74 reasons why Kawhi Leonard is staying with the Toronto Raptors
By Go Paolo
2. Masai Ujiri
Masai is the architect of the Raptors and one of its many faces. Coming over from the Denver Nuggets as an assistant GM to then-Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo in 2008, Ujiri would succeed him in 2013 and would be promoted as the team’s president in 2016.
He would became the first non-American to win the Executive of the Year award in 2013 for his work with the Nuggets and quite frankly had the award robbed from him this season.
Born in England, Masai moved back to Nigeria as an infant and grew interested in basketball as a young teenager. He would go to college in the US before playing professionally in Europe then breaking into the NBA league offices as an unpaid scout for the Orlando Magic.
Masai grinded his way to the top of the NBA food-chain, and now is reaping the immense benefits.
As director of the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders Africa program, Masai also gives back to the continent that sired him.
His unique background is what makes him a force to be reckoned with in the NBA. His keen insight and connections to Africa could give the Raptors first dibs on the next Siakam or even the next Antetokounmpo.
There aren’t many executives like Masai and the Raptors and Kawhi are fortunate to have him. He’ll do whatever it takes to keep the team at a championship level. And if it’s anyone who can wiggle a creative solution to an issue (such as your superstar leaving for home), it’s Masai.