Arrived at the head of the Raptors in 2013, after being GM of the Nuggets for three years, Masai Ujiri is the architect of the team who won the title in 2019, with the winning bet around Kawhi Leonard.
But the Nigerian will leave the franchise, when he entered the last year of his contract, ESPN announcement.
A decision that can surprise when at 54 years old, Masai Ujiri is one of the most respected and coveted leaders in the NBA. But a decision that is not really a surprise compared to the internal dynamics of the club. The president of the Raptors was thus supported by Larry Tanenbaumthe founder of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment at the origin of the creation of the club, but which only holds 25% of the conglomerate.
Rogers et Bell
It has also long been supported by the group Bellwhich held until the past 37.5% of “MLSE”, and therefore had frank cubits in this balance, despite the fact that Rogersthe other telecom operator who held 37.5% of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, obviously did not appreciate it …
Rogers Communications had thus voted against the previous extension of Masai Ujiri. Consequently, when the group bought Bell’s shares to take control of 75% of raptors, the president’s fate seemed uncertain.
What his departure confirms, even if he should not have too much trouble finding a position, in the NBA or elsewhere. Even if the last years were much less brilliant than the first, with a lot of internal bad choice and criticism on the way including the ego of Masai Ujiri often complicated negotiations with raptors.
The general manager of the franchise, Bobby Websteris for its part preserved by the Raptors.
