I believe with fairly strong confidence that most Raptors fans are not supportive of the majority MLSE ownership and especially the growing influence of one, Edward Rogers. A conscientious Raptors supporter has likely realized over the years that MLSE, especially as Rogers has become more involved, is an ownership willing to cut corners to save a buck. They've also likely realized that MLSE’s approach started to diverge from Masai Ujiri’s vision and his influence within the Raptors' organization.
It was why, when Masai Ujiri's departure was announced, it was undeniably a sad day for Raptors fans. Still, I emphasized that it felt more like an anticipated walk into the sunset, one that had been years in the making.
Now, some near two months after Masai Ujiri's departure, Raptors fans now know who will step into the role he's leaving behind. The franchise announced it would be entrusting those responsibilities to general manager Bobby Webster. However, many Raptors fans and analysts might see this internal 'promotion' as another instance of MLSE attempting to maximize their dollar — by giving Webster more responsibilities minus the namesake of being called president — essentially optimizing costs from a business standpoint.
Or, if we’re being more blunt, just call it plain cheaping out ... maybe throw in a little hint of not seeing eye to eye with Masai Ujiri too.
Raptors fans weary of MLSE ownership following Bobby Webster news
Many fans on social media noted that this strategy had already been used with the Toronto Maple Leafs (another MLSE-owned franchise), choosing not to renew Brendan Shanahan's contract as it expired. Instead, MLSE and Keith Pelley have appointed general manager Brad Treliving and head coach Craig Berube to assume the roles previously held by Shanahan, with both reporting directly to ownership.
So yeah, I don't think it takes a rocket scientist to see that this is likely those in power at the top wanting to eliminate the idea of a central presidential role. Given how powerful someone in that position can be, they probably want to do away with it altogether by shifting to internal positions that already report to the higher-ups anyway.
Now, would I be bold enough to say that Bobby Webster falls into the category of 'yes men'? I might need to ponder that a bit, but I’d say Webster clearly demonstrates his devotion to the Raptors and is likely always considering the greater good of the team. That said, he also has bosses to report to, so I imagine he’s balancing that loyalty with looking out for his own interests as well.
It's undoubtedly a noteworthy development in the next chapter of Raptors basketball, but I salutre the discerning Raptors fans who aren't so quick to overlook some of the wrinkles in this somewhat shady 'promotion' of sorts.