No joke, Toronto's a team built off knowing how to bargain & finessing lol. Whole team hustles; from the players working hard on the courts, to the hustling for the players behind the scenes. The fans are the cherry ontop, holding this team down long before the hype. Much love.
They don’t know how to finesse they were just the only team that had a good enough piece to trade for kawhi they’d still be getting bounced if pop didn’t fuck that relationship up in San Antonio😂
I wouldn't say max, this is just the first year with him, chemistry will only get better, they will be a force to reckon with next season as they defend their title
lol@this Asian soccer mom who would lock her car doors if she saw Kawhi 100 yards down the road, who would call 911 on Kawhi if he coughed to hard in her presence, who would disown her own daughter if she brought Kawhi home, talking bout "We the North!". what a joke.
Yo as a Raptors fan and somebody whose grown up in Toronto my entire life I’m psyched the Raptors are being given attention and are being taken more seriously. Its tough being an expansion team, but this video acknowledging the work the organization has put in the last few years is dope!
Even the major networks in the US are starting to carry their games. They have no choice, Toronto is the number 2 time in the ECF and one of the most popular teams in the NBA entirely. I hated when the NBA used to shit on the Raptors. They'd have more televised games in Zimbabwe than in New York city. People want to see the Raptors play. Charles Barkley gushes about them, Stephen Adams and Max Kellerman had manic arguments about them, every major sportscaster has to. There is some sort of strange fear that the NBA would lose prestige if a Canadian team won. Even though basketball is firmly a Canadian sport invented by a Canadian. I wonder what would happen? Would America riot?Would Canadians riot? I personally think the Raptors winning a title would be a massive boost to the NBA and would trigger expansionism.
Christopher Johnston I totally agree with you. All the Sports Analysts in America never supported Toronto Raptors that because we’re Canadian. I really want the Raptors to win so bad so we can shut those people up, not saying all Americans people are bad, there are a few of them said nice thing about the Raptors. I’m a huge fan of Toronto Raptors since day 1.
Spicy P will be an allstar next year will be a huge reason for Kawhi resigning this Summer. Kawhi and Siakim perfectly compliment each other at the 3 and 4
No hate, but the growth of Demar Derozan ( who was a lottery pick) had a major role in the success of the Toronto Raptors, he was one of the few lottery picks that the raptors actually got a steal in and due to his success, the raptors' previous and future picks that didn't pan out the way they wanted to, lead to them being traded which lead to all the additional assets the raptors are using to win right now. Masai Ujuri is one of the smartest GM's out there with Danny Ainge and he deserves the credit for their success these last couple of years. Good video LOW!
Yeah the only lottery pick we had was in 2016 when we got Jacob poeltl. Other than that, masai has had only 2nd round picks to work with all while contending since he took over. I wouldn't give Danny Ainge too much credit that's just Brooklyn Gm making tthe worse trade in history. You've seen what masai has done with his 2nd round picks, imagine what he could do with Boston's picks
@@thegagz that wasn't the only trade fleece though, tatum for fultz and another first round pick, Marcus Morris for Avery Bradley, getting Irving for pretty much nothing, raptors have to make the finals for all of this to be taken serious, can't say a good job without first doing something other than regular season wins, Toronto Milwaukee and Philly all have pushed their chips forward, it's title or bust, Danny still has something up his sleeve I assure you.
This 2019 team and this story of their journey from nobodies, that everyone discounted and dismissed as wannabe's to 2019 NBA Champions made up of heroes and legends that came from nowhere should be a blockbuster movie that Hollywood should make! Or at the very least a Harvard Business Case Study! Truly amazing!
Penny Hardaway I’d say a lot of luck was involved, there’s no way he could have known that the team would have had the chemistry that they did. And even then, yea raptors have been good but they were never really a threat for the title. So you could say he did a good job building a good team, but that’s about it
@@biasedfan that's not really a valid point, that's like saying let's delete the bulls from the 90s and the Lakers from the 00s Still without the warriors, they could never get past lebron and I doubt they would have ever gotten past any of the contenders from the west.
Honestly an impressive analysis. Not only are you one of the only youtubers (or commentators in general) that understood exactly what Ujiri was doing and what the team was building towards, but also understand and explained why it was an effective strategy and working (now, worked, past tense since Raps are Champs) long before anyone gave the Raptors 'trade hustling and all in gamble' the credit it now clearly deserves. Great insights.
You forgot to mention that Fred Vanvleet was a candidate for 6th man of the year. Imagine that, an I drafted raw prospect that no one knew about was actually one of the best role players in the league. Masai is so underrated.
This is the type of team people should root for. Ones that have great management and scouting and actually take time to develop their young players. Not teams like the Knicks and LA who literally tank multiple seasons, and even with top lottery picks can't build a competitive team, and literally only become relevant because they have such an enormous advantage over other teams in free agency.
@@rolandheinze7182 so keep bashing your head against the wall for a player who's defence wasn't great, and who had reached his ceiling for a gamble of a player who is top 5 in the NBA. Something needed to change, and if Masai had continued with Derozan and lost in the first round, hell, lost in the second round, it's the same shit. something needed to change, and the raptors are a much, much better team because of it. it's not backstabbing anyone to make the team better, anyone with a brain knows that
@@kylemitchell2052 "This is the type of team people should root for." It's all just business but situation definitely does not make this the type of team people should root for. Even many NBA players tweeted about how cold of a move that was for the Raptors organization. Unless you're TH-cam viewing expertise trumps NBA players' knowledge and experience on the situation.
Masai Ujiri is not the General Manager anymore. Bobby Webster is. Masai is the President of Basketball Operations. Similar to President of B.Ops Magic Johnson and GM Rob Pelinka for the Lakers. Bobby deserves a lot of credit, one of the youngest GMs in the league and disciple of Masai dating back to the Denver days. Overall, great recap of the Raptors journey to date.
I'm not even a basketball fan. I'm British. I keep watching basketball videos. It's a really interesting sport. This was a really good video that anyone could watch and understand.
Masai Ujiri definitely deserves credit for this and look what happen the Raptors do indeed won the 2019 title. Although Kawhi didn't stay it wae still a big accomplishment for this franchise.
Born and raised in Toronto and post Toronto Raptors championship run this city has changed from a hockey city to a basketball one. Basketball nets everywhere, upgrades to many basketball courts. If the Leafs can win, Toronto will be back to a hockey city but it’s looking unlikely this season again
If you think it’s gonna be that easy then your gonna see why GS is a dynasty.. To be real I hope the raptors win cause you guys beat us with the last shot to advance.. Let’s me know we are close to being a championship team.. Good luck though and try not to be shocked if GS takes it to game 7 with KD back... ✌️👍🏻
Raptors also source people who've been mistreated by their NBA team and then treat them right. Two of them have come together at Raptors and have teamed up to deliver Raptors to the Finals this year. 2011: Lakers had Alex McKecknie as their director of sports med. He had single-handedly recovered Shaq from his ab problems and the Lakers went on to win 5 rings. But the Lakers wouldn't pay McKechnie's salary during the 2011 lockout. Raptors reached out to him and said, we'll pay you. Come here. He's been there since, and became the most important person in the organization when .... 2018: Spurs had Kawhi Leonard as their preeminent star and the best all-around two-way player in the game, and a proven play-off juggernaut. But the Spurs wouldn't believe Leonard when he insisted he wasn't recovered from injury and ready to play (to help Parker and Ginobli get another ring at the ends of their careers). Pop was his petulant child self and refused to trade Kawhi to his preferred list. Raptors asst GM reached out to Spurs Asst GM (they were together with Magic previously, good friends), and Raptors got the deal done. They sat down Kawhi and told him they would listen to him and introduced McKechnie to him. Raptors history followed. Final chapter currently being written (although a signing this summer would be a next chapter, certainly.) Treat your people right. Especially your key people. Don't treat them like shit after they bring your championships.
@@skinnypippen9580 2014 finals MVP says otherwise. He straight up locked the best player in the NBA down. Without Kawhi, spurs don't beat Miami 4-1. Without Duncan, it's entirely possible they do. Spurs got greedy and tried to rush Kawhi from injury. Spurs and Pop manage their teams completely different. They use a military-like, no talking back approach. It works in some cases but has its risks. One of them being your future franchise player leaves.
@@stevendunaway5730 Kawhi has never carried a team from scratch he is not an Impact player! Duncan is the centerpiece. Tony Parker has a finals M.V.P. as well! Would have had six if Pop didn't take Duncan out in 2013 and if Kawhi had hit his two crucial free throws!
The thing missing in all of this is not just the smart drafting and trading, but the smart development. Since Masai arrived Toronto invested tons into getting a g-league team and having top notch facilities.
I watched the game where he dropped 31. Fucking beauty. He's prone to Rookie Moments, but given how hard it's gonna be for the Raptors to keep all their elite guards, I love having him around. He's a bit inconsistent, but so was Norman Powell for the longest time, I'd love to see him as our back-up shooting guard if FVV leaves and Norm gets moved to the starting lineup.
I wouldn't characterize the Grizzlies as gullible. They are in rebuild mode and were looking to get rid of older players like Marc and got some solid guys in return. Valanciunas has been incredible for them
Valanciunas was great for Raps. The whole deal was a risk cause of him but mostly DeRozan not performing well in play-offs but keep in mind Toronto was always facing a brick wall called LeBron. They would of made play-offs regardless without kawhi but it was a risk that paid off now we seem. Thing is do all of them stay even the GM now.
@@eurosensazion Masai has categorically rejected claims that he'd go to the Wizards, Gasol picked up his option (who can blame him? he's 34 and it's worth *$25.6-million*), Raptors seem to be ahead in the Kawhi sweepstakes, which would mean Danny Green would stay if they win. Lowry, Ibaka, Fred and Spicy P are up end of next year, but Lowry is one of the longest-serving Raptors in franchise history, and he, Serge and Pascal seem to love the city, so I don't see them leaving.We have OG and Norm for another couple years too.
Imshufflin wtf im just saying he didnt have much of an impact for the finals, I never said he had zero impact. He was a helpful player throughout the season, just he didnt reach his potential for the finals. He is just overshone by players like Kawhi and Lowry who dominate the team
Lakers Fan here. Great video on the value of Mid- Major players that stayed for 4 years vice one and dones. Toronto's GM didn't fleece anyone. He and his staff got talent they needed. Gasol is a prime example. His experience and ability to mentor the younger players is missed on more talented teams like the Celtics, Lakers & Sixer. Each of those teams have better rosters than the Raptors , however the veterans on Toronto are a perfect blend with each other. Could imagine if Gasol& Sebaka were on Boston , LA or Philly? I am a Lenorad fan and hope he wins it all this year. Yes, selfishly, I'd love to see him in a Laker's uniform buuuuuuut he is a much better fit with the Raptors and in Canada. Leonard's demonor and attitude is a perfect fit for that organization. Remember he was loved in San Antonio. His issues were with management & coach. My Lakers are one of the worst managed sports organizations in any pro sport. The entire LBJ experiment has been a total disaster. Those younger Lakers will never trust LBJ ( for the record I admire LBJ as an player and member of the community). My issues have always been his motivation to come to the Lakers. He wants to win championships now and LA is building a future championship team. There are few teams with a more talented young core than LA. LBJ isn't the LEADER on the court that those young Lakers need. This became advioce with the AD drama mid season. That entire attempt to trade their core young players will never be resolved. I see why the Lakers were eyeing Toronto's GM now. If I were him I'd stay away until Ms. Buss and her team ownership is gone. For those that blame Magic, remember the Laker's decline from greatness started at the end of Kobe's career. Magic wasn't involved in Ms. Buss's idolization of a washed up injured All-star that should have retired or been traded 3 years before he retired. It isn't personal it is a business. Leonard stay away from LA. GSW , Bucks or Knicks with KD would be a better place if he must leave Toronto. Hope he stays myself. He can be King of Canada if he wants to be LOL. Great video!
