NBA Beef: DeRozan and Drake's Banner Rivalry Heats Up
The rivalry between Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan and Toronto Raptors global ambassador Drake has reached new heights, with the unveiling of a DeRozan banner at Scotiabank Arena during the Bulls' recent visit to Toronto.
The Banner Rivalry
The banner, which featured a photo of DeRozan and the words "DeMar DeRozan: The Real MVP," was hung directly above Drake's courtside seats, where he had famously sat and cheered for the Raptors during their championship run in 2019.
DeRozan, who spent the first nine seasons of his career in Toronto, expressed his appreciation for the gesture, saying, "It meant a lot. It's one thing for the city or the fans to appreciate you, but for a guy like Drake to appreciate you, it's a whole other level."
Drake's Response
Drake, known for his playful banter with opponents, responded to the banner with a tweet that read, "Respect to DeMar and the Bulls, but this banner is ridiculous."
The tweet sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with some fans applauding Drake's competitiveness while others criticized him for taking the rivalry too far.
The Underlying Tension
The rivalry between DeRozan and Drake has been simmering for several years, stemming from DeRozan's departure from Toronto in 2018 and Drake's subsequent support for the Raptors.
In 2021, DeRozan made headlines when he said he felt "betrayed" by Drake's lack of support during his time with the Bulls. Drake later responded by saying he was "unbothered" by DeRozan's comments.
Impact on the Rivalry
The banner incident has further intensified the rivalry between DeRozan and Drake, adding another layer to their ongoing feud. It remains to be seen how the rivalry will play out in the future, but it is sure to provide plenty of entertainment for NBA fans.