Ed Stefanski joins Toronto Raptors front office – NBA Update
The Toronto Raptors have successfully signed Ed Stefanski in their front office. Stefanski, who left his post with the Philadelphia 76ers just last week, will now serve under Bryan Colangelo.
Stefanski has served as a General Manager in Philadelphia and with the New Jersey Nets before this stint. He was named executive vice-president of basketball operations on Wednesday, October 26.
Colangelo had been on the lookout for a new addition to his team since the move of Masai Ujiri to the Denver Nuggets last August. His search finally came to an end with Stefanski and Bryan was happy to welcome him to the Raptors.
“Ed Stefanski embodies everything I was hoping to attain when the search began for a top level basketball executive to join our staff,” Colangelo said in a release.
Ed is known as a shrewd customer on the trade market and has been behind many impressive ventures in the past. He was the one who orchestrated Vince Carter’s famed switch from the Raptors to New Jersey all those years ago. He also
traded Richard Jefferson and was instrumental in the drafting of Jrue Holiday and Kenyon Martin. Stefanski’s know how in the market and deal making ability is exactly what the Raptors needed,
“Ed brings to the table experience, smarts and a great feel for the game and of people.” Bryan said.
The man himself was very pleased at joining the Raptors. He said Toronto had a very talented young roster and a new head coach destined for success. Stefanski expressed his determination to play his part in any and all future endeavours
that the Raps undertake.
“The team has a young nucleus of players that have a big upside. And with the addition of Head Coach Dwane Casey I am looking forward to witnessing their growth and improvement,” Stefanski said.
Basketball has been the nucleus of Ed’s life. He played in the NCAA tournament for the University of Pennsylvania and later served as an analyst for around 20 years. Before becoming General Manager of the New Jersey Nets team,
where he brought together the dynamic duo of Jason Kidd and Carter, Ed was director of scouting at the franchise.
His arrival at the franchise is part of reshuffle going on from top to bottom. The Raptors believe they have to restructure after losing Chris Bosh, whose departure as a free agent left Toronto squandering in obscurity last season.
The Raptors did well in the NBA draft and have already installed Dwane Casey as the new head coach. They will be looking to make more changes in the front office and could be on the lookout for a free agent or two when the NBA
lockout ends.
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