The Toronto Raptors team, fans and the general manager Masai Ujiri are super hype to be in the playoffs. It’s their first time making it to the postseason since 2008. The already pumped up crowd didn’t need much rallying but Ujiri got them even louder when he yelled “f*ck Brooklyn” on the mic.
Between the Toronto Suns newspaper trolling, the Raptors GM saying “F*ck Brooklyn” and now Drake throwing shots, this is turning out to be quite a regional rivalry. Drake is the Toronto Raptors ambassador and of course was on hand for their first playoff game against the Brooklyn Nets. Drake and Jay Z have been throwing subliminals at each other in the music world and Drake took this opportunity to throw another shot since Jay Z is a former minority owner of the Nets.
Drake was interviewed during the game and since Jay Z wasn’t in the building Drake said he’s somewhere “eating a fondue plate”.
Fire back Jigga lol
Toronto Raptors GM Masai Ujiri shocked everyone yesterday when he shouted “f*ck Brooklyn” to rally the crowd before game one of their playoff series. Unfortunately for him the Brooklyn Nets won the game and the bragging rights. New York Daily News, famous for their clever headlines, took the opportunity to fire back at Ujiri and the Raptors.
*PHOTO IN GALLERY ABOVE*
Scores of people gathered outside at Maple Leaf Square were even more amped up after team president/general manager Masai Ujiri.
Ujiri, throwing political correctness out the window, ended an address to the gathered fans in emphatic fashion. “F— Brookyn,” yelled Ujiri, handing off the mic as he left the stage with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment president and CEO Tim Leiweke, who dropped his head, perhaps thinking, “It’s on now.” he tried to douse the flames somewhat at half-time, offering a mild apology. “Guys, I used wrong choice of words out there,” Ujiri said, sounding like he was going to completely backtrack “This thing is really not about me, it’s about the players. I apologize to the kids out there. Nothing against (the Nets), just trying to get the fans going,” he continued, before saying one more thing as he walked away. “You guys know how I feel. I don’t like them, but I apologize.”
It was a big game 6 for the Brooklyn Nets and the Toronto Raptors. A loss would eliminate the Nets from the playoffs and a win would send them to game 7 in Toronto. The Nets came out strong and pulled off a 97-83 win. The whole focus wasn’t entirely on the game however but who was at the game took over. Former Nets minority owner Jay Z came through with his wife Beyonce and Raptors ambassador Drake was there as well. It was an interesting sight considering Hov and Drake’s recent jabs at each other through music as well as Drake calling Jay Z out for missing game one.
*PHOTOS IN THE GALLERY ABOVE*
With LeBron James signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Carmelo Anthony re-signing with the New York Knicks, all the focus is now shifted to Kevin Durant even though he won’t be a free agent until 2016. Numerous teams have their eye on Durant and there’s even been whisperings of a homecoming himself, in going to hometown and joining the Washington Wizards. Well Drake isn’t having that plan and is hoping Durant will join the Toronto Raptors.
Drake hosted day 2 of his OVO Fest in Toronto, Canada and plenty of stars were in the building, including Durant. Drake decided to use the opportunity to let Durant know what it would be like if he joined the raptors.
Some people may consider Drake an athlete groupie but he is technically a part of the Toronto Raptors organization after they named him their Global Brand Ambassador. That means his friendliness towards NBA players outside of the Raptors has to be monitored and there’s certain things he can not do, like trying to recruit Kevin Durant in front of thousands of people.
According to ESPN’s Marc Stein:
The Toronto Raptors have been fined $25,000 for comments that rap star and team ambassador Drake made about Kevin Durant at a recent concert that the NBA has deemed a violation of its anti-tampering rules
The sources said that Durant, who attended Drake’s recent show in Toronto, was the subject of what the league regards as a public recruiting pitch from the famed Canadian artist.
Durant won’t be a free agent until 2016 but he’s already the buzz of the league, especially since LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony have already signed their new contracts.