I don’t even watch basketball, and I was able to not only follow along, but I was hooked listening. Great job on this, damn. Need to find someone who does this to your level for hockey!
it is not where they are drafted it is the scouting department and if management and owners trust the scouting department to follow up on their suggestions
What up, LoW? Like your analysis videos. I'm a Denver native, and have been a Nuggets fan since I was 10 (I'm now 61). Interesting how Toronto has reached NBA title contender status in much the same way as the Nuggets (which you detailed in another video), with the exception of the big trade for Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green. Many here in Denver were extremely disappointed when Masai Ujiri left for Toronto in 2013. Fortunately for us, Tim Connelly learned from his mistakes and has built the Nuggets into a team that is on the cusp of Finals status. The Raptors are a bit ahead of the Nuggets, with the addition of Leonard putting them in position to win it all. However, they wouldn't be here without good player development, smart draft picks, and the brilliant trade for Marc Gasol at the trade deadline. You also have to give Ujiri credit for giving Nick Nurse the HC job after firing Dwayne Casey. Nurse has done a terrific job guiding the Raptors to this point in his first year as an NBA head coach. My Nuggets being eliminated, I'm pulling for Toronto all the way. Warriors fans will use injuries as an excuse should they lose-it's a long way from being over-but I think it's time someone other than Golden State hoisted the O'Brien trophy when all is said and done. That said, I honestly believe the time is coming when Denver wins the title I've waited over 50 years for. We've had some great players but I've never seen anything like Nikola Jokic!
One game away from winning the ecf against the Bucks and going to the NBA Finals. As an European the raptors pulled me in the most as a team and seeing this underdog story unfold is just beautiful.
Hey LoW. I really love the analysis done on every video that you made so far. You share analysis that the casual fan won't think about BUT it's something they'll really be interested in once you spew out the information. Enjoyed the whole video and its the kind of analysis I hope to reach one day.
Thank you for representing. No matter what from year to year the Raptors always played good ball. It was just a matter of time. Even if they lose. They saw the big show! Awsome awsome illustration
This was a great video! One thing I'd add too is Massai helping in creating the Raptors 905 G league affiliate. It allowed Massai to take chances on guys like Powell, Vanvleet, Wright, Poetle, and even Cabloco. That G league franchise has been very successful not just at winning, but developing players for the NBA. Jerry Stackhouse and now Jama Mahlalela played/ play big roles as coaches there in getting guys ready for the next level.
Great video, watched this before the playoffs and after the finals. While the video focused mainly on the savvy roster moves Masai made, I think it misses a few more key points: - In 2015 the Raptors got their own D-League Team the Raptors 905. This team was based in Mississauga, just an hour away from Toronto - In 2016 the Raptors also opened a brand new state of the art training center 20 minutes from the stadium. This showed a change in the Raptors organization with a focus on player development. Throughout the season players like Siakam, FVV, Wright and Poeltl would often play back-to-back 905/Raptors games. They even won the D-League championship in 2017 with Siakam as the finals MVP. Masai didn't just make the Raptors good by making key trades - he also improved the Raptor's player development process so he could turn raw talent into tradable assets.
In no way grizzlies were guilible, they just did their franchise player a favor and send him to a contending squad. They obviously haven't received much better offer from hornets
So there was leaked information on this. Apparently the Hornets deal was a done deal and Jordan wanted specific protections on the draft pick they were sending over so Memphis said no deal. Sucks for them because that was the difference between them making the playoffs and not.
@Taм0dе SwaG well of course, he washed all their prior transgressions away when he was nailed to that scoreboard and arose from the locker room 3 days later
Mr. Ulee You’re the nba storyteller and now you’re trying to pass off all of your annoying ass spamming by saying it wasn’t you but some fake profile. Nice try
Great video! Really shows how much work did Masai do. And that explains why he got offered 10m contract by the wizards to drop Raptors despite having 2 years left in his contract.
Well done and thorough. Goes to show it's not where you're picked but how you develop as an NBA caliber player that matters. Toronto was able to acquire a superstar, allowed others to excel at their roles, and after a few playoff years, decide what it takes to win. Some players matured and developed tremendously. The toughness, excellent work ethic and commitment that creates champions was formed.
I agree with everything he said except the Memphis. Gasol was getting older and Memphis needed to try while he still had trade value. It is a good trade for both.
Because the Raptors management are Intelligent And have a excellent coach And maasai ujiri And of course drake he helps make sure the Raptors are ready to play we have a amazing fanbase in beautiful Toronto
This should be called How Masai finessed the entire league
Andrew Pagetta how??
@@KnockoutInvesting what do you mean how? did you even watched this video? have you been watching basketball? lmao
@@KnockoutInvesting Uhhh every trade or decision he made?
Masai is like the rick from pawn stars of basketball
@@no4785 tru
This video aged well.
JB Gimena real well
They had the 2nd best record in the league at the time...This wasn't a stretch at all. Lol
Jovaughan Meek real real well
Jovaughan Meek van vleet was fire yesterday
Aged real real well
No joke, Toronto's a team built off knowing how to bargain & finessing lol. Whole team hustles; from the players working hard on the courts, to the hustling for the players behind the scenes. The fans are the cherry ontop, holding this team down long before the hype. Much love.
Yea
They don’t know how to finesse they were just the only team that had a good enough piece to trade for kawhi they’d still be getting bounced if pop didn’t fuck that relationship up in San Antonio😂
Watched this video 3 times:
1st after Kawhi's buzzer-beater
2nd after they Ran The East
3rd after they won the champ
fourth after best win streak in Toronto sports history
From Calderon and Bargnani to Kawhi, Gasol, Lowry and Siakam. Crazy
Don't forget Danny Green as well. lol.
