchise while a new GM takes over the daily operations of the team. The new GM will not answer to Colangelo but to Leiweke.

]]> Toronto Raptors speeds http://sportstwo.com/threads/237218-Colangelo-stripped-of-GM-title-remains-President Nuggets GM, EotY Masai Ujiri preferred choice to take over Raptors http://sportstwo.com/threads/236931-Nuggets-GM-EotY-Masai-Ujiri-preferred-choice-to-take-over-Raptors?goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 16:10:04 GMT http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--raptors-targeting-nuggets-gm-masai-ujiri-to-run-organization-144448852.html Ujiri spent three seasons with...

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources...144448852.html

Ujiri spent three seasons with the Raptors, two as assistant GM, before going to the Nuggets. Ujiri and Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke have been discussing a new contract for Ujiri (his expires this summer) but MLSE is looking to make him a lucrative offer to return to Toronto. Bryan Colangelo could stay on as President of the club with Ujiri taking over GM duties but it's more likely that Colangelo would move on.

]]> Toronto Raptors speeds http://sportstwo.com/threads/236931-Nuggets-GM-EotY-Masai-Ujiri-preferred-choice-to-take-over-Raptors Pritchard, Weaver candidates to take over as GM of Raptors http://sportstwo.com/threads/236923-Pritchard-Weaver-candidates-to-take-over-as-GM-of-Raptors?goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 02:31:44 GMT While not officially on the job yet, Leiweke has been given all responsibility to determine Colangelo’s fate. The two men have met and discussed...

While not officially on the job yet, Leiweke has been given all responsibility to determine Colangelo’s fate. The two men have met and discussed plans for the Raptors future but neither has spoken publicly about their feelings.

And Leiweke is not conducting the search for a possible replacement on his own; multiple NBA sources say MLSE has hired a head-hunting firm to whittle down a list of possible replacements.

Two names being tossed around NBA circles at the league’s annual draft combine are Kevin Pritchard, currently the general manager of the Indiana Pacers and Troy Weaver, the vice-president and assistant general manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

http://forums.realgm.com/boards/view...982d5503a77078

]]> Toronto Raptors speeds http://sportstwo.com/threads/236923-Pritchard-Weaver-candidates-to-take-over-as-GM-of-Raptors Colangelo looks to be on his way out http://sportstwo.com/threads/236646-Colangelo-looks-to-be-on-his-way-out?goto=newpost Mon, 13 May 2013 15:26:34 GMT Bruce Arthur and Michael Grange both published articles today suggesting that the waiting game MLSE has played with Colangelo is helping him make a...

Bruce Arthur and Michael Grange both published articles today suggesting that the waiting game MLSE has played with Colangelo is helping him make a decision--to move on. The Raps aren't willing to give BC a long-term commitment and Colangelo doesn't seem to want to stay on for the final option year of his contract and be a lame-duck GM. No word yet on who the franchise might be leaning towards as a replacement but Ed Stefanski doesn't look like a candidate.

]]> Toronto Raptors speeds http://sportstwo.com/threads/236646-Colangelo-looks-to-be-on-his-way-out <![CDATA[Marc Stein: Raps have "best chance" at landing Phil Jackson]]> http://sportstwo.com/threads/236420-Marc-Stein-Raps-have-best-chance-at-landing-Phil-Jackson?goto=newpost Thu, 09 May 2013 21:12:38 GMT

Ryan Wolstat ‏@WolstatSun 35m
"I would, at this point, probably give the Raptors the best chance just because Tim Leiweke's there." Marc Stein on ESPN TrueHoop today

]]> Toronto Raptors speeds http://sportstwo.com/threads/236420-Marc-Stein-Raps-have-best-chance-at-landing-Phil-Jackson Phil Jackson ready to listen to Raptors offer http://sportstwo.com/threads/235894-Phil-Jackson-ready-to-listen-to-Raptors-offer?goto=newpost Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:32:12 GMT Phil Jackson is prepared to listen to a pitch from the Toronto Raptors about taking a lead role in their basketball operations, but a source says...

Phil Jackson is prepared to listen to a pitch from the Toronto Raptors about taking a lead role in their basketball operations, but a source says that he wants to listen to options from other teams as well.

Jackson would prefer an advisory role similar to Jerry West's current position with the Golden State Warriors rather than a more active role similar to Pat Riley with the Miami Heat.

