5 General managers the Raptors could call to replace Masai Ujiri

No. 2: Dennis Lindsey

Dennis Lindsey is another executive with experience serving as the top basketball decision-maker, running the Utah Jazz for nine seasons through 2020-21. Since then, he has served as an advisor, leaving the Jazz and serving with Nico Harrison on the Dallas Mavericks last season, before he was hired as the No. 2 in Detroit beside new general manager Trajan Langdon.

Lindsey brings established experience and a track record of building a good team in Utah, and the fact that he spent last season with a Mavericks team that made it to the NBA Finals -- via several significant roster-shaping trades - is certainly a feather in his cap.

No. 1: Bob Myers

The most intriguing name on this list has to be Bob Myers, who build a modern dynasty with the Golden State Warriors, from drafting Draymond Green to filling in a championship roster around Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson to hiring and empowering Steve Kerr as head coach.

Myers stepped away from the role a year ago, handing the reigns to Mike Dunleavy Jr. Since then, Myers has consulted on the hiring of a new front office and coaching staff for the NFL's Washington Commanders, and served with ABC/ESPN as an analyst. He hasn't closed the door on a return to the NBA, and at age 49 he would seem to have many years left in the tank.

Hiring Myers would be something of a coup for the Raptors and represent a significant investment in the future. There are few executives who can match the track record and clout of Masai Ujiri, but Myers is one of them. If and when Ujiri's time with the organization ends, watch to see if Myers' name comes up.