"We don't think many kids in 2015 will be at his level" – When Masai Ujiri aggressively pursued a young Antetokounmpo in the 2013 Draft

When Giannis Antetokounmpo ’s uncertain future in the Milwaukee Bucks drew league-wide intrigue and anticipation four years ago, one of the key few teams that seriously monitored the Greek Freak was the Toronto Raptors. Other than the fact that they have a sizable cap space and a battle-tested roster ready to compete for a title, the Raptors' strong desire towards Giannis can be traced to team president Masai Ujiri . As it is, Ujiri has been a devoted proponent of cultivating African talent in the NBA, and the prospect of having Antetokounmpo at his side is a fulfilling achievement from a personal standpoint.

Apparently, Ujiri’s intention around Giannis has been glowing ever since the Greek superstar entered the NBA.

Giannis’ huge fan since Day 1

The 2013 NBA Draft has been generally regarded as one of the weakest in recent years, as fans and experts have shown little or no interest in the prospects involved. The draft class featured No. 1 overall pick Anthony Bennett, who went on to become the worst draft bust in history. That already tells you how horrible the rookie pool was at that time.

But despite the relatively low regard that everyone showed for the available talents in that draft, Masai has his eyes set already on Giannis. Amid Antetokounmpo’s glaring reputation as a mysterious, lanky, and unproven 18-year-old hailing from Greece, the Toronto top executive looked for various ways and avenues in hopes of landing the teenager. As the Raptors had no first-round picks available to utilize at that moment, Ujiri desperately inquired with the other teams at the lottery board for a potential trade.

"The kid we want to pick. We feel like, we don't think many kids in 2015 will be at his level in two years," Ujiri said of Antetokounmpo in the Raptors' ‘Open Gym’ documentary series.

Unfortunately, Ujiri's aggressive campaign to acquire Antetokounmpo didn't come to fruition. John Hammond and the Bucks came out of nowhere and picked Giannis with the 15th overall pick of the draft, and the rest was history.

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A major ‘What-If’ for Masai and Toronto

In the end, Ujiri's vision of the Greek forward unfolded in reality. In 2015, Antetokounmpo already emerged as one of the league's rising stars. From being a project player with a raw talent, the Greek Freak gradually evolved and enjoyed one of the most dramatic transformations ever that catapulted him to superstardom. He is now a two-time league MVP and an all-time great who carried the Bucks to the 2021 NBA championship.

Although Masai couldn't be happier about the growth and success he has achieved for the Raptors, highlighted by their 2019 championship, there might still be plenty of ‘What-Ifs’ swirling around his head about 2013 if he were only able to take a scoop on Giannis.

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