Masai Ujiri is no longer the vice chairman and president of the Toronto Raptors, having mutually parted ways with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. Ujiri had a successful 13-year tenure, including leading the team to eight playoff berths and an NBA Championship in 2019. Despite speculation around potential front office changes following new leadership at MLSE, the decision to part ways is seen as surprising due to Ujiri's achievements. His impactful career began as a scout, eventually making him the first African general manager in major North American sports.
While the move comes as somewhat of a shock, considering the success Ujiri has had with the franchise, there was also speculation that a front office shake-up was possible after new MLSE president and chief executive officer Keith Pelley, along with the companies board, recommended the Toronto Maple Leafs move on from longtime president Brendan Shanahan.
Ujiri exits going into the final year of his five-year contract. The Raptors made eight playoff berths throughout Ujiri's 13 year tenure with the team, including seven straight from 2014-2020, and of course won the NBA Championship in 2019.
Collection
[
|
...
]