Colin Clarke bucks did the same thing
Garret Towner They drafted a legitimate superstar though
Calderon was a beast in 2k9 dont sleep
Everybody talks about Danny Ainge for the Celts being a genius, but this guy is amazing
Kawhi unlocked Toronto players ability to its maximum level
Will Toronto finally break its NBA Finals Championship virginity? Stay tuned to find out kids!
thats some anime shit.... *insert kuroko anime*
I wouldn't say max, this is just the first year with him, chemistry will only get better, they will be a force to reckon with next season as they defend their title
joker28 Diaz just got 10 in a row on the finals but lost by a point definitely a player you can build a team around
and Gasol
Came back to this video to pay respects to the Masaiah 🔥🔥🔥 Ujiri the GOAT
I’m watching this after raps won!
WE THE NORTH!
after 24years🤣💀
@@xPUREGLASS salty
Bandwagon
lol@this Asian soccer mom who would lock her car doors if she saw Kawhi 100 yards down the road, who would call 911 on Kawhi if he coughed to hard in her presence, who would disown her own daughter if she brought Kawhi home, talking bout "We the North!". what a joke.
Salty dogs south of the border!!!! Yeah Raps!!
LMAO Masai is the GOAT for fleecing the Knicks like that.
Not really. Our FO was just that bad then lmao
@Taм0dе SwaG YEah trust me i remember that lol
@@t-mofisher8922 YEah before Masai came we were a laughing stock, ill give you that.
He also fleeced us as a Nuggets GM in the Melo trade. We gave up half our roster & picks for a player we shoulda signed in the offseason.
I mean... they are the Knicks...
Yo as a Raptors fan and somebody whose grown up in Toronto my entire life I’m psyched the Raptors are being given attention and are being taken more seriously. Its tough being an expansion team, but this video acknowledging the work the organization has put in the last few years is dope!
Even the major networks in the US are starting to carry their games. They have no choice, Toronto is the number 2 time in the ECF and one of the most popular teams in the NBA entirely. I hated when the NBA used to shit on the Raptors. They'd have more televised games in Zimbabwe than in New York city. People want to see the Raptors play. Charles Barkley gushes about them, Stephen Adams and Max Kellerman had manic arguments about them, every major sportscaster has to. There is some sort of strange fear that the NBA would lose prestige if a Canadian team won. Even though basketball is firmly a Canadian sport invented by a Canadian. I wonder what would happen? Would America riot?Would Canadians riot?
I personally think the Raptors winning a title would be a massive boost to the NBA and would trigger expansionism.
Christopher Johnston I totally agree with you. All the Sports Analysts in America never supported Toronto Raptors that because we’re Canadian. I really want the Raptors to win so bad so we can shut those people up, not saying all Americans people are bad, there are a few of them said nice thing about the Raptors. I’m a huge fan of Toronto Raptors since day 1.
how weird would it be for them to win a ring after bosh vince derozan all left?...
we in the finals, babeeey
KingMoe Right!!! LETSSSS GOOOOOO
Now they in the finals. Congrats Toronto Raptors.
Boutta get swept, congrats on second place
Now now the raptors still have a chance, dont give up this quickly :p
@@illuminatei6071 that didnt age well
@@illuminatei6071 didnt age well
@@illuminatei6071 lol
Getting Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green in exchange for DeRozan, the other guy and the 1st rounder was an absolute steal.
Mahadragon lmao the disrespect to Poetl 😂
"The other guy"
@@Scottiebarnes4MVP *poeltl
Spicy P will be an allstar next year will be a huge reason for Kawhi resigning this Summer. Kawhi and Siakim perfectly compliment each other at the 3 and 4
I don't think Kawhi is gonna re-sign next year tho😭😭😭
@@mikaeellakhani5257 he's either resigning (it'll all depend how the season finishes) or he'll go to the clippers. there's only 2 options
@@kingsally2864 If they can get to the finals he stays but who knows how far they will go.
@@hungerxhunger2548 raps/bucks ECF would be so fucking intense
@@kingsally2864 Yeah, but even if he doesn't go with either, one thing is for sure, he is not going to the Lakers to play with LeDiva James.
No hate, but the growth of Demar Derozan ( who was a lottery pick) had a major role in the success of the Toronto Raptors, he was one of the few lottery picks that the raptors actually got a steal in and due to his success, the raptors' previous and future picks that didn't pan out the way they wanted to, lead to them being traded which lead to all the additional assets the raptors are using to win right now. Masai Ujuri is one of the smartest GM's out there with Danny Ainge and he deserves the credit for their success these last couple of years. Good video LOW!
He was a lottery pick back in 2009 and masai became gm in 2013.Since then raptors haven't got any lottery pick
Yeah the only lottery pick we had was in 2016 when we got Jacob poeltl. Other than that, masai has had only 2nd round picks to work with all while contending since he took over. I wouldn't give Danny Ainge too much credit that's just Brooklyn Gm making tthe worse trade in history. You've seen what masai has done with his 2nd round picks, imagine what he could do with Boston's picks
@@thegagz Jacob poetl wasnt raptors lottery pick it was Denver nuggets but we got their first round pick in a trade
Picks doesn't matter if u can't see talent so give Danny A credit
@@thegagz that wasn't the only trade fleece though, tatum for fultz and another first round pick, Marcus Morris for Avery Bradley, getting Irving for pretty much nothing, raptors have to make the finals for all of this to be taken serious, can't say a good job without first doing something other than regular season wins, Toronto Milwaukee and Philly all have pushed their chips forward, it's title or bust, Danny still has something up his sleeve I assure you.
Started with Kyle.
Couldn’t ask for a better beginning to a franchise that just won the NBA title
He's the quarterback, Leonard recently said.
Technically it started with DeRozan in 2009, they would not have gotten here without him.
Agreed
Kyle made a book
Derozen wrote it
Kawhi found it again & finished it
Van Vleed & Siakim published it
@@ky5059 Do you even know how to spell their names?
its really nutz how we are 1 game away from winning it all with the makeup of this team. totally amazing!
This 2019 team and this story of their journey from nobodies, that everyone discounted and dismissed as wannabe's to 2019 NBA Champions made up of heroes and legends that came from nowhere should be a blockbuster movie that Hollywood should make! Or at the very least a Harvard Business Case Study! Truly amazing!
@@foofoorabbitt1196 A 30 for 30 film definitely!
