Ujiri brings decades of experience to new role

Dallas Mavericks are turning to one of the NBA’s most accomplished architects to lead their next chapter, naming Masai Ujiri (pictured) president and alternate governor. Ujiri will oversee all aspects of the Mavericks’ basketball operations, including roster construction, player personnel and scouting, while working with team leadership to shape the organization’s basketball philosophy and long-term direction. Ujiri joins the Mavericks with more than a decade of experience leading NBA front offices, most recently serving as vice chairman and president of the Toronto Raptors, where he led the franchise to its first NBA Championship in 2019. Widely regarded for his ability to build competitive rosters and develop talent, Ujiri has consistently positioned his teams for long-term success while maintaining flexibility and discipline. Beyond basketball operations, Ujiri is the founder of Giants of Africa, a nonprofit organization he launched in 2003 focused on empowering youth across the continent through basketball, education and leadership development. In 2025, he was named a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Advocate, further reflecting his global impact. — Alan Rakowski