Masai Ujiri Takes Over as Mavericks President
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The Dallas Mavericks have appointed former Toronto Raptors executive Masai Ujiri as President and Alternate Governor, the franchise announced Monday.
In his new role, Ujiri will direct every facet of the team’s basketball operations, including roster management, player personnel decisions and scouting. He will also collaborate with ownership and the coaching staff to define the organization’s long-term philosophy.
Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont called the hire a “critical step” toward the club’s championship ambitions. “Masai Ujiri is one of the great basketball leaders of this generation, and his addition to our franchise is a critical step in meeting our goals,” Dumont said in a statement.
Dallas had been without a permanent lead executive since firing general manager Nico Harrison in November. Interim co-general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi handled day-to-day duties during the search. League sources had linked the Mavericks to Minnesota’s Tim Connelly and former Golden State architect Bob Myers, but Dallas reportedly struggled to secure interview permissions.
Ujiri, 55, spent a decade guiding Toronto’s front office after being hired in 2013. The Raptors and Ujiri split last June amid ownership changes and a four-playoff-misses-in-five-years stretch. Earlier this spring, he joined the ownership group of the WNBA expansion club Toronto Tempo.
“I’m honored to join the Dallas Mavericks at such an important time for the organization,” Ujiri said in the team release. “This is a franchise with a proud history, passionate fans and a commitment to winning. We will win in Dallas.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