Yeah but y'all finna blow it feelsbadman
20,000 subs with 0 videos if the warriors lose KD gonna have to jump on his burner account lol 😂
Its nuts to know that we won the championship 🇨🇦
If Kawhi resigns then Ujiri might be the best GM
7OGAN FO2D nah he can’t top pat riley
Breezy_Hezii YT wasn't Pat Riley the same guy that overpaid Dragic, Whiteside and Johnson? Lmao
lostinYourReality wasn’t Pat Riley the person the person that basically created “superteams” with bosh, James, Wade
Breezy_Hezii YT don’t forget that was a players decision
@@drako3287 there has always been super teams. 90's bulls ring a bell?
Masai has only made good moves since he said f Brooklyn😂
Penny Hardaway I’d say a lot of luck was involved, there’s no way he could have known that the team would have had the chemistry that they did. And even then, yea raptors have been good but they were never really a threat for the title.
So you could say he did a good job building a good team, but that’s about it
dwade38357 well if you delete the warriors from the nba then they are a championship contender, but with them literally no team has a chance
Like signing Carroll and managing/drafting Caboclo? Don’t get me wrong he’s been excellent, but he hasn’t been perfect.
@@biasedfan that's not really a valid point, that's like saying let's delete the bulls from the 90s and the Lakers from the 00s
Still without the warriors, they could never get past lebron and I doubt they would have ever gotten past any of the contenders from the west.
Max elliott lebron isn’t even going to make the playoffs most likely
This might be one of the best MyGM play-throughs I've ever seen.
Honestly an impressive analysis. Not only are you one of the only youtubers (or commentators in general) that understood exactly what Ujiri was doing and what the team was building towards, but also understand and explained why it was an effective strategy and working (now, worked, past tense since Raps are Champs) long before anyone gave the Raptors 'trade hustling and all in gamble' the credit it now clearly deserves. Great insights.
You forgot to mention that Fred Vanvleet was a candidate for 6th man of the year. Imagine that, an I drafted raw prospect that no one knew about was actually one of the best role players in the league. Masai is so underrated.
JoyBox Trickster any good college basketball fan would have known who Fred vanvleet was...
I've met Fred back when he was at WSU
So true in 2022!
This is the type of team people should root for. Ones that have great management and scouting and actually take time to develop their young players. Not teams like the Knicks and LA who literally tank multiple seasons, and even with top lottery picks can't build a competitive team, and literally only become relevant because they have such an enormous advantage over other teams in free agency.
"LeBronto"
Agree 100 percent
Yeah bro let's cheer for a team that backstabs their franchise scoring leader and sends him off in the dark woooooo so classy.
@@rolandheinze7182 so keep bashing your head against the wall for a player who's defence wasn't great, and who had reached his ceiling for a gamble of a player who is top 5 in the NBA. Something needed to change, and if Masai had continued with Derozan and lost in the first round, hell, lost in the second round, it's the same shit. something needed to change, and the raptors are a much, much better team because of it. it's not backstabbing anyone to make the team better, anyone with a brain knows that
@@kylemitchell2052 "This is the type of team people should root for." It's all just business but situation definitely does not make this the type of team people should root for. Even many NBA players tweeted about how cold of a move that was for the Raptors organization. Unless you're TH-cam viewing expertise trumps NBA players' knowledge and experience on the situation.
Who back here after Raps beat bucks 4-2
Also thank demar derozan he was sacrificed for this
Krath X me
yup
me
Game of Zones - hilarious take.
th-cam.com/video/cTU8iRdwfGc/w-d-xo.html
@GOZ
Thank you for making a video that was so easy to follow, even for people who don't have background knowledge of how NBA teams are formed!!!!
Pascal siakam a beast straight up 🇨🇦🇨🇦
300 Cash yessir beast within.
300 Cash ahlie, he not human!!!
Spicy P!
Psionic X cool nickname
Masai Ujiri is not the General Manager anymore. Bobby Webster is. Masai is the President of Basketball Operations. Similar to President of B.Ops Magic Johnson and GM Rob Pelinka for the Lakers. Bobby deserves a lot of credit, one of the youngest GMs in the league and disciple of Masai dating back to the Denver days. Overall, great recap of the Raptors journey to date.
This is true, every video and some media outlets do not realize this at all.
True..although I'd say Bobby just does all the running around and masai makes all the decisions still. Bobby still does deserve some credit though
Looking everywhere for this comment.. Was hoping someone would say it. I hate when people don't realize his role for the organization.
@@rileycooper3020 I actually forget all the time that Ujiri isn't the GM anymore.
@Coolawsomeguy100 Can't really call someone someone's bitch and not mean that as any kind of disrespect.
man really changed the title after the chip 🤣
I was wondering why it said 'Championships', and the video was posted in March. It hurts my head trying to read that title.
representing Toronto wit that presto card pic xD
What was the original title?
Followin
I was damn confused myself, I was gonna say “great prediction”
I'm not even a basketball fan. I'm British. I keep watching basketball videos. It's a really interesting sport. This was a really good video that anyone could watch and understand.
Glad you like basketball!
@Drink Me who hurt you?
Whose watching this after the Raptors just made their first finals appearance #WeTheNorth
Ryan Montague let’s go
me
#WeTheNorth
Have fun getting second place
Khawi is the king of the north lol
LOW!!!! You saved my day I'm bored asf at work
Man rip bro working on a Saturday
Right
Masai Ujiri definitely deserves credit for this and look what happen the Raptors do indeed won the 2019 title. Although Kawhi didn't stay it wae still a big accomplishment for this franchise.
Born and raised in Toronto and post Toronto Raptors championship run this city has changed from a hockey city to a basketball one. Basketball nets everywhere, upgrades to many basketball courts. If the Leafs can win, Toronto will be back to a hockey city but it’s looking unlikely this season again
Where my fellow canadians at?🇨🇦🇨🇦
GCB_Gaming
Yo where you live
@@happyguy4525 Canada.
jon s
Where in Canada.
