When the ownership of the Toronto Raptors dumped Masai Ujiri as team president last month, it led to an obvious question: Was it a money thing? A personality clash with the new leadership at parent company MLSE?

Bobby Webster has been with the Toronto Raptors 13 seasons, nine as general manager. He helped shape the 2019 NBA Finals championship squad.

After an expansive two-month search to find a replacement for Masai Ujiri, it turns out Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment didn’t have to look very far.

The post-Masai Ujiri era begins Oct. 22 against the Hawks in Atlanta, according to the schedule released Thursday afternoon. Two days later, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks will arrive for the Raptors home opener at Scotiabank Arena.

Masai Ujiri, the former Toronto Raptors executive and founder of Zaria Group, plans to take his $25m Zaria Court concept from Kigali to more African cities, building sports-focused hotels and arenas aimed at transforming the continent’s sports and entertainment landscape.