Masai Ujiri, general manager and president of the Raptors, signed on in 2013, right around the time Toronto's NBA franchise embarked on a significant revamp, both on and off the court. Today, the Nigerian-born former scout (and 2013 NBA executive of the year) says the Six is ready to shine in the international spotlight of the NBA's All-Star Weekend festivities, happening Feb. 11-14 in Toronto. Here he shares some of the secrets to his success, including the importance of authenticity, and why Drake is the real deal.
The inner peace of the early bird
I wake up every day between 4:30 and 5 in the morning. My dad would do the same thing. My bedroom door was right next to the door to our house, and every morning I would hear him go out for a walk. Even now I can hear the lock click. He would come back about 15 minutes later and he would read. I can remember thinking, who in the world would do that? And then all of a sudden when I started real work, it became a habit for me – the waking-up part. I wish I could go for the walks. Instead I read and I try to think about things and the day ahead. It's a really cool space – just unbelievably peaceful. It seems like the whole world is asleep.
To appreciate, communicate
When we know better, we do better. For me that expression is a reminder to communicate. Sometimes we assume that people know something, but often that's not the case and that's when breakdowns happen. A player called me the other day. He had a family thing to deal with, but we had an event that evening, and it was the sort of event where we needed the whole team. We had a conversation: He filled me in on what was going on and I had a chance to explain to him why the event was important and why he needed to be there. He understood and we arrived at a compromise. It's not always the easiest conversation, but once there is communication, you can bridge the gap.
Find investors who are invested
It's so important to surround yourself with people who share your passion. Drake attracts people because he is a real basketball fan. I met him for the first time back when I was an assistant GM with the Raptors [2008-2010]. He was at all the games and this was way before he was an official part of our team. This is what is so great about the partnership we have made with him. I remember when the team was playing in L.A. last year. I was watching the game from here in Toronto and Jonas Valanciunas injured his hand. My phone rang and it was Drake. He wanted to see how Jonas was and to make sure that he had all of the information. He is truly invested, and the fans pick up on that whether they realize it or not.
Team sports require one-on-one contact
In terms of leadership, I'm more of a one-on-one person. I don't often do a general rah-rah thing for the whole team. Everybody has different needs and people thrive when you treat them as individuals. The other day I called one person who I work with. I wanted to make sure that that person was resting, and they were. I thought rest was something that that particular person really needed, so I wanted to make sure that was happening. I didn't send a mass e-mail or call everybody on the team and say rest, rest, rest.
The Nelson Mandela factor
Nelson Mandela is one of my heroes for many reasons. In the work I do, I am inspired by how he was able to be forceful and competitive and at the same time to have passion and show love. Meeting him for the first time was a significant moment in my life. I think it was 2006 and I was with [former NBA player and humanitarian] Dikembe Mutombo, who was building a hospital in the Congo. [Mandela] walked over to us and he said to Dikembe, "It's a great thing that you're doing for the people of Africa. Don't ever stop." I was still a scout at the time, but I remember standing there with these two successful people who put their heart into their work, and thinking that when I was in a position of leadership, I was going to give back.
This interview has been condensed and edited by Courtney Shea.