What Drake probably thought was innocent fun ended up costing his team $25,000. At his highly popular OVO Fest, Drake tried to “recruit” Oklahoma City star Kevin Durant to Toronto. As the Raptors Global Brand Ambassador this violated the league’s rules against tampering since Durant will not be a free agent until 2016. According to this source, the NBA was willing to drop the fine if the Raptors dropped Drake.
[Raptors officials] refused to address a key detail – that the NBA offered to drop the tampering fine if the team agreed to strip Drake of his title. The Raptors apparently refused.
$25K is clearly a drop in the bucket compared to what Drake’s affiliation with the Raptors is worth. The league wanting the Raptors to drop Drake doesn’t make sense to me considering they’re all about raising the profit margins and Drake certainly brings in more revenue to the Raptors. In the story however it discusses another issue, conspiracy theories surrounding the NBA’s tampering rules and their posturing.
You can read more in Cathal Kelly’s column.
It’s no secret that the international superstar is a huge fan of the Raptors. He showed his devotion to the team with a custom jacket that he showed off today at the Raptor’s season opener.
Via Twitter:
Click above gallery for pictures.
Drake is the official team ambassador for the Toronto Raptors and he’s definitely been on his job. On Wednesday night for the team’s opening game against the Atlanta Hawks, Drake was on hand to show love to the fans and the team’s mascot.
*photos in gallery above*
On Friday night the Toronto Raptors played the Washington Wizards in Canada. Raptors Global Ambassador Drake was in the building as they crushed the Wizards. Drake posted a picture and @’d Wizards new Creative Liaison Wale.
The Raptors won 103-84.
*photo in gallery above*
Toronto Raptors Global Ambassador Drake was in the building as they absolutely demolished the Philadelphia 76ers, 120-88. Drake is always pretty animated from his courtside seats but last night he went crazy as James Johnson posterized Brandon Davies!
For the most part we’ve been hearing that the reigning league MVP was set to chose between the Washington Wizards and the Thunder, but recent reports are claiming that KD might be looking to join the Toronto Raptors. Hit the jump for details.
Via Sports Grid:
“WE ALL KNOW WHAT A BIG-TIME MARKET TORONTO IS IN AND OF ITSELF, NEVER MIND HAVING THE WHOLE COUNTRY, WHICH HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY BASKETBALL CRAZY… I WOULDN’T BE SHOCKED IF MASAI [UJIRI] GOES REALLY HARD AT KEVIN DURANT IN A COUPLE OF YEARS AND GETS IN THE MIX. I’M NOT SAYING THEY’RE GONNA GET HIM BUT I THINK HE’S UNAFRAID IN THAT WAY TO REALLY PURSUE THE GREAT PLAYER AND SELL THEM ON A SITUATION WHERE THERE’S PIECES AROUND YOU, YOU CAN WIN HERE, WE CAN CHASE CHAMPIONSHIPS, YOU CAN GET ALL THE BIG ENDORSEMENTS, ALL THE BIG OUTSIDE THINGS THAT YOU WANT ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU HERE.”
Sure, we’re probably reading way too much into this little comment, a comment that doesn’t come from Durant’s camp, or Toronto’s camp, or anyone else’s. But just the idea of Durant in Toronto is exciting. If Durant is going to move on, Toronto’s roster is a great fit for him (a backcourt of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan with Durant at forward sounds deadly), and the fan base proved this past postseason that they’re arguably the most passionate in the league. It just makes sense.
Click above gallery for pictures.
Drake has definitely been doing his part as the Global Ambassador for the Toronto Raptors. Aside from showing up at numerous games and having tons of giveaways, he’s also given the players themselves something special.
Raptors teammates Lou Williams and Amir Johnson both were seen in exclusive Drake x Air Jordan sneakers that were given to them by the Canadian superstar himself. Williams took to the court in the gold “OVO” IIIs, while Johnson laced up the murdered-out “Drake vs. Lil’ Wayne” Air Jordan III.
In addition to looking good, the Raptors also beat the Magic 104-100.
*photos in gallery above*
h/t Complex
Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries have been broken up for over three years and some fans just won’t let it go! Humphries, who now plays for the Washington Wizards, went to the line to shoot free throws and fans went in. Hit the jump for details.