I’m in Toronto
@@happyguy4525 I'm your neighbour from London
@@jonasspiro6476 lmao
Who is watching when raps are up 3-1 in the finals
#WeTheNorth
ZAMBONI CRAZY me fam
ZAMBONI CRAZY warriors are coming back
@@terapeo2027 Nuh Uh ! :-P
sunny1378 they getting folded fam on Monday
Ahmat Nokour are you going to downtown area to watch the game
June 9, one more game to be the 2019 NBA CHAMPS. 🏆
Ima cheering
In 3 more games it will definitely be over.. sorry to say but the raptors are not gonna win it.. 👍🏻👍🏻
@@chrisf2880 lol, they've lost three, just add one more to the list
If you think it’s gonna be that easy then your gonna see why GS is a dynasty.. To be real I hope the raptors win cause you guys beat us with the last shot to advance.. Let’s me know we are close to being a championship team.. Good luck though and try not to be shocked if GS takes it to game 7 with KD back... ✌️👍🏻
you forgot to put your signature next to the date
Masai Ujiri is the president but whatever. He's still the greatest executive of recent history.
Jerry west.
Raptors also source people who've been mistreated by their NBA team and then treat them right. Two of them have come together at Raptors and have teamed up to deliver Raptors to the Finals this year.
2011: Lakers had Alex McKecknie as their director of sports med. He had single-handedly recovered Shaq from his ab problems and the Lakers went on to win 5 rings. But the Lakers wouldn't pay McKechnie's salary during the 2011 lockout. Raptors reached out to him and said, we'll pay you. Come here. He's been there since, and became the most important person in the organization when ....
2018: Spurs had Kawhi Leonard as their preeminent star and the best all-around two-way player in the game, and a proven play-off juggernaut. But the Spurs wouldn't believe Leonard when he insisted he wasn't recovered from injury and ready to play (to help Parker and Ginobli get another ring at the ends of their careers). Pop was his petulant child self and refused to trade Kawhi to his preferred list. Raptors asst GM reached out to Spurs Asst GM (they were together with Magic previously, good friends), and Raptors got the deal done. They sat down Kawhi and told him they would listen to him and introduced McKechnie to him.
Raptors history followed. Final chapter currently being written (although a signing this summer would be a next chapter, certainly.)
Treat your people right. Especially your key people. Don't treat them like shit after they bring your championships.
Duncan brought them championships! They missed diagnosed Kawhi but Duncan is the centerpiece!
@@skinnypippen9580 2014 finals MVP says otherwise. He straight up locked the best player in the NBA down. Without Kawhi, spurs don't beat Miami 4-1. Without Duncan, it's entirely possible they do. Spurs got greedy and tried to rush Kawhi from injury. Spurs and Pop manage their teams completely different. They use a military-like, no talking back approach. It works in some cases but has its risks. One of them being your future franchise player leaves.
@@stevendunaway5730 Kawhi has never carried a team from scratch he is not an Impact player! Duncan is the centerpiece. Tony Parker has a finals M.V.P. as well! Would have had six if Pop didn't take Duncan out in 2013 and if Kawhi had hit his two crucial free throws!
The thing missing in all of this is not just the smart drafting and trading, but the smart development. Since Masai arrived Toronto invested tons into getting a g-league team and having top notch facilities.
Because of Caboclo...
Yep, no mention of g-league and so many of the players developed there (siakam, van vleet, wright to name a few)
Tanking only works when you have a gm that knows what he's doing.
Raptors never ranked or rebuilt under ujiri. This video is clickbait. Demar/Lowry were colangelos core. They been in the playoffs since 2014.
@@freddycalipari4242 its not clickbait. if you watch the vid *past* that part he says raps tried a _different_ approach
Thanks Magic Johnson!
@@adrianrocha49 exactly how could u know a player is going to be good or a bust
Who’s here after they beat the Bucks
IcedTea not me
They just beat the warriors game 1 👀
They just beat warriors in game 3 finals
beat warriors game 4.
Who is here after they won the ship?
Yes, all great moves. But there is only one move that makes the team work and he is a fun guy.
did he ever consider working on his laugh tho?
Give the robot some credit, he only just discovered emotion.
Truth
Cole Reed better check that now buddy
That comment didn’t age too well 😂😂
I'm really excited about Terrence Davis II. He is fearless.
I watched the game where he dropped 31. Fucking beauty.
He's prone to Rookie Moments, but given how hard it's gonna be for the Raptors to keep all their elite guards, I love having him around. He's a bit inconsistent, but so was Norman Powell for the longest time, I'd love to see him as our back-up shooting guard if FVV leaves and Norm gets moved to the starting lineup.
This aint age well. And I'm sad to say that 😭😭😭
This did not age well sadly
"he is fearless"
damn right he is
I wouldn't characterize the Grizzlies as gullible. They are in rebuild mode and were looking to get rid of older players like Marc and got some solid guys in return. Valanciunas has been incredible for them
Agreed, both teams won this trade
@@retropyro i doubt he will most players go where they get paid or will they will win
Valanciunas was great for Raps. The whole deal was a risk cause of him but mostly DeRozan not performing well in play-offs but keep in mind Toronto was always facing a brick wall called LeBron. They would of made play-offs regardless without kawhi but it was a risk that paid off now we seem. Thing is do all of them stay even the GM now.
@@eurosensazion Masai has categorically rejected claims that he'd go to the Wizards, Gasol picked up his option (who can blame him? he's 34 and it's worth *$25.6-million*), Raptors seem to be ahead in the Kawhi sweepstakes, which would mean Danny Green would stay if they win. Lowry, Ibaka, Fred and Spicy P are up end of next year, but Lowry is one of the longest-serving Raptors in franchise history, and he, Serge and Pascal seem to love the city, so I don't see them leaving.We have OG and Norm for another couple years too.
@@NebulonRanger Well now we know I'm from Toronto. I bet you tomorrow Kawhi unleashed where he's going and I think it's Raps.
