Raptors promote GM Webster to head of basketball ops
The Toronto Raptors are naming general manager Bobby Webster their new head of basketball operations, the team announced Monday.
Webster will succeed former team president Masai Ujiri, though the Raptors are not officially appointing someone in that role. Webster was Ujiri's first hire after the latter was named Toronto's GM in May 2013 and will lead the franchise from his post as GM.
"To me, the title isn't as important as the responsibilities," he told reporters Monday, according to Sportsnet's Michael Grange. "You guys know me, I'm going to lead with a smile and positivity."
The Raptors signed Webster to an extension shortly before parting ways with Ujiri in June. Webster's contract was further extended as part of Monday's agreement.
"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," Keith Pelley, CEO of the Raptors' parent company Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, said 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 first joined the Raptors as vice president of basketball management and strategy before eventually becoming assistant GM, and he then became the NBA's youngest full-time GM when he replaced Jeff Weltman in June 2017. The 40-year-old was instrumental in building the Raptors' 2019 championship roster and was at the helm for the blockbuster deal that sent Kawhi Leonard to Toronto and shipped the face of the franchise, DeMar DeRozan, to the San Antonio Spurs.
Toronto is attempting to return to the playoffs this season for the first time since the franchise's 2022 first-round exit against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Raptors' only other playoff appearance since that 2019 victory was in the 2020 Orlando bubble, when they lost to the Boston Celtics in the conference semifinals.