DeMar DeRozan (Image Credit: X/@_MLBasketball)
The once-close friendship between DeMar DeRozan and Drake appears to have soured, despite the playful “brother-like” bond they used to share that delighted fans. During the Toronto Raptors’ recent game against the Sacramento Kings, where the Raptors retired Vince Carter’s No. 15 jersey, Drake made his feelings known about the idea of someday retiring DeRozan’s jersey with a sharp comment.

Drake and DeRozan’s friendship began when DeRozan played for the Raptors, but things changed recently. DeRozan appeared in the music video for Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us,” a track widely considered to be a diss directed at Drake. This move reportedly turned Drake into a vocal critic of DeRozan, and their relationship is now publicly strained.

However, DeRozan seemed willing to take the high road when responding to Drake’s comments. After the Kings’ narrow 131-128 loss to the Raptors, DeRozan addressed the situation in a post-game press conference. “He’s gonna have a long way to climb to get there. Tell him good luck,” DeRozan said.

“He’s gonna have a long way to climb to get there. Tell him good luck,” DeRozan said.

While celebrating Raptors legend Vince Carter, DeRozan couldn’t avoid the added tension from Drake’s remarks. He finished the game adding 33 points, three rebounds, and four assists, but the Kings suffered an overtime loss. Apart from the loss to the Raptors, DeRozan formed a renewed rift with his former friend, Drake.

DeMar DeRozan Reflects On Raptors Jersey Retirement Possibility

After a successful college run with the USC Trojans, DeMar DeRozan entered the NBA in 2009 as the ninth overall pick by the Raptors. He went on to spend nine memorable seasons with the Raptors, where he became one of the team’s standout players.

However, DeRozan shared that he doesn’t spend much time thinking about the possibility of his own jersey being retired by the Raptors. In the press conference after the Kings vs. Raptors game, DeRozan gave an honest perspective on the topic.

“It’s just more so cool to see Vince go up then; without a doubt, Kyle (Lowry) is going to be up there. I rarely think about mine going up there, unless it’s mentioned to me,” DeRozan said.

DeRozan, who played more games for the Raptors than Vince Carter, certainly made his mark on the team. Over 675 games with Toronto, he averaged 19.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists.