NFL
By: Greg Rector
Today was “Media Day” around the NBA and we heard from the new players coaches and general managers along with Toronto Raptors Team President Masai Ujuri today. I find it rather strange what Ujuri said in particular how he claimed this especially, towards Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, and why neither was signed to a contract extension.
In Masai We Trust?
Ujuri on why he didn’t start or initiate any contract extension talks with Siakam:
A lot of players didn’t play the right way. I said it, that we were selfish, I’m not running away from that. We were selfish and we didn’t play the right way. So let us see it when we play gthe right way.”
I’m shocked that he said that towards Pascal Siakam a player who gives it everything he has got night in and night out. Here was Siakim’s response.
I’ve never been a selfish player in all my life…ever since I started to play basketball…I don’t have an ounce of selfishness in me”
Siakim on Raptors culture reset and the notion of selfishness.
As I said earlier I was shocked when the statement was made during media day. Pascal Siakam isn’t a selfish player from the time I saw him as a rookie and even last season. Siakim plays a hard style of basketball and is always looking for his teammates whenever I watch Raptors games I rarely see Siakam take on multiple players on a continuing basis in games. Last season was a disaster as far as We The North fans are concerned and routinely attack anyone who doesn’t respect the skillset Siakam plays with as well.
Toronto Raptors Media Day
Darko Rajakovic was also asked his view as the new Toronto Raptors head coach and he said this which basically backed up Masai Ujuri.
When teams put two players on you, you need to make a pass.”
Siakam averaged 5.8 assists last season which almost doubled his career average which is 3.5 assists per game. So I’m asking both coach Rajakovic and Masai Ujuri which Toronto Raptors games were you two watching last season?
Siakam was left on many nights without anyone to pass the ball to. Indeed under Nick Nurse last season many games last year had Siakam left on his own and well-defended minus the other players moving to get themselves open including the single player who was uncovered.
The Contract Extensions
This statement wasn’t directed at just Pascal Siakam it was also directed to OG Anunoby another soon-to-be free agent. Anunoby didn’t bite the media day question on his contract extension when he said ” I love Toronto. I wanna be here.” this despite the earlier report by Mark Stein which said, “Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby reportedly plans to enter free agency next summer and will not agree to a long-term extension.”
So Where Do The Raptors Go?
After his statement earlier today, I have to wonder why Masai Ujuri kept both Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby when so many offers were made for both at last season’s trade deadline. What are his plans for the Toronto Raptors going forward?
Especially after hearing that neither Pascal Siakam nor OG Anunoby was even offered to the Portland Trailblazers, I found it really odd to see Ujuri attack his players whom he has seemed so reluctant to trade one of either player away.
As always you can find me on X @GregCowboys
Comments 1