Toronto Raptors

I’ve been telling people for an awful long time that in the eons I’ve been around this basketball team that it’s almost always been a better story than a team. And here we go again. We all knew what was going to happen yesterday, the story had been out and reported for about 24 hours but, still, it was an odd, odd day. Kind of in keeping with the way the Raptors have operated consistently for years, a group that’s far more entertaining to talk about most seasons than to watch. The president stays but doesn’t have total basketball control, there is no general manager and no one’s quite sure who’s coming, the coach is basically in limbo, the rest of the front office is trying to do basic summer tasks not knowing if they’ll be employed in a month and the assistant coaches should probably be polishing resumes because there’s no guarantee any of them will be back. And fans? Fans are, I presume, alternating between scratching their heads and throwing their arms up in despair as the off-season unfolds. I’m seeing about a 70-30 split between “what the hell are they doing” to “this had to be done” and that’s not surprising either. Can it work? Who knows? It’s so unique that it just might. I honestly cannot think of a similar situation anywhere in sports – I presume there is one but my mind can’t recall it – and maybe because it’s so off-the-wall odd it might work. Maybe the new GM – and Masai Ujiri remains far and away the No. 1 choice but that’s not nearly a done deal yet – can operate with total autonomy and not feel at all threatened. Maybe the new CEO – who certainly talks tough about what might happen – can massage personalities and balance this thing and give the support that’s needed so that it works. Maybe. But here’s a point someone connected with the franchise made the other day that’s quite valid: Most of the heavy lifting as already been done. They were as far down as they could get two seasons ago, the building process is well on the path and there just needs to be some tinkering done rather than major reconstructive surgery. And maybe because they’re at that point, it’s not as hard as it would appear. Give ‘em credit, though. This might be the only organization in all of professional sports that can turn the possibility of management change into a head-scratching process that no one’s ever heard of before. Yep, better story than a team. - This works today, right? - I have no idea why this happened but one day recently I’m sitting on a stool somewhere in front of a bank of televisions (Hello, Jack Astor’s at Square One!) and was trying to see what was on that could have been marginally interesting. (Obviously there wasn’t a pucks fixture to catch my attention) And I’ve got to tell you, this Cash Cab thing looks pretty wacky. Now, I tend to hate reality TV with, as they say, the white-hot intensity of a thousand suns because as real as they try to make it, it’s edited and contrived and I’d rather watch some Criminal Minds or NCIS episode I’ve seen a few times. But here are two shows that could be recommended in that genre: Cash Cab Dude gives out money in some kind of rolling trivia game that covers the streets of New York. I have no idea why it caught the eye and what makes it intriguing but it does. Duck Dynasty You ever see that one? Highly recommended by people who know what they’re talking about, it’s a classic. The crazy hillbilly-esque clan with the beards? No idea why but once I heard about it, it was sort of fascinating, and hugely entertaining. Anyone agree? Now, there was time when the Amazing Race and – as we all recall – DWTS – would have been right at the top of the list but they’ve been supplanted; reality TV is still not destination viewing at even the slightest level but if I’m prone on the couch and clicking through the dial, I at least have a couple of choices that aren’t off-putting. - You folks a

The Raptors failed to “win” the lottery. They had a 2.5% chance of moving into the top three but FAILED (another in the long line of Colangelo failures, of course). As such, the 12th pick will be conveyed to Oklahoma City via Houston from the Kyle Lowry trade. The trade finishes as the #12 pick (currently projected to be Michael Carter-Williams, for reference) for Lowry. Not bad.

