April 2013 Toronto Raptors Wiretap

Ujiri Concerned Raptors Rank 30th In Assists

Nov 22, 2013 10:28 AM

The Toronto Raptors are averaging just 17.1 assists on 35.3 made field goals per game this season, which ranks last in the NBA.

“One concerning thing to me is we might be 30th in the league in assists,” Masai Ujiri said.  “That concerns me a little bit.  I think we need to be able to move the ball – share the ball.  I think to be a winning team – (we have to) figure out how to play with each other.  I think chemistry is a key in team sports.  We have good individual players and we just have to figure out a way to bring it all together.  Chemistry does not come overnight – So (as) a period of time that comes around that is something I look at because when you look at winning teams, they share the ball and get each other involved.”

Prime Time Sports/Bob McCown (via Stephen Brotherston)

Tags: Toronto Raptors, NBA, NBA B-Ball IQ

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Raptors Have Team-Bonding Experience At Lowry's Philadelphia Home

Nov 21, 2013 12:07 PM

The Toronto Raptors had another team-bonding experience in a player's hometown, as Kyle Lowry hosted his teammates in Philadelphia on Tuesday.

Lowry's mother and wife cooked the food and even had a barber on hand.

Last week, the Raptors dined at Rudy Gay's Memphis home.

“Any time you get guys together off the court, build that camaraderie, it’s pretty good,” Dwane Casey said.

“He did it up right. Everybody had a great time.”

Ryan Wolstat/Toronto Sun

Tags: Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors, NBA

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Ujiri Active Discussing Trade Scenarios, Unsure If Raptors Buying Or Selling

Nov 18, 2013 3:09 PM

Masai Ujiri has been active working the phones talking to other general managers, but it is unsure if the Toronto Raptors are buyers or sellers.

"Masai is keeping his cards pretty close to the vest," writes Chad Ford. "He's been active on the phones according to other GMs, but he isn't letting on whether he's looking to blow the team up or to make a push for the playoffs. I've heard mixed responses from other GMs who have dealt with him. I do know he loves Wiggins and the fit in Toronto is so obvious -- that seems like the right direction. But remember, the best he can get is a 25 percent chance at the No. 1 pick. There's no guarantee he can land Wiggins and while Jabari, Exum (who Masai is also a huge fan of) or Randle would be prizes too ... they might be a disappointment to Raptors fans."

Rudy Gay and DeMar DeRozan are two possible trade candidates for the Raptors.

Chad Ford/ESPN

Tags: Toronto Raptors, NBA, NBA Trade Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor

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Source: Raptors Open To Trading Anyone Except Valanciunas

Nov 1, 2013 3:11 PM

The Toronto Raptors are prepared to overhaul their roster under new general manager Masai Ujiri.

The Raptors are evaluating how their pieces fit, but nearly every player can be made available except for one.

"Anyone but [Jonas] Valanciunas," said one source.

Rudy Gay is making nearly $18 million this season and can opt out in the offseason, making him an intriguing candidate for the Raptors to move. DeMar DeRozan is on a new extension given by Bryan Colangelo, while Kyle Lowry will be a free agent in the offseason.

Marc Stein/ESPN

Tags: Jonas Valanciunas, Toronto Raptors, NBA, NBA Trade Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor

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