The Toronto Raptors’ success in building a deep roster is often attributed to president Masai Ujiri, who was able to replicate his success as an executive in Denver by winning Toronto’s first NBA championship. However, GM Bobby Webster should be recognized as an invaluable member of the Raptors’ front office by the greater NBA landscape. The Raptors seem to realize Webster’s worth, and they don’t want him leaving Canada anytime soon.
According to Doug Smith of the Toronto Star, speaking on the Bleav in the Pressrow podcast, the Raptors have reportedly finalized a contract extension with Webster. However, Smith believes that the team is waiting to announce this extension at a more opportune time.
“I think the Webster deal is done,” Smith said. “I think there’s a reticence to announce it during a pandemic when they’re playing in Tampa. I don’t know that, but that’s what I firmly believe.” Smith also believes that Webster’s deal is a long-term extension, while Ujiri will likely agree to a shorter contract.
Toronto Raptors GM Bobby Webster remains one of the finest executives in the league
Webster originally made his name on the financial end of the basketball business world, joining the NBA’s Labor Relations Committee and advising teams on luxury tax protocol as the league hammered out the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
After Jeff Weltman left Toronto to become the president of the Orlando Magic in 2017, Webster received the promotion to general manager at just 32 years old, making him the youngest GM in the NBA. Webster has clearly not been rattled by that fact, as he has helped the Raptors make some seismic trades, secure solid free-agent signings, and create an excellent player development culture.
It will never not amaze me that Masai Ujiri & Bobby Webster made the Kawhi trade without giving up Pascal or OG. Just insanity.
— Joseph Whalen (@JoeWhalen19) January 25, 2021
With Ujiri’s future in Toronto somewhat up in the air, the Raptors have an A+ backup plan in Webster, an executive who has proven his worth in this front office several times over.
Ujiri might be the headline-stealing name in Toronto’s front office, but Webster deserves as much credit for helping turn the Raptors from a playoff disappointment into a champion. While the Raptors have taken it on the chin of late, who better to lead them back to the promised land than the dynamic duo of Ujiri and Webster?