With the bevy of rumours, reports and general speculation over Bryan Colangelo’s job status running rampant over the last few weeks, we’ve already had plenty of time to assess Colangelo’s actions and words recently. On that note, I’m not going to spend any time on Colangelo’s conference call with the media from earlier today after it was announced that he was being relieved of his General Manager duties. Having said that, new Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment CEO Tim Leiweke held a much more candid media call on Tuesday morning that is worth talking about, so here are some talking points from that call.. - In seeking out opinions and feedback from his connections around the league, Leiweke says he spent a full day at the NBA office, where he “got a lot of input there.” Later, when discussing how he got an assessment of the Raptors organization (from a basketball, business and image standpoint) from the NBA office, Leiweke mentioned that he has thought about a potential re-branding of the team, which could include a change in the colour and makeup of the uniforms as well as an image change. “We are Toronto’s team, but I think we have to learn how to be Canada’s team,” Leiweke stated before adding that the organization’s image “should be all about the Canadian flag and Canada.” He also said that being “Canada’s team is an ambition and goal we have not lived up to.” In continuing with his strong opinions on a possible re-branding of the team and a focus on Canada, Leiweke called the 2016 All-Star game a “must-have” for the Raptors and said that’s a place where the re-branding can be completed. “Toronto’s not bidding on the 2016 All-Star game, Canada is. And that’s where we begin the change,” Leiweke boldy asserted. My thoughts: The fact that an expansion NBA team in Toronto wasn’t named the Huskies, when the Toronto Huskies took part in the game recognized as the first in league history, is a travesty. Like everyone else, I’ve learned to identify and take pride in the Raptors name, but if Leiweke and MLSE are seriously considering a full re-branding in the future, then Huskies should be the only option. In terms of the emphasis on Canada and being “Canada’s Team,” I love it. My only issue with a potential uniform change would be that I really don’t know what they can do to make them more Canadian other than getting rid of the black uniforms, and I like the alternate black uniforms. Right now, the primary colours are red and white and the jerseys have a small maple leaf on the back. Again, how much more Canadian can you make them? Plus, the Huskies are traditionally blue and white. Lastly on this portion of the call, if David Stern or anybody else at the league office is hoping that the Raptors do a better job of representing Canada, I’d suggest an Arnold Rothstein like approach to the 2014 NBA Draft Lottery, if you know what I mean…cough…Wiggins…cough. - Leiweke says he likes Colangelo’s passion as well as his loyalty to the Raptors, to Toronto and to basketball in Canada, saying he would give Bryan “high marks there.” Unfortunately for B.C., Leiweke also had this to say: “On basketball, I think we all know that there is great debate about decisions made in the last eight years, and in particular the last five years not making the playoffs.” My Thoughts: Ouch. - While Leiweke said that Colangelo will be able to listen to offers should a more basketball centric job become available around the NBA, he sounds intent on utilizing Colangelo’s experience within the organization in the mean time, saying that Colangelo will be involved in “a lot of things that will become a priority for the Raptors moving forward.”Among those priorities, the 2016 All-Star game and looking into either bui

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No suprise here. Bryan Colangelo is out as the GM in Toronto. Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment President and CEO Tim Leiweke announced Tuesday that he has revamped the senior leadership of the Toronto Raptors in preparation for next season. Bryan Colangelo has had his contract extended as the team’s President and will report directly to Mr. Leiweke. The club has also created a new position of General Manager that will have final authority on all basketball-related decisions. At this time, with input from Colangelo, Leiweke is conducting a search to identify candidates and expects to name the new GM in the next 30 days. “After thorough evaluation and considering all the options, we have concluded that these changes will be in the best interest of the organization,” said Leiweke. “By splitting the roles and having both men report directly to me, we are adding depth to the basketball operations group and giving the Toronto Raptors the best chance of competing for championships in the future. The new GM will inherit a great situation in Toronto, as all of my due diligence around the League indicates that we have a fine, young core and a few key moves will make us a playoff contender next season.” While the General Manager will have autonomy over basketball decisions, Colangelo will continue to advise Leiweke on basketball-related matters while also broadening his involvement with the business side of the franchise. “The future of this team and this organization excites me more than ever, and I am looking forward to being part of our future success,” said Colangelo. “I will add whatever is necessary to help improve our basketball team while also expanding my efforts to increase brand awareness and influence growth of the game across this great country.” “Bryan is skilled, knowledgeable and respected across the NBA and will be a resource that we count on to help build the Raptors into Canada’s team,” said Leiweke. MLSE also announced that Leiweke would move up his official start date from July 1 to June 3 at the suggestion of the Board.

