On February 28, 2006 the Toronto Raptors named NBA Executive of the Year Bryan Colangelo as team president and general manager. Colangelo served as general manager of the Phoenix Suns for 11 years, and team president for seven. The 40-year-old Colangelo was with the Phoenix organization for 15 years and now brings his wealth of experience north to help the Raptors take the next step toward an NBA Championship. Colangelo took some time out of his busy schedule this week to sit down with raptors.com and discuss his thoughts on coming to Toronto and the future of the Raptors.
raptors.com: What was it that attracted you to Toronto?
raptors.com: Why would you want to leave what appears to be a great situation in Phoenix to come to a rebuilding situation in Toronto?
I wasn’t eager to leave Phoenix, but there comes a time when moving on makes the best sense. When the opportunity came up in Toronto, I spoke with owner Robert Sarver and said I wanted to take a look at it. The more I look at what’s going on here in Toronto, the more excited I became to be a part of it.
raptors.com: What do you feel the Raptors need in order to take that next step?
The team is progressing in the right direction. I intend to lead that process to the best of my ability.
raptors.com: What do you think of the job that Sam Mitchell has been doing?
raptors.com: Do you have any plans to bring in an assistant general manager or anyone else from the outside?
raptors.com: How do you expect to utilize Wayne Embry?
raptors.com: How does your family feel about moving from Phoenix to Toronto?
Toronto is a beautiful city with a great international flavour to it. People here truly value a nice quality of life. I also know there’s lots of great restaurants here. We look forward to getting up here and establishing our home.
raptors.com: What will be your first order of business with the Raptors?