Raptors Elevate GM Bobby Webster to Head of Basketball Operations
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The Toronto Raptors have promoted general manager Bobby Webster to head of basketball operations and reached a new contract with him, sources told ESPN on Monday.
Webster, 40, steps into the role previously held by Masai Ujiri, who left the organization on June 27, one day after the NBA draft. The team hired CAA Executive Search to help identify potential candidates but ultimately chose Webster, who will continue to serve as general manager.
Since joining Toronto in 2013 as Ujiri’s first hire, Webster has advanced from vice president of strategy to assistant general manager, then to GM in 2017. The upcoming season will be his ninth as GM and his 21st working in the NBA, following seven years at the league office from 2006 to 2013.
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment CEO Keith Pelley and other MLSE executives interviewed multiple candidates after Ujiri’s departure. Webster made his case during extensive conversations at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, where MLSE observed his management approach.
Ujiri, the NBA’s Executive of the Year in 2013, guided Toronto to its lone championship in 2019—the only NBA title won by a team based outside the United States. The Raptors finished 30-52 last season, missing the playoffs for a third consecutive year.
The current roster is anchored by Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl and Immanuel Quickley as the franchise looks to return to postseason contention.
Source: ESPN