You mad bro? Colangelo isn’t “ticked” as Leiweke described, but is “disappointed” that he didn’t get to see the job through. “Ticked off isn’t the right terminology…it’s a mischaracterization”. Says the team is “well on its way to being competitive”. He doesn’t believe that he’s completely being left out of the basketball side (as Leiweke suggested), but that his input may be sought and he’s glad to give it. Basically, he’s finding a way to soften the blow for him. Says he’s in the “process of constructing businesses” now more than the “process of constructing basketball teams”. Would another GM job interest you, if it opens up? “I’m committed….but I have an NBA out”. So, Leiweke has said he can leave if he finds a real GM job, but he says his “focus and commitment is to the Toronto Raptors”. Doesn’t see this situation as a bad situation and says that “there was steady growth but maybe that growth wasn’t fast enough”. Says, “I’m certainly not going to get in the way of the new GM”. Will it be difficult if new GM says “amnesty Fields” or something like that? (Grange asked this question and Colangelo shot back saying you can’t amnesty Fields) “Whatever the basketball matter is, I hope that my opinion will be asked” but the decision will rest on somebody else. “I’ve been known as a guy who zigs when everyone else is zagging” and that wont’ change. He’s saying that he brings something to the table, and hopefully people will make use of his opinion. His new role: Says the deal between the MLSE and the NBA needs to be revamped, and that’s something he will be focusing on now and he “hasn’t had time to focus on that in the past”. He’s going to busy with Board of Canada Basketball, grassroot level initiatives. He’s talking about women’s basketball, growth of the game, etc. All the stuff that’s Canada-specific more than the Raptors, really. He’ll be looking into new practice facilities and that’s also something he “didn’t have time before to look at”, but now does. “I’m pretty good at projects”, says Colangelo, and he’s going to make the “best damn practice facility in the League” I’m losing interest in this presser… If you were a guy looking for a GM job, would you want to take a job where former GM is sitting in the next office “When I’m involved with something, I’m going to put everything into it. If there are parameters within it, I will stick to those parameters…I probably know all the candidates, and some of them I would be able to work with in a glowing fashion…the bottom line is that if I get in the way, I’m not going to be around…I’m not going to run the new guy over…The new guy will appreciate that I’m there and in his corner” Were you reluctant to focus on the business side exclusively now? “The role will be more than just focusing on business, and I will guide if asked”. BC’s really trying to frame this in a way where it looks like his basketball opinion still matters. What do you think of hiring an outside firm to make the hire? “I have no problem with it….you’ll have to ask Tim what the process was in making that decision…if they need me, I will give my input and opinion there”. Andrea Bargnani, if he was better would this be different. “I’m not sure I would [handle it differently]. Maybe I would’ve traded him before he got hurt..but you can’t control the injury aspect”. “A change of scenery is probably the best thing for both sides”, regarding Andrea. Any good lu

My notes on the call; forgive some of the spelling/grammar/incomplete thoughts, I was listening and typing furiously: Tim Leiweke on Bryan Colangelo staying on as President - Spent a lot of time talking to people around the NBA he respected getting feedback and analysis – The window took a bit too long, but the process took what it took – Protects the best interest of the organization going forward in a few respects: 1) On basketball, there is great debate on decisions made that resulted in no playoffs for 5 years 2) Has a great relationship with Canadian Basketball Association; and trying to grow that relationship 3) Want to win the 2016 All-Star game 4) Build out a new practice facility – Great stress on Bryan’s relationship within the NBA – Need to hire a GM that has the responsibility and authority on all basketball related issues; reporting directly to Tim – There is no budget for a GM per sey; but ownership is willing to do what it takes Tim Leiweke on potential conflicts with keeping Colangelo on - Understands this will take a lot of effort – Understands that the previous President/GM is now just the GM – The timing and circumstances and Bryan’s choice to stay will go a long way in making this work – Will be challenging for Bryan, but if he can’t make it work “I’m pretty sure we aren’t going to fire the Toronto Raptors” – Will have to honor this process, and make sure that the GM will have the authority to make decisions without disruptions from anyone otherwise Tim will clean it up Tim Leiwke on Bryan having