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GM Showcase: Masai Ujiri
Denver Nuggets
1st year as GM
Masai Ujiri (pronounced ma-SIGH u-JEER-e) was an international scout for the Denver Nuggets from 2003-2007. The Nigerian-born Ujiri played ball at Bismark State College and Montana State and professionally in Europe for 6 seasons before beginning his NBA career in 2002 as Orlando Magic’s international scout.
Ujiri was appointed Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations on August 27th, 2010 and its been a roller coaster ride for him since. Two of his big men were sidelined, one player was under police investigation and a certain superstar’s signature was missing from a fresh multi-year contract extension. The only person I can think of that had more to deal with coming in to an office was Obama.
Unfortunately for Ujiri his legacy will be defined by a set of circumstances that he had nothing to do with. After the circus that was the free agent summer of 2010 we saw a shift of power in the league. Leading the bonanza, LeBron James shook up the league power structure with his decision to change addresses. The league’s premier players took notice and now they want to make their mark just like James did. One of those players was Carmelo Anthony. Seeing what James accomplished, Anthony decided he wanted the same type of power. He wants to control his basketball destiny. He wants to play in the bright lights of New York. Too bad for Ujiri that the Knicks don’t have the greatest pieces to leverage.
Now Ujiri has to decide if he wants to just let Melo go (ala the Cavs and Lebron, Raptors and Bosh) or actually get something in return. If history is any indicator Ujiri will need to get something back or the Nuggets may suffer the same fate as the Cavs (playoff power to lottery bound in 1 season). Ujiri has been active pursuing several options including a well-documented mega deal involving the Detriot Pistons and New Jersey Nets but nothing has developed from those talks. Many say that the Nuggets’ unrealistic expectations regarding Melo’s value is responsible for holding up any trades for the disgruntled superstar. Another reason is Melo’s unwillingness to sign an extension with anyone but the Knicks. No matter the circumstances, it will come down to Ujiri making a decision that will definitely change the landscape of Nuggets basketball.
If you wanted to explain the concept of “wrong place, wrong time” to someone you should just point them to Ujiri’s time as Nuggets GM. Chances are the Nuggets are going to be losers in this Melo situation and the blame will fall on Ujiri. Is it fair?…No, but that’s part of the job as a GM. You make the best deal you can with the pieces you are given. Some just get better pieces to start with.
Story of my people, we always inherit bad situations hahaha, but nah I think he will end up being a decent GM, he studied under Colangelo jr and is responsible for many of the key international players on the Raptor’s roster. Plus he’s Nigerian!!!