Masai Ujiri has nothing but positive feelings about Toronto following his firing as Raptors vice-chairman and president.
For the first time since he and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment mutually decided to split ways prior to the last year of his most recent contract extension, the veteran Raptors executive made an appearance on Good Morning America on Thursday.
The designer of the 2019 NBA champions, Ujiri, expressed his love for the city he called home for almost ten years, even though he did not talk about his leaving.
“Toronto, you are loved.” Ujiri told GMA anchor Robin Roberts, “I love you, Toronto.”
“I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity, and it has been 12 amazing years with the Toronto Raptors.”
“Everyone has been amazing to me, including fans, my family, coworkers, coaches, players, and the owners,” Ujiri added.
He added: “A great part, great journey in my life. It’s time, and great things come to an end.”
Following Ujiri’s appointment as general manager and vice president in 2013, the Raptors began to contend for the playoffs on a regular basis.
He was elevated to team president by 2016, and the following year, Bobby Webster assumed the position of general manager.
Despite being given consideration for other front-office positions, Ujiri signed a five-year contract in 2021 to stay in Toronto.
Before MLSE president Keith Pelley thanked the veteran executive and said that Webster and his staff will stay in their positions, the team stated that Ujiri was out on June 27 during a press conference.
“Throughout his 13 seasons with this club, Masai Ujiri has had a significant influence on both the Raptors and our community. His impact on bringing the 2019 NBA title to our city, his transformation of our brand, and his ability to connect with so many Toronto fans through the Raptors will all be permanently carved in our city’s consciousness.”
“We owe Masai a great deal of gratitude and wish him the very best going forward,” Pelley continued. We are certain that Masai will succeed wherever he goes.
Although Ujiri acknowledged to Roberts that his future is still up in the air, he still prioritizes his Giants of Africa initiative, which organizes youth basketball camps around the continent.
He remarked, “Now, it’s day to day with the family.”
“I know there are amazing things ahead, and now is the time to truly look at it from the top.”
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