the opportunity to explore other basketball opportunities in the NBA - Yes, he can explore Tim Leiweke on the process to finding the GM - Tim is doing the search himself – Speaking to candidates, and trying to get permission from other clubs to speak to their execs – The last two weeks were spent talking to people around the NBA who gave Tim direct feedback on mistakes and good decisions that were made over the last few years – The spectrum of advice ranged from cleaning house to keeping Bryan in his current role – Bryan will be involved in the process, giving advice, but ultimately the decision is Tim’s – Search firm is only giving background on the candidates, nothing more – Is the most important activity of the organization for the next couple weeks Tim Leiweke on where other people on the basketball side stand - All up to the new GM who comes in – The person who they trust, will be handed all authority to make whatever decision he will want to make; neither Tim nor Bryan will have any say other than advice is asked Tim Leiweke on his ambition to rebrand this team - Has given a lot of thought to this – Spent an entire day with Stern/NBA from a basketball, business and image standpoint – Clear that all of Canada doesn’t support the Raptors; they are Toronto’s team, but not Canada’s team – This needs to change – The Raptors should reflect Canada in their image and branding for the upcoming 20th anniversary of this team – 2016 All-Star game is a must have for Toronto to have – “Toronto is not bidding on the 2016 All-Star game; Canada is” – Tim Leiweke Tim Leiweke on who will be running the basketball side while the GM is being hired - Will lean on Bryan and Ed for the operation in the interim – Prefer to not make any major decisions aka Casey’s situation is the decision of the new GM – There is an immediacy to get this settled in the near future Tim Leiweke on the training facility - The CBA has impacted the league – Recruiting/environment/atmospher is as important factor in getting players – “Players love Toronto; including big players in the league today” – Tim Leiweke – Big misconception that the Raptors have a disadvantage in attacting and retain

In a dizzying chain of events that it seems only Toronto sports fans have been forced to get used to, the Raptors announced on Tuesday morning that Bryan Colangelo would be relieved of his General Manager duties while maintaining the seemingly higher position of team President. The exact terms of Colangelo’s new contract aren’t known (is it possible that just the final year of his current contract has been picked up? Would they refer to that as an extension in a press release?). In addition, the team says that it has created a “new” position of General Manager “that will have final authority on all basketball-related decisions” and that the new GM should be named within 30 days, after Tim Leiweke conducts his search. So if you’re following, the team President, who was also General Manager as recently as yesterday, will give way to a replacement GM but will stay on as President without actually having any say over said new GM’s basketball decisions. Though the new General Manager is expected to have full autonomy on the basketball side, the news release also states that “Colangelo will continue to advise Leiweke on basketball-related matters while also broadening his involvement with the business side of the franchise.” In a final news item from the release, the team announced that at the suggestion of the MLSE board, Leiweke’s official start date has been pushed forward from July 1 to June 3. This whole situation is very confusing, but reading between the lines, my interpretation of this mess is that Leiweke obviously didn’t feel comfortable with Colangelo building and running this basketball team (even though in the release, Leiweke states that “all of my due diligence around the League indicates that we have a fine, young core and a few key moves will make us a playoff contender next season”), but that Colangelo was still a valuable resource to maintain with his connections around the league and general experience. Having said that, I’m sure Leiweke has plenty of NBA connections of his own between his former roles with the Nuggets and Timberwolves and his most recent role which had ties to the Lakers. And what happens if another team wants Colangelo in a basketball role? Are MLSE and B.C. serious about this new move to the business side, or is this just a temporary appointment until Colangelo finds his footing with another franchise? It certainly seems possible that rumblings about Leiweke wanting something else and the board convincing him otherwise could hold water, and if that’s the case, the potentially promising Leiweke Era in Toronto sports is off to a discouraging start. I mean wasn’t the whole point of bringing him here to save the board from major sports decisions that they probably aren’t as qualified to make? On Monday, I