Masai Ujiri on Raptors Tanking: 'Not Doing That Here,' 'We're Going to Win'
The Toronto Raptors have been eliminated by the Cavaliers in three straight postseasons, but the front office isn't going to blow up the roster and start from scratch.
"We're not doing that here," general manager Masai Ujiri said about the possibility of tanking Wednesday, per Seerat Sohi of The Tip-Off. "We're finding young players. We're going to grow. We're going to win."
The Raptors finished the year with the best record in franchise history, going 59-23 to earn the top seed in the Eastern Conference. While the team improved defensively and created more balance instead of relying solely on DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry offensively, it didn't lead to any more success in the postseason.
Toronto was swept by the Cavaliers in the second round, representing 10 straight playoff losses to LeBron James and Co.
The team has reached the playoffs five straight years under head coach Dwane Casey but only has four series wins to show for it. Unsurprisingly, several analysts have recommended the Raptors tear down the current roster and start from scratch:
Nearly the entire roster remains under contract through next season, with Lowry, DeRozan and Serge Ibaka on the books through at least 2019-20. While the team should be a top contender again next season, it's unrealistic to keep trying the same thing and expect different results.
Still, Ujiri believes this team can win a title with the right reinforcements, so opposing teams shouldn't expect any blockbuster trades in the near future.
