In a notable display of camaraderie and sportsmanship, Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive was seen sporting a "They Not Like Us" shirt as his team secured a 122-107 victory over the Toronto Raptors. This sartorial choice seems to pay homage to Kings' player DeMar DeRozan, who has been a notable addition to the team this season and shares a personal connection to the phrase through his appearance in Kendrick Lamar's music video, "Not Like Us."
DeRozan's journey in the NBA has been nothing short of eventful. His career began when he was drafted by the Toronto Raptors in 2009, where he played pivotal roles until 2018 when he was traded to the San Antonio Spurs. Fast forward to the present, DeRozan is now a Sacramento King, and his presence is already making waves both on and off the court.
The Toronto Connection
The recent match against the Raptors is more than just a game for DeRozan. It rekindled past memories from his long-standing history with Toronto. Before the Kings' triumph, the Raptors had edged out the Kings with a 131-128 win the previous weekend. But in sports, rivalries can quickly transform into narratives of friendship and respect.
One such narrative unfolded in the backdrop of the Raptors game during an interview with Canadian rapper Drake, who was in attendance to discuss Vince Carter’s jersey retirement. Drake, who've maintained a brother-like rapport with DeRozan, infused the air with playful banter when he whimsically speculated about taking down a banner should the Raptors honor DeRozan with one.
DeRozan, while jesting about Drake’s proposed banner heist, quipped that the artist would have "a long way to climb" to achieve it, suggesting a light-hearted acknowledgment of their enduring friendship.
Beyond The Court
Diving deeper into their friendship, DeRozan remarked to The Sacramento Bee, "Drake's still my man; none of it changed. It's so easy to get overlooked and look at it for what it looks like, but at the end of the day, it's music, entertainment." This quote underscores the complex yet jovial interplay between professional associations and personal relationships in the arena of sports.
Drake, in showing his support for DeRozan's transition from the Raptors, once called him a "brother" in a poignant social media dedication upon DeRozan's departure from Toronto. Such expressions of friendship demonstrate the lasting impact that players and cultural icons have on each other, influencing both their careers and personal lives.
On the court, DeRozan has consistently proven himself to be a versatile and talented player, earning six NBA All-Star titles throughout his career. His new chapter with the Sacramento Kings not only signifies his evolution as an athlete but also enriches the team's dynamic with his seasoned experience and presence.
A Legacy Continues
As fans and spectators digest these events, it is heartening to see the spirit of basketball transcend the boundaries of competition. Whether it's through shared banter with music moguls or historic ties with previous teams, DeRozan’s journey epitomizes how sports figures can inspire and entertain beyond their athletic prowess.
For Vivek Ranadive and the Sacramento Kings, supporting players like DeRozan only enhances the fabric of community and sportsmanship. As DeRozan continues to acclimatize to his new environment, his storied past with the Raptors brings forward a unique narrative that enriches the league—and endears him all the more to fans who have followed his journey from Toronto to Sacramento.