“I want to bring calm.” This is the quote that will either help or hinder the new Mavericks Alternate Governor and President of Basketball Operations, Masai Ujiri. Most recently serving as President of the Toronto Raptors from 2016 to 2025, and General Manager for 3 years preceding that. His most notable achievement with the Raptors was, of course, their 2019 NBA Finals victory over the Golden State Warriors.
Ujiri is a winner. Dallas loves winners. If you took a shot every time he said the word ‘win’ during his first press conference, you’d be ready to referee an NBA game. His first outing in front of the press was admirable, and he did not fail to impress. Mavericks fans will still have concerns, however, which is natural. Let’s look at the five most important points from Masai Ujiri’s inaugural press conference.
5 Strong Takeaways From Masai Ujiri’s First Mavericks Press Conference
Cooper Flagg Will Get The Royal Treatment
“When kings go, kings come,” Ujiri quoted from an African proverb when asked about the future of the Mavericks with ROTY winner Cooper Flagg. With a reference to the departed Luka Doncic, the new Mavs President indicated that he was very aware of the promise that comes with Flagg. This is a nice reassurance for fans, as obviously, the last regime failed to acknowledge the value of their star player. When asked if Flagg contributed to his decision to take the job, Ujiri listed several Western Conference All-Stars, then stated, “If you’re telling me I have to beat all those guys, you better come with something in your pocket. In his (Governor Patrick Dumont’s) pocket was Cooper Flagg.”
Moving On From Luka Doncic
Ujiri humorously addressed questions about Doncic with sly laughter and allusions. He believes it was a stupid decision. Everyone does, except Nico Harrison. However, his assessment was brief when he was asked if he would have traded Doncic. “He is a Hall of Fame player. He is gone.” This is the mindset all Mavs fans wish to accept. Times have changed, and it’s now the Flagg era in Dallas. Ujiri closed his statement on the matter adequately. “We really have to move on.”
Jason Kidd’s Future Is Uncertain
The new Mavericks President refused to give a concrete answer on the future of Jason Kidd, which was sensible. Reports have since emerged that Kidd also wanted the President role, and it may be up to the current coach as to whether or not he wants to stay. On the flip side, the vision of Ujiri has yet to be fully revealed, and he may not be involved. Everyone knows that Coach Kidd doesn’t exactly have a charming personality, and his hot-headedness may outweigh his immaculate basketball IQ when decisions are made.
He Sees Value In The Current Roster
Dereck Lively II, Ryan Nembhard, and Max Christie were all name-dropped as crucial members of the Mavericks’ young core. You would think that Ujiri wouldn’t name players he intended to trade. All three are young with huge upside. Christie especially has strong chemistry with Flagg. When asked if Kyrie Irving would stick around to play with Flagg for the first time, the Alternate Governor quipped, “I dream like you dream, man. I can’t wait. I want to see that.” At the very least, the Mavs have bagged a guy who loves watching good hoops.
Win, Win, And Win Again
Masai Ujiri is under no illusions as to what is required from him. He said it himself. He has a generational player, a good young core, and, of course, Irving. He was insistent that his sole focus is to win on every level, from the office to the court. It was a wise choice to address this, as victory lies on his shoulders. The title alternate governor means one thing: Dumont realizes he can’t do his job properly. Acting on behalf of ownership, Ujiri will be the big shot caller. And winning starts at the top. The man said it himself, “Sports is about winning, that is what sports is about.”
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