You forgot about the Jeremy Lin trade. My guy has more rings than James Harden and Chris Paul combined
Sergio Vazquez yeah but he was on the bench for most of the finals
Imshufflin wtf im just saying he didnt have much of an impact for the finals, I never said he had zero impact. He was a helpful player throughout the season, just he didnt reach his potential for the finals. He is just overshone by players like Kawhi and Lowry who dominate the team
@@flyte2k okay my bad i misunderstood it. imma delete it then hahaha sorry brother. hope all the hate towards him stops
@@flyte2k My joke flew right past you
Dexxterity nah nigga dude was a beast for 44 sec 😰🔥🔥🔥
Lakers Fan here. Great video on the value of Mid- Major players that stayed for 4 years vice one and dones. Toronto's GM didn't fleece anyone. He and his staff got talent they needed. Gasol is a prime example. His experience and ability to mentor the younger players is missed on more talented teams like the Celtics, Lakers & Sixer. Each of those teams have better rosters than the Raptors , however the veterans on Toronto are a perfect blend with each other. Could imagine if Gasol& Sebaka were on Boston , LA or Philly?
I am a Lenorad fan and hope he wins it all this year. Yes, selfishly, I'd love to see him in a Laker's uniform buuuuuuut he is a much better fit with the Raptors and in Canada. Leonard's demonor and attitude is a perfect fit for that organization. Remember he was loved in San Antonio. His issues were with management & coach.
My Lakers are one of the worst managed sports organizations in any pro sport. The entire LBJ experiment has been a total disaster. Those younger Lakers will never trust LBJ ( for the record I admire LBJ as an player and member of the community). My issues have always been his motivation to come to the Lakers. He wants to win championships now and LA is building a future championship team. There are few teams with a more talented young core than LA. LBJ isn't the LEADER on the court that those young Lakers need. This became advioce with the AD drama mid season. That entire attempt to trade their core young players will never be resolved.
I see why the Lakers were eyeing Toronto's GM now. If I were him I'd stay away until Ms. Buss and her team ownership is gone. For those that blame Magic, remember the Laker's decline from greatness started at the end of Kobe's career. Magic wasn't involved in Ms. Buss's idolization of a washed up injured All-star that should have retired or been traded 3 years before he retired.
It isn't personal it is a business.
Leonard stay away from LA. GSW , Bucks or Knicks with KD would be a better place if he must leave Toronto. Hope he stays myself. He can be King of Canada if he wants to be LOL.
Great video!
Randy Krank great breakdown and no offense I’m not used to seeing such objectivity from LAL fans
I don’t even watch basketball, and I was able to not only follow along, but I was hooked listening. Great job on this, damn.
Need to find someone who does this to your level for hockey!
The 27th pick is so good examples are kyle Kuzma, pascal siakam, Rudy gobert, ect.
it is not where they are drafted it is the scouting department and if management and owners trust the scouting department to follow up on their suggestions
@@duaneelliott2327 I agree, those types of players on that low of a pick is a low risk high reward situation compared to the number 1 pick
What up, LoW? Like your analysis videos.
I'm a Denver native, and have been a Nuggets fan since I was 10 (I'm now 61).
Interesting how Toronto has reached NBA title contender status in much the same way as the Nuggets (which you detailed in another video), with the exception of the big trade for Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green.
Many here in Denver were extremely disappointed when Masai Ujiri left for Toronto in 2013. Fortunately for us, Tim Connelly learned from his mistakes and has built the Nuggets into a team that is on the cusp of Finals status.
The Raptors are a bit ahead of the Nuggets, with the addition of Leonard putting them in position to win it all. However, they wouldn't be here without good player development, smart draft picks, and the brilliant trade for Marc Gasol at the trade deadline.
You also have to give Ujiri credit for giving Nick Nurse the HC job after firing Dwayne Casey. Nurse has done a terrific job guiding the Raptors to this point in his first year as an NBA head coach.
My Nuggets being eliminated, I'm pulling for Toronto all the way. Warriors fans will use injuries as an excuse should they lose-it's a long way from being over-but I think it's time someone other than Golden State hoisted the O'Brien trophy when all is said and done.
That said, I honestly believe the time is coming when Denver wins the title I've waited over 50 years for. We've had some great players but I've never seen anything like Nikola Jokic!
Jokic is overrated. I like the nuggets tho. I enjoy watching them play as they remind me of this warriors team as they were catching their stride.
@@kents5258 I honestly think he's underrated. Best big man passer and has exceptional range. The only thing he really lacks in is athleticism
@@solo.3d I was kidding about Jokic😂
Jokic won 🏆 and Finals mvp
One game away from winning the ecf against the Bucks and going to the NBA Finals. As an European the raptors pulled me in the most as a team and seeing this underdog story unfold is just beautiful.
Tahir Malik now there in the finals
Hey LoW. I really love the analysis done on every video that you made so far. You share analysis that the casual fan won't think about BUT it's something they'll really be interested in once you spew out the information. Enjoyed the whole video and its the kind of analysis I hope to reach one day.
this video aged VERY well
This video aged Very Very well
Thank you for representing. No matter what from year to year the Raptors always played good ball. It was just a matter of time. Even if they lose. They saw the big show! Awsome awsome illustration
this is one of the best videos i’ve ever seen. Love how in detail you go and give us points most fans wouldn’t see, keep up the good work
Vasquez is pronounced Vass-kez
Vasqwez lol
Some pronounce it vasqwez
Actually in Spanish Spanish, they say "Vass-keth" the "z" is pronounced with a "th"
Krantonimore those people are wrong haha
If I could like your comment 100000009 times I would
This all became possible because Masai demanded a g-league team (905ers).
What do you mean
@@h.r.a5480 Bench Mob r g-league players. And they also got the current g-league mvp too, he just needs more development.
Misfit Yeah boucher is gonna be great just gotta stay hungry
@@mairrionjnn8432 Turns out you were right!
I dont know much about basketball and this video was so good and informative! Amazing job and thank you! 😊😁
The effort on this video is insane. I can tell you did your studying. Keep up the great work 👍🏽
Excellent commentary on how & why truly a great video ! Keep up the good work !
