The Toronto Raptors have named John Wiggins Vice-President, Organizational Culture and Inclusion as part of the team's efforts to ensure an ongoing commitment to meaningful social change in our organization and our community

“This position has the opportunity to directly impact change. That’s what excited me so much about the role – the chance to impact change directly in my organization, my community and my country,” said Wiggins. “As an organization, we’re uniquely placed to do that. We are the Raptors, and we are MLSE.

“For me, change is actionable. I don’t want to just say things. They must be doable. I have a position of power, and I want to do powerful things.”

Wiggins will lead a group drawn from all parts of the organization to address social injustice, inclusion, equity and political reform. He will consider both internal matters – such as how we build a team culture that addresses social injustice, inclusion, equity, and political reform – and will lead our external outreach.

“We want to effect change on a global scale, and that has to begin at home,” said Raptors President Masai Ujiri. “John knows this community and he knows the people who live in this community. He understands how to get things done and how to build consensus.

“And importantly, in this role John sits as a member of our team leadership committee. He is part of the key decisions that are being made every day and will address those decisions from a viewpoint of not just how they affect our team, but how they will affect our organization and our community.”

Wiggins joins the Raptors from Raptors 905

Norm Powell said he was "very disappointed" with the "cookie cutter" choices NBA players were allowed to choose from to put on their nameplate to voice their social justice messages. The NBA and NBPA agreed to a preapproved list.

Powell will wear "Black Lives Matter" on his jersey, but he wanted to wear "Am I Next."

Powell was a history major at UCLA and has used his voice to amplify issues of racism since the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Serge Ibaka said that the Toronto Raptors were "locked in" as they prepare to head to Orlando next week.

"I've been in the league for 11 years. You can see when people's locked in and they are ready mentally, and when they are not. So I can tell you right now, mentally, everybody is ready. Everybody is ready," said Ibaka on a conference call on Saturday.

Ibaka and the Raptors were able to travel early to Florida, and are currently working out at Florida Gulf Coast University before they enter the bubble.

Ibaka added that the team was aiming for another title.

"We believe in us. We have the experience. We have the championship mentality already. We have confidence."