Former Raptors president Masai Ujiri bids farewell to Toronto with YouTube video
Masai Ujiri, the beloved former vice-chairman and president of the Toronto Raptors, bid farewell to fans in a heartfelt YouTube video on Monday. This emotional goodbye comes after Ujiri was fired by the team on June 28, ending his more than decade-long tenure with the franchise that culminated in their first NBA championship.
The decision to part ways with Ujiri was announced by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, the owner of the Raptors, with president and CEO Keith Pelley revealing that the move had been in the works for about a month. Ujiri, who was entering the final year of his contract, took to his Giants of Africa channel to express his gratitude to the organization, the fans, and the players, both past and present.
In the video, Ujiri spoke fondly of Toronto, calling it his home and expressing his love for the city and its people. He thanked the country for welcoming him and his family, noting that his children have grown up in Toronto and consider it their only home. Reflecting on his time with the Raptors, Ujiri reminisced about the moments that defined his tenure, from shifting the team’s culture to winning the NBA title in 2019.
Despite his departure from the Raptors, Ujiri hinted at a continued involvement in basketball in Toronto, specifically mentioning the upcoming debut season of the Tempo in the WNBA. He expressed optimism about the future and his dreams of winning a second championship, indicating that his next chapter in basketball is just beginning.
As fans bid farewell to the Masai Ujiri era in Toronto, they can look back on the highs and lows of his tenure with the team, including the historic championship victory. While Ujiri’s departure may mark the end of an era for the Raptors, his impact on the franchise and the city of Toronto will be remembered for years to come.
