Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggin (Photo : Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports/ Reuters)
The Toronto Raptors front-office has made it a priority for them to bring in Canadian players to the team, whether through the draft, free-agency or trade, under the tutelage of general manager Masai Ujiri.
The Raptors, who have become a major playoff contender in the Eastern Conference the last two seasons, are focused on turning their franchise into a hub for Canadian NBA players, as they look to capitalize on an influx of talented homegrown ballers coming to the league in bunches the past few years .
"We are an NBA team, it's important we look for talent everywhere, but it is on our minds to get a Canadian player or Canadian players," Ujiri said in interview via NBC Sports.
"It's the fit. We can maybe take our time and study it a little bit so it is the right fit and not do it just to do it. It's going to come, there is no doubt in my mind. It's an obligation that I think we have to fulfill. We are a Canadian team and I think to have Canadian players, I think will be phenomenal."
With the Raptors already laying out their ambitious plan of having a Canadian-flavored roster, it's clear that their next big move is to acquire Andrew Wiggins, the most-decorated Canadian prospect in recent memory, as early as 2017.
In his recent trip in Toronto, Wiggins stressed that his main focus right now is to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team that drafted him first overall in 2014 Draft, back to playoff contention. He also added that he has no plans of leaving the organization, although he was also quoted that he's never ruling out playing for the Raptors in the future.
While Ujiri's plan would be beneficial for the continuous growth of basketball in Canada, there are some who view this strategy as financially-motivated because a Canadian team that features homegrown players would further ignite an already passionate fanbase, triggering a massive jump in TV ratings and ticket sales.
"It would be a Canadian ratings bonanza if they landed Andrew Wiggins. And I do think they have chance eventually, because national pride is different from city to city pride. I also think it would be great for kids to see someone from their country playing for their team," via Hoops Rumors.
"I think Americans don't realize how lucky they are to have mostly Americans playing for them. If the US had a soccer team filled with all Europeans, they'd still cheer for the team, but would definitely want an American on there to root for. So I hope it happens, but I hope Masai doesn't just do it to do it."
The Raptors are already reaping the benefits of being the lone Canadian basketball team in the NBA, but a squad that showcases the like of Wiggins, Kelly Olynyk, Tristan Thompson and the next wave of Canadian basketball prodigies could generate more money for the franchise, as ultimately, the business side of the NBA will prevail.
