The Toronto Raptors through the 2016-17 season had been one of the best teams in the NBA the previous four years, averaging 51 wins, top 10 in the NBA in offensive efficiency every year, All-Stars in DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, a visit to the conference finals.
True, they had disappointed in the playoffs with two first-round ousters, but not the last two years. After all, it was LeBron they couldn't get by. You remained patient and continued to take your shot.
Not Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri, who after the Raptors were quickly eliminated by the Cavaliers last spring said it was time for major changes.