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Toronto Raptors: Where does Masai Ujiri rank among league executives?

By Nikola Cuvalo

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 17: Masai Ujiri of the Toronto Raptors sits in his seat during the 2016 NBA Draft Lottery at the New York Hilton in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 17: Masai Ujiri of the Toronto Raptors sits in his seat during the 2016 NBA Draft Lottery at the New York Hilton in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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David Griffin of the New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. David Griffin (Vice President, New Orleans Pelicans)

  • Organizational record: 0-0 (2019-2019)
  • Best Move: Trading Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers for a package of Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three first-round draft picks. (2019)
  • Worst Move: Traded two second-round draft picks to the Utah Jazz for Derrick Favours. (2019)

Perhaps a controversial pick for a top-two spot, David Griffin was out of employment as recently as two years ago, when the former Cleveland Cavaliers general manager decided against renewing his contract.

Griffin put together a formidable, championship-contending team once LeBron James returned home in 2014. Trading for Kevin Love and multiple veteran pieces on a year-over-year basis, Griffin constantly shuffled the deck around James, and eventually tasted the sweet results of his labour with a first-ever Cleveland sports championship.

Now, after being hired by the New Orleans Pelicans, Griffin has made his mark once again. He traded disgruntled superstar Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers for an absolute haul of picks and prospects, showing his chops for collecting primo assets.

He also seemed hit on a large swath of his draft picks, and Pelicans fans are eager to see the team he’s put together in action. His lucky touch also brought teenage phenom and No.1 overall pick, Zion Williamson, to the bayou.

What comes next in New Orleans will no doubt play a huge part in deciding Griffin’s true standing among his contemporary peers in the executive realm.

Should the young Pelicans run the floor hard and find enough open shots to form a functional offense, their defensive upside ought to carry them to a borderline playoff appearance in a loaded Western Conference.

If Griffin can make the playoffs one year after trading a transcendent talent with a team consisting of an average age of 23.9 years old, it would be a remarkable beginning to yet another chapter in his managerial career.

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