Toronto Raptors are in good hands with Masai Ujiri
Masai Ujiri is not only the president of basketball operations for the Toronto Raptors, but he many other things as well. When he calls it a career, he’ll be remembered as a legend.
Born in England, raised in Zaria, Nigeria, Ujiri has lived all over the world, including the United States, Europe, and Canada. His first love was soccer, but basketball quickly grew on him when he was introduced to it at the age of 13.
That’s where the passion grew and it has led him to be one of the most sought after executives in the NBA. Well-known for being a high-profile executive, he is also a man that has used his platform to make an impact on the lives of others.
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Take Giants of Africa, for example, which is a youth basketball camp that brings in teens from different African countries. They put on a camp. The kids receive shoes and gear that is required to play basketball.
The kids get meals, a place to stay. The people and team that Ujuri has put together are some of the best. At this camp, these kids can forget about whatever worries facing them back home, and concentrate on a game that can make them better men, women, people. And learn leadership qualities too.
With the Raptors, he’s changed the course of the franchise forever. Despite making some questionable personnel moves in 2018, Toronto won its first NBA Championship in NBA history in large part due to the boldness of Ujiri – from hiring an unknown Nick Nurse to trading DeMar DeRozan to acquiring Kawhi Leonard.
Heading into the NBA’s restart bubble, Ujiri has the Raptors believing again as the second seed in the Eastern Conference – even after losing Kawhi to free agency last summer.
Masai Ujiri is a role model for many around the world. He is a leader and motivator. He’s innovative and a visionary.
Who knows what Ujiri’s future holds, but as long as he’s with the Toronto Raptors the team is in good hands. Could they go back-to-back in the bubble?