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5 Things Memphis Grizzlies Can Learn from Toronto Raptors’ Path to NBA Finals

By AJ Salah

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 19: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles the ball as Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena of January 19, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 19: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles the ball as Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena of January 19, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Take Calculated Risks

Lots of Toronto Raptors fans were upset, and even felt betrayed, last summer when Masai Ujiri fired reigning Coach of the Year Dwane Casey, and traded franchise icon DeMar DeRozan. They were bold moves, but necessary ones after Toronto plateaued as a playoff letdown.

Fans doubted Ujiri; a man with a lengthy track record of successful high-risk plays, both in “The Six” and elsewhere. He himself kick-started the Raptors’ rebuild by salary-dumping franchise burdens Andrea Bargnani, and former Grizzly Rudy Gay. Those trades — aimed at bottoming out — produced an accidental playoff team, and the Raptors have never looked back.

In related news, Toronto now finds themselves just four wins away from the NBA’s very apex. Masai has made big move after big move, but not just for the sake of shaking things up. His risks are pragmatic and opportunistic; he took advantage of timely situations in San Antonio and Memphis this year, at junctures where the potential payoff was huge.

While it is not easy to hire someone as smart and crafty as Ujiri — a likely top-two or top-three NBA General Manager — the blueprint is in place. Be smart with your assets. Target teams in trade discussions with a sense of urgency. Constantly gauge the market. Be aware of your own weaknesses (more on that later).

But most importantly, do not be afraid to pull the trigger and break the status quo. Hitting the ceiling of the Kyle Lowry/DeMar DeRozan core left Toronto Raptors fans in frustration for almost half a decade. Ten months after Masai broke the wheel, they are in the NBA Finals.

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