History of Masai Ujiri in Timeline

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

July 7, 1970: Masai Ujiri Born

On July 7, 1970, Michael Masai Ujiri was born. He is now known as a professional basketball executive and former player.

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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.

April 19, 2014: "Fuck Brooklyn!" Incident

On April 19, 2014, prior to Game 1 of the playoff series against the Brooklyn Nets, Masai Ujiri shouted "Fuck Brooklyn!" at a fan rally, which led to an apology and a $25,000 fine from the NBA.

April 18, 2015: "We don't give a s--t about 'it!'" Incident

On April 18, 2015, at a fan rally before the playoff series between the Washington Wizards and the Raptors, Masai Ujiri responded to comments from Wizards guard Paul Pierce by shouting, "We don't give a s--t about 'it!'" resulting in a $35,000 fine for him and $25,000 for the Raptors organization.

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.

2018: Best Regular Season Record

In 2018, under Masai Ujiri's leadership, the Toronto Raptors finished the regular season with the best record in the Eastern Conference.

June 13, 2019: Altercation at NBA Finals

On June 13, 2019, following the Toronto Raptors' NBA Finals victory, Masai Ujiri was involved in an altercation with an Alameda County Sheriff deputy over credentials for floor access, leading to allegations of physical contact from both sides.

October 21, 2019: No Charges Filed in NBA Finals Altercation

On October 21, 2019, the District Attorney's office announced it would not take further action regarding the altercation involving Masai Ujiri at the NBA Finals, following a meeting with Ujiri and his attorneys.

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.

August 2020: Body Camera Footage Released

In August 2020, body camera footage from Deputy Alan Strickland was released, showing that Strickland initiated the physical contact with Masai Ujiri during the 2019 NBA Finals incident.

October 6, 2020: Motion to Dismiss Counterclaim

On October 6, 2020, lawyers for Alameda County sheriff's deputy Alan Strickland filed a motion to dismiss a counterclaim to a lawsuit from Masai Ujiri, related to their altercation.

February 10, 2021: Lawsuits Dropped

On February 10, 2021, Alameda County sheriff's deputy Alan Strickland dropped his lawsuit against Masai Ujiri, after Ujiri had dropped his countersuit, resolving the legal dispute stemming from their 2019 altercation.