Drake to Rip Down DeRozan Banner if Toronto Hangs It
Toronto Raptors Star Has a Bitter History with Former Teammate
Raptors Facing Pressure to Honor DeRozan, But Drake's Threat Casts a Shadow
Toronto Raptors superstar Drake has threatened to tear down a potential banner honoring former teammate DeMar DeRozan if the team decides to hang it. The threat stems from a bitter history between the two players that has played out in the public eye.
DeRozan was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in 2018 in a deal that brought Kawhi Leonard to Toronto. The trade was widely seen as a salary dump by the Raptors, who were looking to shed DeRozan's large contract.
DeRozan has since gone on to become an All-Star with the Spurs, while the Raptors won the NBA championship in 2019. However, Drake has never forgiven the Raptors for trading DeRozan, and he has repeatedly taken shots at the team and its management.
In a recent interview, Drake said that if the Raptors hang a banner honoring DeRozan, he will "climb up there and rip it down myself." The threat has put the Raptors in a difficult position. They are under pressure from fans to honor DeRozan, but they also don't want to alienate Drake, who is one of the most popular and influential figures in the NBA.
It remains to be seen whether the Raptors will ultimately decide to hang a banner honoring DeRozan. However, Drake's threat has certainly made the decision more complicated.
DeRozan's Legacy with the Raptors
DeRozan spent nine seasons with the Raptors, and he is one of the most beloved players in franchise history. He is the team's all-time leading scorer, and he helped lead the Raptors to their first Eastern Conference championship in 2016.
However, DeRozan's time with the Raptors was also marked by some controversy. He was often criticized for his lack of defense and for his tendency to disappear in big games.
Despite these criticisms, DeRozan remains a popular figure in Toronto. He is a role model for many young players, and he is widely respected for his work ethic and his commitment to the city.
Drake's Relationship with the Raptors
Drake has been a global ambassador for the Raptors since 2013. He is one of the most visible and influential supporters of the team, and he has helped to raise the profile of the Raptors around the world.
However, Drake's relationship with the Raptors has not always been smooth. He has been critical of the team's management at times, and he has even threatened to leave Toronto if the team doesn't improve.
Despite these occasional tensions, Drake remains one of the most important figures in the Raptors organization. He is a key part of the team's marketing strategy, and he helps to attract fans to games.
The Future of the DeRozan Banner
It is unclear whether the Raptors will ultimately decide to hang a banner honoring DeRozan. The team is under pressure from fans to do so, but they also don't want to alienate Drake.
If the Raptors do decide to hang a banner, it is likely that Drake will make good on his threat to tear it down. This would be a major embarrassment for the team, and it could damage their relationship with Drake.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to hang a DeRozan banner is a difficult one for the Raptors. They must weigh the wishes of their fans against the potential consequences of alienating Drake.
