Raptors extend GM Bobby Webster, won’t hire president

The Toronto Raptors have extended general manager Bobby Webster’s contract, the team announced Monday.

Although the team will not a hire a new president, Webster succeeds his former boss, Masai Ujiri, as the lead Raptors executive. The Raptors parted ways with Ujiri on June 27, one day after the NBA draft, and announced that they had enlisted CAA Executive Search to assist in hiring a new team president. Webster will remain in the GM role.

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“Going through this comprehensive process this summer and meeting with external candidates played a critical role in arriving at this decision as it made clear that we already have the right person leading the Raptors in-house,” said Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment CEO Keith Pelley in a statement. “When we weighed the many considerations, including roster construction, team culture and competitive landscape, it made perfect sense to officially hand the team to Bobby and give him the time and support to allow his plan to develop.”

Webster joined the Raptors in 2013 as Ujiri’s first hire, rising from vice president of strategy and assistant general manager roles to the GM spot, and now lands the organization’s foremost authority position.

Webster, 40, is entering his 21st season working in the NBA, beginning with a role at the league office from 2006 to 2013 and then joining the Raptors. He will begin his ninth season as GM.

The Raptors spoke to several candidates for the team’s top executive position, but Webster impressed Pelley and other MLSE officials ever since the search for Ujiri’s replacement started in late June. Pelley and Webster spent critical time together during the NBA’s summer league in Las Vegas, allowing MLSE to observe Webster’s management style and giving Webster the opportunity to explain his process in the role.

“I’m grateful to Keith, to the board, and to our ownership for this opportunity — the chance to continue the work that I love, for a team, a city, and country that’s become home,” Webster said in a statement. “The things that are important to me — a deep love for basketball, thoughtful and empowering leadership, and a competitive fire — are the pillars of who I am as a leader. That’s what you’ll see from me every day. This is a new chapter in Raptors basketball, but one thing that will not change is our passion for winning, and our goal to bring another championship to Toronto.”

Ujiri joined the Raptors as general manager in 2013, winning the NBA’s Executive of the Year Award that season, before leading Toronto to the franchise’s only NBA title in 2019, the only team outside of the United States to accomplish the feat.

The Raptors went 30-52 this past season and missed the postseason for the third straight year.

The Raptors are built around Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl and Immanuel Quickley.