Man you deserve an award for this , Well done...
Thank you
Love this video..I am a Bulls fan and still love how you talk about this team and from start to finish how they are who they became
This was a great video!
One thing I'd add too is Massai helping in creating the Raptors 905 G league affiliate. It allowed Massai to take chances on guys like Powell, Vanvleet, Wright, Poetle, and even Cabloco. That G league franchise has been very successful not just at winning, but developing players for the NBA. Jerry Stackhouse and now Jama Mahlalela played/ play big roles as coaches there in getting guys ready for the next level.
"Became NBA Championships"...makes sense
Great job on this. Love the your voice and articulation.
This man predicted the future
Faxx
Great video, watched this before the playoffs and after the finals. While the video focused mainly on the savvy roster moves Masai made, I think it misses a few more key points:
- In 2015 the Raptors got their own D-League Team the Raptors 905. This team was based in Mississauga, just an hour away from Toronto
- In 2016 the Raptors also opened a brand new state of the art training center 20 minutes from the stadium.
This showed a change in the Raptors organization with a focus on player development. Throughout the season players like Siakam, FVV, Wright and Poeltl would often play back-to-back 905/Raptors games. They even won the D-League championship in 2017 with Siakam as the finals MVP.
Masai didn't just make the Raptors good by making key trades - he also improved the Raptor's player development process so he could turn raw talent into tradable assets.
@@hk7583 depends on the traffic
Incredible video brother, very well put together. From a fan here in Toronto Ontario Canada
I watch till the end very informative and I like your presentation for an NBA maniac like me.
#goraptors!
Great vid and commentary.....thanks for putting it up!
Bobby Webster is the GM, Masai Ujiri is the Prez. Masai is a genius.
This was a very impressive video i really enjoyed it and I learnt alot. Great work
In no way grizzlies were guilible, they just did their franchise player a favor and send him to a contending squad. They obviously haven't received much better offer from hornets
and also got a great return in JV. JV and JJJ frontcourt would be nice
So there was leaked information on this. Apparently the Hornets deal was a done deal and Jordan wanted specific protections on the draft pick they were sending over so Memphis said no deal. Sucks for them because that was the difference between them making the playoffs and not.
I have been a fan through every era of raptors basketball and it has been a wild ride, great vid.
Great video. Thanks for the stats and the story's behind this good team that is playing like a champion.
Masai out here finessing everybody 😂
mrlee2328 *cough* knicks *cough* *cough* kings *cough* *cough isiah Thomas *cough*
Sam Hinkie died for the Sixers front office's sins
@Taм0dе SwaG well of course, he washed all their prior transgressions away when he was nailed to that scoreboard and arose from the locker room 3 days later
@Taм0dе SwaG They did get Embiid and Simmons so I mean it worked out pretty well.
@The Sixers big 4 have less than 20 games playing together and sure as hell looked like they played as a unit in Game 3.
Rah keep it up man, it’s hella accurate and really clarifies the information from the media
Wow! Your analysis is A++++ You saw this coming!
Last time I was this early, The NBA Storyteller didn’t have a stalker who spams comment sections!
😂 Who tf spams?!
dat arrow doe
Mr. Ulee
You’re the nba storyteller and now you’re trying to pass off all of your annoying ass spamming by saying it wasn’t you but some fake profile. Nice try
MrShanester117 What bro?
Masai is actually the president of the raptors Bobby Webster is the gm
Nice video
Love all the dedication, keep them coming
This video makes me understand the whole basketball system in 12 minutes 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 keep it up mate this is phenomenal job 🙏🏻
I’m a raptors fan and when I found out that we declined a trade for James harden I almost went mental.
Even though he's a playoff choker it would be nice to have him.
He only choked 1 game last year, apart from that he was amazing.
When did they do that?
Somehow he isn't my type of player, so I prefer the situation we have right now
just about put my fist through the screen .. we did what !?!?!?!
I’ve been waiting until the Raptors won the title to finally watch this video lol
Have to come back and watch this every year or so
Great video man, breaks my heart seeing once again how my Knicks have helped build so many teams around the nba
Great video. Love your breakdown. The Los Angeles Lakers should hire as a scout.
Won the championship, AND spicy p got mip.. this man is a fortune teller
Hell yeahh😁
Great video! Really shows how much work did Masai do. And that explains why he got offered 10m contract by the wizards to drop Raptors despite having 2 years left in his contract.
Well done and thorough. Goes to show it's not where you're picked but how you develop as an NBA caliber player that matters. Toronto was able to acquire a superstar, allowed others to excel at their roles, and after a few playoff years, decide what it takes to win. Some players matured and developed tremendously. The toughness, excellent work ethic and commitment that creates champions was formed.
I agree with everything he said except the Memphis. Gasol was getting older and Memphis needed to try while he still had trade value. It is a good trade for both.
Just came back to watch this video against after the raptors won the championship! Amazing video bro
Haven't followed for a few years (work and kids) great video thanks for the update 👍
Awesome video! By the way, I'm eagerly waiting for your tanking video! Very good work
Because the Raptors management are Intelligent And have a excellent coach And maasai ujiri And of course drake he helps make sure the Raptors are ready to play we have a amazing fanbase in beautiful Toronto
Crazy, how only one player was drafted in the lottery on a championship caliber team. Masai the amazing GM
The whole point is that NO players are drafted In the lottery...🤨
@@unknownhandle121 I know but still thats crazy too think about
Lorenzo Brancia Dumbass🤦🏾♂️
Lorenzo Brancia bruh there is 0 lottery players in the roster dumbass
Lorenzo Brancia you say you know but clearly you don’t your comment explicitly says only one player... the fuck you’re talking about?
I'm impressed, great reviews...thank you guy
Very good and informative video keep up the good work g
This video aged well. Good job 🏀
Now they are in the finals, this was for sure the move by Masai, He is a genius for every trade paying off
Too bad these bums are still going to lose the Warriors lol
@@allinonethegreat salty
You saying????
Allinone The Great Well
Great insight Great channel keep up the good work
Super informative, thanks for the vid!