'Toronto, Canada, I love you' Masai Ujiri says goodbye to Toronto

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Masai Ujiri said goodbye to Toronto and Canada in an emotional video released Monday morning just over a week after his dismissal as president and vice chairman of the Toronto Raptors.

“Toronto, Canada, I love you. Country that welcomed me. The city that became home. This bond we share will last forever,” Ujiri says as the video begins with Ujiri walking onto the court at Scotiabank Arena.

“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 Raptors fans. Now a new chapter begins, but your love will always be with me,” Ujiri says.

“Basketball brought me here, but beyond this beautiful game, we are always connected.  And for that, I am so thankful.”

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The nearly six-minute-long video shows Ujiri connecting with various Raptors players, staffers, fans, Canadian and international dignitaries like Barack Obama and more.

He is shown embracing his predecessor Bryan Colangelo, who first brought Ujiri to Toronto in 2008 before Ujiri left to helm the Denver Nuggets two years later, Jeff Weltman, who helped get him to Denver the first time and then served as his right-hand man before leaving to be boss in Orlando, Bobby Webster, Ujiri’s protege and the team’s current head of basketball operations, long-time coach Dwane Casey and many others.

Of course there are appearances by Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, Jonas Valanciunas, Fred VanVleet, Scottie Barnes, head coach Darko Rajakovic, Drake and plenty more too.

“You made this big city feel like home, because it is home,” Ujiri says while footage of Toronto’s championship parade, various Giants of Africa events and Raptors engagements are shown featuring Ujiri and his wife and children.

“It’s the only home all of My children have known. Their friends and community have helped shape them who they are, and they’ll have lasting impact on who they will all become. My wife, Ramatu, has built roots here that will last a lifetime.”

He also referenced his passion for social impact through Giants of Africa — “empowering and strengthening our communities” and for reflecting the talents and value of women in the Raptors organization.

Ujiri’s return in 2013, when he was hired by former Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment president Tim Leiweke is shown, with Ujiri saying then: “I’m home.”

In the video he said he felt like his return to Toronto was “meant to be.”

He would help build the Raptors into one of the most successful teams in the NBA, culminating in the 2018-19 NBA title win over the Golden State Warriors.

After five down years, though, incoming ownership decided it was time for Ujiri to go and that move was announced on June 27.

“Thirteen seasons is an extremely long time in a sports leadership role,” Pelley said at a media conference. “Change is inevitable. What we really thought was with the current status of our team and the foundation that Masai has built, that this was the time to make the change.

Ujiri was heading into the final year of his lucrative contract.

He said his dreams of a second NBA championship are “alive and well, and that pursuit surely carry on as my next chapter begins,” but told Raptors fans they would get there again as well.

“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,” Ujiri said.

“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.”

And with that, Ujiri waved goodbye as the screen faded out.