Drake Throws Shade at DeMar DeRozan During Raptors Game in Toronto

Toronto’s most famous Raptors fan, Drake, made waves at a recent game with his icy reception of former Raptors star DeMar DeRozan. Although DeRozan played for the Raptors from 2009 to 2018, helping establish the team’s competitive presence in the NBA, it seems that the rapper’s warm memories don’t extend to his courtside interactions with DeRozan anymore.

The game, held in Toronto against DeRozan’s Sacramento Kings, coincided with the Raptors’ retirement ceremony for legendary player Vince Carter. When Drake was asked on the TSN broadcast if he believed DeRozan’s jersey should also hang in the Raptors' rafters someday, he didn’t mince words, saying he would “go up there and pull it down” himself if it ever were retired.

This public shade didn’t stop at the interview. Throughout the game, Drake was seen giving DeRozan intense looks, and at one point, he appeared to mouth an insult directed toward him. After the game, when DeRozan heard about Drake’s comments, he responded, “He gon' have a long way to climb to take it down… tell him good luck.” This verbal exchange between the two has led to increased speculation that there may be some unresolved tension beyond the basketball court.

The strain in their relationship may trace back to DeRozan’s involvement with Kendrick Lamar, a rapper with a long-standing rivalry with Drake. Earlier this year, DeRozan made a cameo in the music video for Kendrick’s diss track "Not Like Us," targeting Drake, and he also joined Kendrick on stage in Los Angeles, their shared hometown, for a performance. Although DeRozan tried to stay neutral, claiming he still considered Drake a friend, Drake’s reaction at the game suggests he may not be on the same page.

Since 2013, Drake has served as the Raptors’ global ambassador, a role that’s made him a key figure in Toronto’s sports scene. His support has often included courtside antics and deep connections with Raptors players, including DeRozan. With DeRozan having played more games and scored more points than any other Raptor before being traded, many fans believe he deserves his place among Toronto legends like Vince Carter.

While there’s no official word yet on whether the Raptors plan to retire DeRozan’s jersey, his contributions to the team are hard to ignore. As fans wait to see if DeRozan’s number will one day join the others in the rafters, the tension between him and Drake might need to cool first. Until then, Toronto’s basketball scene seems primed for more drama, with two hometown icons at odds.