Multiple sources doubt whether Jackson would be satisfied by a position with the Raptors. A similar position with the Charlotte Bobcats was not initially appealing to Jackson.

Jackson would seek a situation where he can hire a head coach that would implement his vision.

Speculation that Jackson could end up with the Raptors increased with the hiring of Tim Leiweke, former CEO of AEG.

"He's very well-connected in the league and he has to rebuild that franchise," a league source said of Leiweke. "... He's about championships. They didn't just bring him in there to mind the house."

Sources told ESPN that the Raptors perceived the Seattle-based ownership group that has been attempting to purchase the Kings as the Raptors' biggest threat for Jackson.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap...rs-Opportunity

]]> Toronto Raptors speeds http://sportstwo.com/threads/235894-Phil-Jackson-ready-to-listen-to-Raptors-offer Raps likely to offer Phil Jackson keys to franchise now that Sacto is staying? http://sportstwo.com/threads/235861-Raps-likely-to-offer-Phil-Jackson-keys-to-franchise-now-that-Sacto-is-staying?goto=newpost Tue, 30 Apr 2013 05:10:08 GMT http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/9226337/toronto-raptors-ramp-push-phil-jackson-president-sources-say The Toronto Raptors, emboldened by the news...

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/92...nt-sources-say

The Toronto Raptors, emboldened by the news that the Sacramento Kings apparently won't be moving to Seattle, have ramped up their pursuit of Phil Jackson to be their new team president, according to sources close to the situation.

Sources told ESPN.com that the Raptors -- now being run by former Los Angeles-based sports mogul Tim Leiweke -- regarded the Seattle group that was trying to buy the Kings as the biggest threat to preventing Jackson from seriously considering their pitch.

]]> Toronto Raptors speeds http://sportstwo.com/threads/235861-Raps-likely-to-offer-Phil-Jackson-keys-to-franchise-now-that-Sacto-is-staying Tim Leiweke takes over at MLSE http://sportstwo.com/threads/235661-Tim-Leiweke-takes-over-at-MLSE?goto=newpost Sat, 27 Apr 2013 01:18:57 GMT Tim Leiweke is the new President and CEO of MLSE, the parent company of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Raptors, Football Club, and Marlies, along with the...

Tim Leiweke is the new President and CEO of MLSE, the parent company of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Raptors, Football Club, and Marlies, along with the Air Canada Centre. Leiweke is the outgoing president of Anschutz Entertainment Group who own the LA Kings, Galaxy, part of the Lakers, and other interests. Leiweke has previously served with US Skiing, the Denver Nuggets, and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Leiweke replaces much maligned former president and CEO of MLSE Richard Peddie, who was seen as ignorant and meddlesome by Raptors fans for the last decade. While Peddie's been extremely successful building the MLSE brand and expanding the interests of the company, his lack of basketball acumen and foresight has led to a revolving door for coaches and general managers.

]]> Toronto Raptors speeds http://sportstwo.com/threads/235661-Tim-Leiweke-takes-over-at-MLSE <![CDATA[Raps "likely to keep Colangelo & Casey" for another season]]> http://sportstwo.com/threads/235469-Raps-likely-to-keep-Colangelo-Casey-for-another-season?goto=newpost Wed, 24 Apr 2013 02:52:24 GMT

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Or, if it still lines your pockets, forget the fans?

Despite adding about $63-million in payroll over the last five years (10th most in the NBA), including

$19-million each for Linas Kleiza and Landry Fields
$24-million for Jason Kapono
$45-million for Jose Calderon
$53-million for Hedo Turkoglu
$62-million for Andrea Bargnani,

the Raptors are 152-242 (.386) during that period of time. Not to mention the fact that Colangelo has expressed interest in extending Rudy Gay's deal, which I absolutely believe he will try to do since he loves to bid against himself.

Eric Koreen of the Sun is reporting that the powers that be at Maple Leaf Sports won't follow the firing of Brian Burke (which resulted in the Leafs instantly making the playoffs) by firing Bryan Colangelo. As a result the Raptors will head into next season with a double-threat of lame ducks with both Colangelo and Casey on expiring contracts. At least we won't be heading into an extremely important draft year...

The Toronto media, embedded in MLSE as they are, are finally starting to put the screws to Colangelo but it's too little too late. They fawned over him for years and are reluctant to admit that he's been a disaster.

]]> Toronto Raptors speeds http://sportstwo.com/threads/235469-Raps-likely-to-keep-Colangelo-Casey-for-another-season