Toronto Raptors: A letter to Masai Ujiri from the fans

After firing their head coach, the Toronto Raptors, and Masai Ujiri, face several critical decisions this offseason. Here is what I would say to Ujiri, if given the chance.

Dear Masai,

I have been a Raptors fan from day one. I have ridden the roller coaster that has been this franchise. The few ups and the drastic downs. I’ve rented binoculars at Skydome, seen purple dinosaurs, and I’ve even run to the fridge for salami and cheese. I’ve done all of this since day one.

I’m tired.

I’m tired of losing. I’m tired of making the playoffs with no real shot. I’m tired of making the playoffs and thinking we have a shot. I’m tired of finishing first in the regular season and getting swept.

We missed on our coach

Two weeks ago you fired the coach. Rumours swirled that Budenholzer was the next guy. His acumen for X’s and O’s and being a tactician was exactly what we need to cure our lack of playoff woes. Sure, he hasn’t beat LeBron either, but he would’ve been different with us…

You almost demolished our team

Rumours swirled a couple of weeks back that DeRozan was being shipped last summer. That wasn’t true, right Masai? You wouldn’t trade Mr Toronto, would you? Especially since you’ve made it clear, that your goal is to be Spurs North, the franchise that shows very little turnover; the franchise that demonstrates consistency, stability and attracts talented free agents.

I’m Confused?

I guess what I’m trying to say is I’m confused. I’m confused about where we’re going. I’m confused about what we do next. I’m confused about whether we go for it or tear it down.

The road ahead looks daunting

Let’s face it. Boston isn’t going anywhere. They nearly made it to the finals with their two best players out. They have the best coach in the league (Well second best, Popovich is automatically the best every year; that goes without saying). They have a rookie of the year candidate and a young, versatile, hungry core.

Philly doesn’t look any easier

Philadelphia is going to be scary good until at least 2078. Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid are top 25 already. Markelle Fultz has off the charts raw ability. And if he can find his shooting form and his lost mojo, he can be their number three. They have draft choices and cap room.

And maybe LeBron.

I know what you’re going to say though.

“Don’t worry. The sky isn’t falling. I’ve been here before. Remember 2013? Remember what I did to Sacramento? Even Chuck Hayes served a role, man.”

“Remember when I was with Denver and I traded Carmelo? And yeah, I even got someone to take Bargnani.”

“Many times I have made really good out of really bad. I can do it again.”

“I’ve built something really good here. This is the best basketball you’ve ever seen in this city. Ever.”

“I’ve given you a stable core. Consistency. Defence. Then offence. Then a ‘culture reset’ .

“Trust in me.”

Okay Masai. You’re right. You’re patient. Opportunistic. Bold. I’ll hear you out.

Next steps

You’ve stayed calm under pressure before. You can do this again. Maybe you’ll pull another trade out of nowhere. Maybe you can find ‘it’.

Maybe you can even find someone to take Serge.

You’re right. We have 5 straight 48 plus win seasons. 5 consecutive playoff appearances. When you think about it, we’ve only lost to a team that LeBron was running.

This year, if the Pacers win, we might be in the Final. If we win game one against the Cavs, the series is a different animal.

Next: Chances of each Raptor returning next season

Can I trust you?

Maybe Masai. Maybe.

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