He Became the First African-Born General Manager in NBA History
Ujiri made history when he was rehired by the Nuggets to become the team’s General Manager. But didn’t have much time to settle into the role in 2010. Ujiri was tasked with handling the trade negotiations for star forward Carmelo Anthony, who requested a move to New York. After months of speculation, Ujiri shipped Anthony, Denver native Chauncey Billups and others to the Knicks for Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Timofey Mozgov and two first-round draft picks.
It was unclear if the young Nuggets would remain competitive without its superstar, but Ujiri crafted talented teams through shrewd moves and solid draft picks. Denver made the playoffs every season under Ujiri’s leadership. In 2013, his final year with the team, Ujiri was named NBA Executive of the Year after the Nuggets posted a 57-win season. It was the franchise’s highest win total since joining the league following the NBA-ABA merger in 1976.
Ujiri takes pride in his standing as an African trailblazer. He’s been at the forefront of the sport’s global outreach to the continent. He’s helped lead the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program in Africa and launched two camps for the continents top players.
“There are a lot of good, smart kids there who just need an opportunity,” Ujiri told the New York Times in 2011. “I represent a great continent. People ask, Is there pressure on me? I don’t feel pressure at all. It’s an unbelievable challenge for me, but I feel like I carry the weight of my continent on my shoulders. I want to help the next generation in Africa.”
