Raptors news: MLSE responds to lawsuit, former center signs

Thanks to the New York Knicks, the Toronto Raptors found themselves in some serious hot water. James Dolan has sued the Raptors, alleging that a former Knicks employee was acting as a mole and sending “thousands of proprietary files” over to Toronto.

The lawsuit alleges that head coach Darko Rajakovic not only received the information that Ike Azotam pilfered away from the Knicks, but he prodded Aztoman further to get more secrets away. If true, this is very damning for Masai Ujiri and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.

MLSE issued a statement in the immediate aftermath, citing surprise at the fact that the lawsuit was actually filed and emphasizing in robust terms that they were not involved in this process whatsoever. The statement also promised that Azotam and some other parties mentioned in this lawsuit would be thoroughly investigated.

“MLSE and the Toronto Raptors received a letter from MSG on Thursday of last week bringing this complaint to our attention,” the statement read. “MLSE responded promptly, making clear our intention to conduct an internal investigation and to cooperate fully…The company strongly denies any involvement in the matters alleged. MLSE and the Toronto Raptors will reserve further comment until this matter has been resolved to the satisfaction of both parties.”

More Raptors news

• Moses Brown, who impressed with the Raptors’ Summer League team as a rebounder and pick-and-roll finisher, agreed to a partially guaranteed contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. After Javon Freeman-Liberty signed a two-way contract, the Raptors didn’t have any available spots on the roster.
• Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report ranked Dennis Schroder as the Raptors’ best new weapon ahead of the 2023-24 season. Schroder’s consistent play, defense, and pathway to tons of minutes are what gave him the edge over 2023 rookie Gradey Dick.

NBA news

• A former Raptor appears to have called time on his NBA career, as Ed Davis signed with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in China’s CBA. Picked No. 13 overall in the 2010 NBA Draft by the Raptors, Davis averaged 5.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game for teams like the Grizzlies, Blazers, and Nets after leaving Toronto.
• Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball, who missed all of the 2022-23 season and hasn’t played a game since January 2022, is going to sit out the entire 2023-24 season due to yet another knee surgery. One must wonder if he will ever play in the NBA again.