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Masai Ujiri Bids Farewell to Raptors in YouTube Video

He reflected on his decade shaping the franchise’s identity before hinting at his next chapter in Toronto basketball.

Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri speaks to the media in Toronto, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri speaks at the presentation of the Humanity Art Installation at Major's Hill Park in Ottawa, on Friday, July 8, 2022. Ujiri and Cree artist Kent Monkman are among the dozens of people newly named to Canada's highest civilian honour.

Overview

  • Ujiri officially stepped down as the Raptors’ vice-chairman and president after more than 12 years and shared his goodbye on his Giants of Africa YouTube channel.
  • He thanked the organization, players and fans for a period defined by a culture shift and the franchise’s first NBA title in 2018-19.
  • Ujiri said Toronto has become his family’s only home and described the city as the bond that will last forever.
  • Highlights in the video spanned the team’s highs under Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan and underscored Ujiri’s role in transforming the Raptors.
  • He signaled he may remain in Toronto basketball circles, mentioning the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo debut and his ongoing pursuit of a second championship.