When it comes to DeMar DeRozan’s legacy in Toronto, most fans are already visualizing his No. 10 jersey hanging from the rafters at Scotiabank Arena. But in a surprising twist, none other than Toronto’s own Drake might be the biggest roadblock in DeRozan’s jersey retirement plans. And if you ask three-time Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams, Drake’s stance is selfish.
During a recent episode of FanDuel TV’s Run It Back, Williams, alongside Chandler Parsons and Michelle Beadle, tackled Drake’s comments from Saturday’s Raptors-Kings game, where the rapper suggested he’d take down a DeRozan jersey banner if the Raptors dared to put one up. This sentiment apparently stemmed from DeRozan’s appearance at Kendrick Lamar’s concert and a cameo in Lamar’s “Not Like Us” video — a “betrayal” in Drake’s eyes, which makes things juicy given the rapper’s ongoing feud with Lamar.
“If I’m gonna speak candidly, I thought that was selfish of Drake,” Williams said, taking a swipe as smooth as his jumper. “It’s not about Drake’s personal feelings or his ‘on-again, off-again’ with Kendrick Lamar. This is about what DeMar DeRozan gave to Toronto basketball, to that community. He’s put in work for that city, for the country, and we all know it.” Williams’ emphasis on “all” seemed to suggest the only one who doesn’t get it is… well, Drake.
DeRozan’s Toronto Legacy (Or the Reason for Drake’s Existential Crisis)
DeMar DeRozan is no stranger to the Raptors’ all-time leaderboards, and his contributions to Toronto’s culture are undeniable. Over nine seasons, he was the guy, breaking franchise records in points, minutes played, and free throws, and he helped guide the Raptors to five straight playoff appearances. Fans remember his loyalty and grit on the court long before Kawhi Leonard made the 2019 championship run look easy.
DeRozan’s legacy in Toronto, much like Drake’s music, has aged well over the years. So it’s no surprise that fans want to see his jersey retired alongside Vince Carter’s (who received the honor last Saturday). With Kyle Lowry, Chris Bosh, and even the one-season wonder Kawhi Leonard all set to join the banner club in the future, DeRozan’s place is practically a given — unless Drake plans to dangle off the rafters himself to pull it down.
The Drake-Kendrick Beef and Its NBA Collateral Damage
This year, the rap world found itself torn between two titans: Drake and Kendrick Lamar. After Lamar’s Not Like Us made waves, it became clear that the feud had gone beyond diss tracks. The tension hit its peak during Kendrick’s June concert in California, where NBA stars DeRozan and Russell Westbrook, both L.A. natives, joined the rapper on stage. And guess who else was there? LeBron James — apparently vibing so hard that Drake decided to unfollow him on Instagram.
For Lou Williams, who played alongside DeRozan in Toronto, Drake’s comments feel petty at best. “It’s like… is this about the Raptors, or is this about Drake’s latest beef?” Williams quipped. For a man who’s often seen courtside in Raptors gear, Drake’s personal beef creeping into DeRozan’s potential jersey retirement might be one of the most “Toronto” plot twists ever.
A Banner Conclusion (Or Will Drake Stage a Banner Heist?)
So here we are, in the middle of a saga that feels like it could be settled with either a group hug or a no-holds-barred rap battle. The city of Toronto seems firmly on Team DeRozan, recognizing him as one of the franchise’s greatest, and fans won’t likely let Drake’s salty comments interfere with a moment that would honor Deebo’s legacy.
One thing’s for sure — if the Raptors decide to go ahead with retiring DeRozan’s jersey, they may need to double-check the security at Scotiabank Arena. After all, Drake’s proven that he doesn’t take threats lightly… even if they’re about basketball banners.
