Masai Ujiri’s Tribute to Toronto
Toronto, Canada. I love you. The country that welcomed me. The city that became home. This bond we share will last forever. As I look back at more than a decade of heartfelt moments, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for my family, our incredible players, the dedicated staff, and the Raptor fans. Now, a new chapter begins. But your love will always be with me. Basketball brought me here, but beyond this beautiful game, we are always connected. And for that I am so thankful. Through it all, one thing remains certain. Good people always surround us. Brilliant colleagues, lifelong friends, vibrant neighborhoods and communities. And of course, our incredible Raptors team. Y
you made this big city feel like home because it is home to my family in Toronto where our first child was born. Hi. Hi. Hi. I know. Hi. It’s the only home all of my children have known. Their friends and community have helped shape them into who they are, and they’ll have lasting impact on who they will all become. My wife Ramuta has built roots here that will last a lifetime. Our connections with the city and its many communities are unbreakable. I’m overwhelmed. I can’t uh I I I don’t even know where to start. I don’t have anything written, guys. I’m going to speak straight from my heart. I’m home. I came home. And and when I came back in 2013, it felt like it was meant to be a different role, new energy around us, a chance to shift the culture. It’s time to win. It’s time to do it. It’s time to go out there and fight and play and fight for each other.
A chance to win. And win is what we did. What we all did through the storms we held on. When disbelief and doubt rain on us, the same downpour nourished the grounds we rose from. Day ones 1995 till now. The Toronto Raptors. We the north ascended together and as a city, as a nation, as a team, we became champions.
But we wanted to win in Toronto and we won in Toronto. Yeah. My goal has always been to win, to make change that transforms the landscape so that young leaders can rise. With Giants of Africa, we use basketball as a tool, providing access to space, wellness, and collaboration, empowering and strengthening our communities.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9. Even after the game is done, wherever we call home, a lo to Mugadishu, Toronto to Marakeesh, we stand in solidarity at any time or place. through tragedies, through lockdowns and protests. And we begin to understand the value of humanity, of seeing each other, one people without bias or judgment. My perspective has evolved and my mindset has grown. New directions and new challenges await. Voices must be heard. Stories must be told. Journeys of resilience, of triumph, of truth. Let us document the power of human experience for the whole world to see. The strength of women, barriers breaking. I’m proud that our Raptor staff reflected the talents of every woman, ones who should always be recognized. I’ll be right here when our Toronto Temple makes history in the WNBA. Continue my commitment to the game of basketball across the globe, wherever it takes me. My dreams of a second championships are alive and well, and that pursuit will surely carry on as my next chapter begins. To the Raptors family, to our fans, every single player that’s worn the uniform with passion and pride, I love you and I thank you. This team has reached the summit once before. With strong leadership in place, the Raptors will continue to climb that mountain back to an NBA title. You’ll win again in Toronto.
Masai Ujiri delivers a farewell message filled with gratitude, and a glimpse into his next chapter.
