The Dallas Mavericks have achieved a real coup: Masai Ujiri is taking over the position of “team president” for the Mavs. Ujiri has had a very successful career as an NBA official.
After turbulent months, the Dallas Mavericks have found new sporting leadership. The former NBA team of German basketball icon Dirk Nowitzki announced the signing of Masai Ujiri as president and deputy director; the 55-year-old is taking over as the Mavs’ “architect” in the footsteps of controversial figure Nico Harrison, who was fired in November 2025.
Ujiri led Toronto Raptors to title
Ujiri will “Manage all aspects of the Mavericks’ basketball operations, including roster construction, player personnel and scouting“, it said in a statement. He was “one of the great basketball leaders of this generation, and his commitment to our franchise is a critical step toward achieving our goals“said team owner Patrick Dumont.
So far, Ujiri has had a successful career as an NBA official: In 2010, he became the first African-born general manager in NBA history when he took over the position at the Denver Nuggets. For his work, he received the “Responsible of the Year” award in 2013. In 2019, he led the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA title in franchise history. He is also co-owner of the new women’s team Toronto Tempo from the WNBA.
Harrison must go after Doncic debacle
With the Mavericks, after two turbulent years, he should build a winning mentality with super rookie Cooper Flag at the center. In November, the Texas State franchise fired Harrison as general manager. Nine months earlier, he had given up superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a trade that is being discussed as the “worst deal in NBA history.”
Ujiri should now build a competitive team for the 2011 NBA champions around Flag and the currently injured veteran Kyrie Irving. It was “an honor to come to the Dallas Mavericks and take on this position at such an important time for the club,” the new strong man said in the statement.
