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As the Raptors "prepare" for their final game of the regular season (minus most of their starting lineup), GM Masai Ujiri took his turn in front of the microphone to reflect on the franchise's most successful campaign in its history, the status of its coach Dwane Casey, the team's status as it heads into the playoffs for the third year in a row, and more.
On the franchise and the future:
Will playoffs play a big part in where Raptors go from here? "Yes and no," Masai says, reiterates they're still a growing team
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 13, 2016
On Dwane Casey:
Masai Ujiri's vote of confidence in Dwane Casey: "He deserves to be our coach in the future" pic.twitter.com/EFL6lm4aNm
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 13, 2016
On DeMarre Carroll and his comeback from injury:
Was Masai worried DeMarre would not be back? "Sometimes it takes longer. He's not 100% but trying to head that way. We'll see how that goes"
— Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) April 13, 2016
On team status as it heads into the playoffs:
Masai speaking now: Says team and coaches have done a good job of creating an identity. Some say too much iso, but "this is how we play."
— Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) April 13, 2016
"You fail. You stand up. You go back out and fight." - Masai on the mentality entering this year's playoffs. pic.twitter.com/bjMweZYdpa
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 13, 2016
On addressing the crowd at Jurassic Park:
Will Masai make his annual pre-Game 1 public address in Jurassic Park? "It hasnt worked last 2 years. I'm 0-for-2 so I think I'll stay away"
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 13, 2016
So there you have it. Masai is happy with his still growing team, not too worried about DeMarre, supportive of Dwane Casey and you won't see him out in front of the ACC before Game 1 against the Indiana Pacers this weekend.