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Toronto Raptors’ 3-step plan for potential life without Masai Ujiri

By Ben Fisher

Sep 25, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri during a press conference at media day at the BioSteel Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri during a press conference at media day at the BioSteel Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wayne Embry, Toronto Raptors
Basketball icon and civil rights activist, Wayne Embry, speaks during a recognition ceremony in his and his late wife’s honor on Tuesday, May 18. A Wayne Embry statue was also unveiled in front of Millett Hall.009wayne Embry /

Step 2: Lean on an Experienced Advisor

For 17 years, the Raptors have basically had the market cornered on an experienced hand to lean on for advice and guidance with the legendary Wayne Embry.

The recent recipient of a statue and civil rights honor from Ohio’s Miami University, Embry has spent nearly half a century in the NBA – first as an All-Star player, then as the league’s first African-American GM and team president, and finally as Senior Advisor in Toronto.

There’s no reason to think he can’t remain an asset to the organization, but a young, inexperienced front office might require more of a hands-on, day-to-day veteran presence than the 84-year-old Embry can offer at this stage.

Wayne Embry or Ed Stefanski could help out Toronto.

Perhaps someone like Ed Stefanski could get a second chance in Toronto after, ironically, being fired as part of the front office shakeup tied to Ujiri’s hiring.

Whoever the Raptors might target under this scenario, the job would theoretically be a coveted one. The prospect of working with bright young executives to help lead a first-class organization would check a lot of the boxes that experienced front office types look for.