Advertisement

Ujiri not focused on his extension, nor for Nick Nurse, during COVID-19

Like everyone else, Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri is focused on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Ujiri spoke publicly for the first time since the NBA announced an indefinite suspension of the 2019-20 season three weeks back. He fielded questions on a number of housekeeping items, such as a potential extension for himself and with head coach Nick Nurse, to which he dismissed.

“No. It’s not kind of where our minds are right now. It’s a crucial time for the world. Those things will come. Last thing on my mind. I miss the game ... concerned for the world,” Ujiri said of himself and Nurse, according to Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun.

Both Ujiri and Nurse are under contract through the summer of 2021, so there is no immediate rush to hold any discussions, even if they were feasible. The finances of the Raptors and the NBA at large are uncertain, as the shutdown will likely create significant changes in the short term. Although there was some fear that Ujiri would explore his options, those reports seem to have quelled after the New York Knicks hired former agent Leon Rose to lead their franchise earlier this season.

Having said that, when the world eventually settles into some modicum of normalcy, securing Ujiri and Nurse’s signatures should be heavily prioritized. Ujiri has overseen seven-straight playoff appearances, and turned Toronto from a fringe outpost to a championship organization. Nurse’s tenure as head coach is relatively short, but through parts of two seasons Nurse holds the highest win percentage in NBA history, was the frontrunner for Coach of the Year, on top of winning the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Both leaders will be in high demand, and the Raptors should do everything within their power to retain them.

Ujiri added that the front office is continuing to evaluate the team, and still conducting meetings amongst themselves and with the league, but obviously there are challenges. Typically at this time of the year, with the NCAA Tournament in full swing, the front office would be focused on scouting. And while those decisions are still being held, there are clearly limitations. Instead of following prospects, Ujiri joked that he is “stalking” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the American director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, for updates on COVID-19.

Lastly, on the subject of salvaging the 2019-20 season, of which the Raptors hold the third-best record in the NBA, Ujiri urged that responsibility falls more on the general public than it does on the NBA itself. Following public safety guidelines, continuing to exercise physical distancing, and practicing personal health habits is the only surefire path towards creating a safe environment where sports can continue.

“I’m hoping. That’s all our hope...the way we salvage the NBA season is by abiding by the rules and doing everything we have to do as people, as a community, everything we possibly can. This is not about the NBA, it’s about the whole world,” Ujiri said, according to Blake Murphy of The Athletic.

More coverage on Yahoo Sports Canada