Fred VanVleet Backs Demar DeRozan’s Jersey Retirement Despite Drake

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet recently spoke out about Toronto Raptors’ ambassador Drake’s comments regarding the possible retirement of DeMar DeRozan’s jersey in Toronto. During his appearance on Draymond Green’s podcast, VanVleet, a former Raptor, was asked if DeRozan, currently with the Sacramento Kings, deserves to have his jersey retired by the Raptors. VanVleet responded positively, emphasizing DeRozan’s impact on the franchise: “Yeah, I think it should. I think that when you look at what he did… that meant a lot for Canadian basketball.”

Drake, however, has voiced his opposition. Known for his loyalty to Toronto, Drake made headlines during the Raptors’ recent game against the Kings by cautioning that he would “pull down” DeRozan’s jersey if it were raised in the Raptors’ arena. This isn’t the first sign of tension between Drake and DeRozan; it traces back to DeRozan’s appearance in Kendrick Lamar’s music video for “Not Like Us,” a track widely interpreted as a diss toward Drake. DeRozan has since clarified that his involvement was rooted in his West Coast pride and not in personal animosity.

As the rivalry heats up, Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive added fuel by wearing a sweatshirt reading “They Not Like Us,” an apparent nod to the Kendrick track. Whether the drama will spill onto the court remains to be seen, but fans of both the Kings and the Raptors will be keeping a close watch on this ongoing saga.