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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 RU-vid 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 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.
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
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!
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.
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... ✌️👍🏻
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
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
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.
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 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!
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!
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 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.
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
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.
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!
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, 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.
@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
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 like players that are selected outside the lottery pick or undrafted because you see the hunger and the fire that they have when they play! They play with so much effort knowing they’re out to prove themselves to every! They come out with that blue collar mentality! Majority or those type of players have no ego about them, they’re just there to work hard and put in the effort!
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.
Respect for these vids... V well researched. Possibly do a highlight vid of every analyst predicting another Raps implosion, before they finally win it all... Lookin' at you Skip Bayless.
Adam Lannan only people who doesn’t have much basketball knowledge who thinks this video is done well. Not once considered of what’s going on the other organization and most of these moves lucked out for Raptors and a lot of has to do the fact Lebron left the East and coach Nurse is a great coach.
Awesome vid. Kinda wish LeBron was still in the east to see if this Raps team with Kawhi and Siakim v2 could finally beat them. Maybe should be careful what I wish for though. Hopefully raps stay good for a while but when they do eventually start picking top 10 again they gotta get better at drafting in that range because.... damn.
@Ok Alright fair. thats why i said 'should be careful what i wish for'. do raps finally get past Lebron's cavs now w/ Kawhi, levelled up Siakim, Gasol, etc ? maybe. but prefer current situation (worrying about Bucks)
There would be a 50% chance they'd see the Cavs again as I don't think last years Cavs could beat this years Bucks they might also have trouble with a healthy Celtics team.
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.
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
Hind sight is 20/20...everything went according to plan. I'm apprehensive to agree all those teams were 'naive'...TO took risks; some of your points are presumptuous, after the fact. Overall, I appreciate your thesis, and I agree with 85% of your conclusions. Nice work!!
