The Queen City basketball team honcho met with reporters Tuesday at the Raptors’ training facility to reflect on the past campaign which is very positive overall due to the prospects for the future. team.
We’ve had a rollercoaster year of ups and downs
he first pointed out. The coaches did a phenomenal job. The players have also been amazing for persevering through a lot of tough times.
” We have made very good progress. We are very happy. We will continue to grow and improve. We still preach patience and growth here. »
Ujiri praised the overall work done by his team in the 2021-2022 season given the circumstances that affected it. Many important players were injured. Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby have each missed numerous games and COVID has not spared the team either.
December and January were tough. We have also been deprived of our supporters for a long time. At the very end, we were almost back to normal. It’s a shame we couldn’t go further [en séries], but I commend the work that has been done to grow and build. We have made progress
said Ujiri.
Scottie Barnes represents the future of the Toronto Raptors.
Photo: The Canadian Press/Nathan Denette
In a press conference, the president of the Raptors mentioned on numerous occasions that to win
occupies a special place in the mind of the organization. The 2021-2022 season was contested under the sign of progression and development
because the team dreams of eventually winning with the core of players it cultivates.
Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet, 28, are the frontrunners, sure, but OG Anunoby (24), Gary Tent Jr. (23), Precious Achiuwa (22) and NBA Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes (20) , are very young. They have little NBA experience, Ujiri recalled.
I know from a fan and media perspective you have to win now, but we’re thinking long term.
he said.
Sometimes, at the start, it’s not always as beautiful or as good as we hoped. We still have work to do, but I think we have our team of the future here. I think we need to have patience and growth. It was the first time that Pascal, Fred and OG were in charge too. They did well.
The Raptors have assembled an unconventional team in the NBA this season. Toronto did not bet on a traditional pivot, a player of seven feet and more (2.13 m) capable of taking rebounds and protecting the racket from opposing attacks. Instead, she lined up several versatile players of 6’7″ and 6’9″ (about 2 m), something she doesn’t rule out repeating next year.
I think we can choose how we play. I don’t believe there is one way that works better than another. I don’t really buy into all the copying that there is in the NBA
said Ujiri.
If I can find more Precious, Pascal or OG, believe me, we’ll take 15. We’ll take them as much as they come, but that doesn’t mean we won’t go and get a pivot that corresponds to our way of playing. If we can find them, 100%, we will try to get them. There is no discrimination here. We want to protect the basket more.
Players capable of shooting and making three-pointers will also be a priority for the Raptors this summer, Ujiri said. Overall, his team will try to provide more depth while being aware of allowing the necessary playing time for young players to progress.
The core is what it is, he said. We will make small changes here and there.
Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr., Khem Birch, Precious Achiuwa and Scottie Barnes are all under contract for the upcoming season. Prospects Dalano Banton, Malachi Flynn and Justin Champagnie too.
Veterans Chris Boucher and Thaddeus Young are the main players who will become free agents this offseason. Ujiri hasn’t hinted whether they will be renewed or not. However, he praised their respective contributions this year.
The Raptors will now look to the NBA Draft which will take place on June 23. Toronto holds the 33rd overall pick. The free agent market will open on July 1.
Reference-ici.radio-canada.ca