Masai Ujiri said goodbye to what he called his “hometown” with a heartfelt message in an emotional video released on July 7 to the public.
“Toronto, Canada, I love you,” the former President and vice chairman of the Raptors said in a YouTube video released by his Giants of Africa charitable foundation Monday morning.
The nearly six minute soliloquy gave Ujiri a chance to touch on all the salient points of his 12year career running the Raptors.
He spoke of the enduring “bond” with Raptors fans and the “access to space, wellness and collaboration” his foundation has created around the world, and said that he was “proud that our Raptors staff reflected the talents of every woman.”
Ujiri and the Raptors “parted ways” about 11 days ago in a shocking end to a reign that saw Toronto, among other things, win its first NBA championship.
“This bond we will share forever … You made this big city feel home,” Ujiri said. “As a city, as a nation, as a team, we became champions.”
And he said they will become champions again.
“My dreams of a second championship are alive and well and that pursuit will surely carry on as my next chapter continues,” he said. “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 championship.
“You will win again in Toronto.”
Toronto Star
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