thought that Tuesday would finally bring us some answers. It turns out I’m left with more bewilderment and questions now than ever before. *** Here are all of the quotes in full from the media release… Leiweke – “After thorough evaluation and considering all the options, we have concluded that these changes will be in the best interest of the organization. By splitting the roles and having both men report directly to me, we are adding depth to the basketball operations group and giving the Toronto Raptors the best chance of competing for championships in the future. The new GM will inherit a great situation in Toronto, as all of my due diligence around the League indicates that we have a fine, young core and a few key moves will make us a playoff contender next season.” Colangelo – “The future of this team and this organization excites me more than ever, and I am looking forward to being part of our future success. I will add whatever is necessary to help improve our basketball team while also expanding my efforts to increase brand awareness and in

And now it’s down to four. Well, one thing’s for sure. These playoffs have highlighted the difference between the East and the West. While every series in the West has been fun and exciting, the East has been like the final season of The Office. Entertaining once in a while, frequently painful to watch, and really only watched by the die hard fans¹. I find every round gives you something a little different. The stakes are a little higher, the competition a little tougher, and there’s always more storylines to follow. And like the first round, there were a few lessons I learned (or had confirmed). THE WARRIORS ARE BETTER CONSTRUCTED THAN THE THUNDER The Thunder won 13 games more than the Warriors, and have been the team-building model many have wanted to follow throughout the league. In three years, they were able to draft Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka and James Harden, three of whom will undoubtably appear on this year’s All NBA team, and go from the lottery to the Finals in just four years. Sam Presti has been touted as one of the best GMs in the NBA and the Thunder have been on the forefront of the analytics revolution. Plus, teams are looking to pick their front office clean, in their search for GMs, just as they’ve previously done with the Spurs (Rich Cho, the current GM of the Bobcats was the Thunder assistant GM), which has be one of the greatest compliments a franchise can have. So what exactly is the problem? Well, both the Thunder and Warriors lost All Stars (and the team’s second best player) to injury early in the first round, and while neither team made it out of the second round, the Warriors barely missed David Lee’s presence while Oklahoma went from having the league’s most efficient and high scoring offense, to a team that averaged less than 90 points a game against Memphis. Obviously Russell Westbrook is a better player than David Lee, and more instrumental to the Thunder offense than Lee is, but it goes deeper than that. Golden State was able to overcome the loss of Lee better because they had more weapons. While Kevin Durant and Kevin Martin were really the only Thunder players, outside of Westbrook, who had the ability to create their own shot and score consistently, Golden State had Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Jarrett Jack, Carl Landry and even Harrison Barnes. Serge Ibaka was Oklahoma’s third leading scorer, but all he proved was that he can’t create for himself and desperately needs to work on his post up game. Of course, Scott Brooks’ rather pedestrian offensive sets didn’t help, but that brings up the question of whether or not he’s even the right coach to take the team to a title. But while Sam Presti has surrounded Durant and Westbrook with role players who fill specific roles, but don’t have the ability to expand on that, Golden State features a roster full of players who can step up, if needed, making it more likely they’ll be able to withstand droughts or injuries to their key players better than the Thunder. And Golden State features more two-way players who can score AND defend consistently (I’m looking at you Kevin Martin). If you take away Golden State’s two best players and Oklahoma’s two best players, which team would you rather have? BIG MEN BEATS SMALL BALL This season we supposedly saw the evolution of the NBA towards small ball, highlighted by Miami’s domination despite not having a legit center on the team for the majority of the season. There were other examples, though. The Knicks won 54 games with Carmelo Anthony as their starting power forward, and Denver won 57 games with Danilo Gallinari often times the tallest players on the court. And then came the playoffs. Denver was bounced in the first round and the Knicks struggled against and aged and injury depleted Celtics team and their vaunted offence (3rd most efficient offence in the league during the