As the Raptors' all-time leader in points, games, minutes and several other categories, DeMar DeRozan has almost certainly earned the right to have his jersey retired by the franchise.
However, rapper Drake, an avid fan of the Toronto-based team, does not want to see DeRozan's No. 10 jersey hang off the rafters at Scotiabank Arena. When DeRozan's Kings visited the Raptors over the weekend, Drake had some unflattering things to say about his former friend.
"If you ever put a DeRozan banner up, I'll go up there and pull it down myself," Drake said during the live telecast of TSN.
Drake also referred to DeRozan as "a goof" while speaking about Vince Carter becoming the first Raptor to have his jersey retired.
"I don't think people understand, that's our first retired number," Drake said of the special occasion. "Unfortunately, we are playing this goof [DeRozan] tonight, but it is what it is."
Drake was also caught on camera trash-talking DeRozan, whose Kings suffered a 131-128 overtime loss to his Raptors.
After the game, DeRozan was asked to react to Drake's comments.
"He's gonna have a long way to climb way to take it [the jersey] down. Tell him good luck," DeRozan said of Drake.
DeRozan also posted an IG story mocking the Toronto-based rapper.
DeMar DeRozan's IG Story about Drake and postgame response to Drake saying he would tear down DeMar's jersey if the Raptors retired it pic.twitter.com/8LxeWFtioH
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) November 3, 2024
The beef between Drake and DeRozan apparently intensified after the latter appeared in the music video for Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" —a fiery diss track aimed at Drake. Subsequently, DeRozan appeared on stage when Lamar performed the track during a special Juneteenth show.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!