Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Masai Ujiri

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Masai Ujiri made an impact.

Masai Ujiri is a Nigerian-Canadian professional basketball executive and former player, currently serving as the president of the Toronto Raptors in the NBA. He is highly regarded for his leadership and player development skills, which led the Raptors to their first NBA championship in 2019. Before joining the Raptors, Ujiri served as the general manager of the Denver Nuggets, earning the NBA Executive of the Year Award in 2013. Ujiri is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly through his Giants of Africa foundation, which focuses on developing basketball and leadership skills in African youth.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2002: Became a Scout

In 2002, Masai Ujiri became a scout, initially for the Orlando Magic, and then for the Denver Nuggets, marking the start of his executive career in basketball.

2002: Became an Unpaid Scout for the Orlando Magic

In 2002, Masai Ujiri became an unpaid scout for the NBA's Orlando Magic after impressing scouting director Gary Brokaw, taking on the role while covering his own expenses.

2003: Founded Giants of Africa

In 2003, Masai Ujiri founded Giants of Africa, with its first camp being held in Nigeria, with the aim of discovering basketball talent.

2008: Became Raptors Assistant GM

In 2008, Masai Ujiri became the assistant general manager for the Toronto Raptors, marking another step in his career progression within the organization.

2008: Joined Toronto Raptors' Backroom Staff

In 2008, Ujiri joined the backroom staff of the Toronto Raptors, furthering his career in basketball management.

2010: Returned to Nuggets as General Manager

In 2010, Masai Ujiri returned to the Denver Nuggets as general manager and executive vice president of basketball operations, taking on a significant leadership role.

2010: Returns to Nuggets as GM

In 2010, Masai Ujiri returned to the Denver Nuggets as general manager and executive vice president, becoming the first African general manager in major American sports.

May 31, 2013: Signed with the Toronto Raptors

On May 31, 2013, Masai Ujiri signed a 5-year, $15 million deal to become executive vice president and general manager of the Toronto Raptors, succeeding Bryan Colangelo.

2013: Named 2013 NBA Executive of the Year

In 2013, Masai Ujiri was named the NBA Executive of the Year after assembling a Denver Nuggets roster that achieved the most wins in the team's NBA history with 57 games. He is also the only non-American to win the award.

2016: Giants of Africa Documentary

In 2016, Masai Ujiri and Basketball Without Borders were profiled in Hubert Davis's documentary film, "Giants of Africa".

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2016: Contract Extended

In 2016, Masai Ujiri's contract was extended as the Toronto Raptors reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history. His title as general manager was then transferred to Jeff Weltman.

2016: Relinquished GM Title

In the summer of 2016, Masai Ujiri relinquished his title as general manager to Jeff Weltman and accepted the position of president of basketball operations for the Toronto Raptors.

2017: Bobby Webster named GM

In 2017, Bobby Webster was named the general manager of the Toronto Raptors after Jeff Weltman left to join the Orlando Magic.

November 28, 2018: Received YMCA President's Peace Medal

On November 28, 2018, Masai Ujiri was awarded the first-ever President's Peace Medal by the YMCA of Greater Toronto during Peace Week, alongside Toronto police constable Dale Swift and mental health activist Loizza Aquino.

2018: Fired Dwane Casey and Promoted Nick Nurse

In 2018, Masai Ujiri fired head coach Dwane Casey after the Raptors' second-round exit and promoted assistant Nick Nurse to head coach.

December 2019: Launched "That's Humanity"

In December 2019, Masai Ujiri launched a new philanthropic platform called "That's Humanity," which debuted with a manifesto and video titled “What does humanity mean to you?”

2019: Won First NBA Championship

In 2019, as president of basketball operations, Ujiri helped the Toronto Raptors win their first NBA championship, marking a significant achievement in the team's history.

2019: Toronto Raptors Won NBA Championship

In 2019, under Ujiri, the Toronto Raptors won their first NBA championship in franchise history, with Kawhi Leonard being named NBA Finals MVP.

February 2020: Accompanied Justin Trudeau on African Visit

In February 2020, Masai Ujiri accompanied Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on an official visit to African nations, including Ethiopia and Senegal. He represented Right To Play in Dakar and visited Canadian troops in Kuwait.