Raptors: 5 best moves Bobby Webster has made as GM in Toronto

Bobby Webster was quickly ascending the NBA ladder when Masai Ujiri made him his first hire as GM of the Toronto Raptors in 2013. It is Ujiri who gets the bulk of the credit for the Raptors’ rise to perennial contender status, but his right-hand man has been there just as long and also has his fingerprints all over some very successful Toronto teams.

Now, with Ujiri’s expiring contract sowing seeds of concern over his future, Webster’s new deal makes him the sure thing in the club’s front office. So long as the 35-year-old sticks around, the organization seems to be in good hands.

While the laid-back Hawaiian doesn’t quite carry the same celebrity profile as his boss, Webster has shown himself to be a smart, knowledgeable basketball mind capable of identifying, developing, and acquiring talent. His top five moves since being promoted to GM in June of 2017 serve as proof of his highly proficient track record.

Toronto Raptors GM Bobby Webster Honorable Mentions

Because of the recency of Webster’s track record, some moves will still need more time to be fully evaluated. For now, however, there are several under-the-radar free agent signings that seem to be paying off nicely to varying degrees.

Stanley Johnson endured a disastrous 2019-20 season after the Raptors opted to take a low-risk flyer on the former lottery pick, but has flashed some elite defensive potential in an increased role this season.

Conversely, Terence Davis II enjoyed a triumphant rookie campaign as an undrafted free agent, albeit once that has been undermined amidst still-pending assault charges stemming from an October arrest in New York City.

Webster also brought in Yuta Watanabe on a two-way contract, with the team currently reaping the benefits of his frenetic energy and occasional three-pointer off the bench. Likewise, sharpshooter Matt Thomas has had his moments in a reserve role, even if his sub-par defense has kept him from fully earning Nick Nurse’s trust.