“The only constant is change.” – attributed to Heraclitus, c. 500 BCE
In quick succession last month, Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri traded for Serge Ibaka, then P.J. Tucker. Those moves were applauded by almost everyone then, and continue to pay dividends. In fact, the acquisition of these two players has worked out so well that we must re-examine many of our assumptions about the team’s roster for next season and beyond.
I take the position that every team needs to identify its core players, then ensure those critical individuals have every reason to remain.