'Open Gym' details how Raptors tried to draft Giannis in 2013

It’s an open secret that Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri plans to pursue two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo if and when he hits free agency in 2021.

Toronto’s offseason plans carefully left enough cap room for Antetokounmpo next year, even at the cost of letting two veteran centers in Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol walk. And although the Raptors have not tipped their hand since it would be considered tampering, their award-winning documentary series “Open Gym” offered yet another subtle hint as to Toronto’s intentions.

As part of a multi-episode series on the unique experience inside the NBA’s bubble, Open Gym also released footage of the 2013 NBA Draft, where the Raptors made multiple attempts at trading into the draft in hopes of selecting a certain 18-year-old Greek-Nigerian phenom.

Toronto didn’t own any first-round picks in 2013 since the previous regime under Bryan Colangelo dealt that pick for Kyle Lowry in 2012. When Ujiri took over, he tried to acquire that same pick that was used on Lowry, which Houston flipped to OKC who declined offers to select Steven Adams at the 12th selection. Ujiri and his staff also tried to make a play for the 14th pick, but the Minnesota Timberwolves used it on Shabazz Muhammad instead. Antetokounmpo went to Milwaukee at 15.

What’s curious about this footage is that it was not central to the storytelling. It was used to introduce general manager Bobby Webster, who surely needs no introduction after being with the franchise for seven seasons. The scene that follows shows a vignette of Webster cheekily opening his own coffee shop called “Cafe 416” in which he served members of the Raptors using his personal espresso machine.

It is known that Antetokounmpo and Ujiri have long-standing ties dating back before his time in the NBA. Ujiri helped Antetokounmpo’s family secure Greek citizenship, and Antetokounmpo has spoken warmly about Ujiri in multiple interviews over the years and vice versa. Whether that actually translates to anything tangible at the NBA level is yet to be seen, but there is a connection and Ujiri’s intentions are plain to see.

Antetokounmpo has an offer on the table to extend with the Bucks on a five-year contract worth upwards of $250 million, which would take him out of free agency entirely. However, when asked about the prospects of him signing that deal this week, the 26-year-old said he is “not focused” on the negotiations and said it is a matter between his agent and the Bucks front office.

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