Via TMZ:
Click above gallery for pictures.
Toronto Raptors fans weren’t happy with the way Vince Carter left town and since being traded during the 2004-05 season, he hasn’t always received a warm welcome whenever he returned to the Air Canada Centre. Wednesday night was totally different however. The Raptors are celebrating their 20th season in the NBA and showed a tribute video, celebrating the greatest player in franchise history. Vince Carter, with his mom sitting in her old courtside seat, shed some tears as fans gave him a roaring standing ovation.
The post (Video) NBA: Vince Carter Gets Emotional & Teary-Eyed During Toronto Raptors Amazing Tribute! appeared first on In Flex We Trust.
The Toronto Raptors have first place in the Eastern Conference while the Los Angeles Lakers sit at last place in the Western Conference. On Sunday night the two teams faced off at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and it was assumed how the game would go. Well it turned out the exact opposite of everyone’s expectations and Snoop Dogg gets at Drake after the showdown.
The Lakers beat the Raptors 129-122 in overtime. Kobe Bryant went off putting up a triple-double of 31 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists. Carlos Boozer added 18 points and 9 rebounds while Nick Young chipped in with 20 points and 4 rebounds.
Toronto Raptors Global Ambassador, Drake was in the building and was captured sitting court side near Kobe Bryant and the Lakers bench as his team was losing. Snoop Dogg, a big Laker fan, took the opportunity to fire off a dig at Drake after his team lost. Since he’s the public face of the Raptors now, all digs or support of the team are usually sent his way. Drake seemed in high spirits though as he was captured laughing on the sideline. I guess he still has a lot to be happy about as the Raptors have a 13-4 record and are still amongst the best in the league.
*photo in gallery above*
The post (Photo) NBA: LOL Snoop Dogg Gets at Drake After Lakers Beat the Raptors appeared first on In Flex We Trust.
During the Raptors v. Lakers game, Lowry’s crotch was all in Kobe’s face! Fox, who is on commentary makes direct mention to it and Kobe’s face is priceless. Hit the jump for details.
Via Sporting News:
Click above gallery for pictures.
The post (Video) NBA: Check Out Rick Fox’s Comments On Kyle Lowry Nearly Jumping On Kobe’s Neck appeared first on In Flex We Trust.
I guess you can call it confidence but it feels like there’s widespread delusion across the New York Knicks organization. The Knicks are off to their worst start in franchise history at 4-17, a seven-game losing streak and just barely above the Detroit Pistons and Philadelphia 76ers for worst team in the league. BUT the East is so terrible, they’re only five-and-a-half games out of the final playoff spot in the conference. Amare Stoudemire narrowed it even further by saying there’s still a possibility to win the Atlantic Division since the red hot 15-5 Toronto Raptors have lost their star player DeMar DeRozan to injury.
via ESPN New York:
“With Toronto and [DeMar] DeRozan being hurt now, you never know how that team is going to end up. Brooklyn’s not playing great. The division is still open,” Stoudemire said after the Knicks’ loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers Thursday night. “We’ve just got to turn this thing around.”
DeRozan is out indefinitely with a torn tendon in his left groin, and the Raptors have won two of four since the shooting guard went down.
The Knicks are 11.5 games behind first-place Toronto entering play Saturday. They’ve also lost seven straight and 16 of their past 18.
The post NBA: Amare Stoudemire Says the ‘Atlantic Division is Still Open’, Knicks Have a Chance appeared first on In Flex We Trust.
It’s no secret that Drake is a huge Raptors fan, and now the team is showing the superstar love by naming next Wednesday as “Drake Night”. Hit the jump for details.
Via SB Nation:
Wednesday, December 17 is DRAKE NIGHT. All attendees to the Raptors vs. Nets game that night will get this (admittedly pretty rad) throwback Raps shirt with OVO logos on it.
Click above gallery for picture.
The post (Photo) NBA: The Toronto Raptors Show Love To Drake By Announcing “Drake Night” For Next Week appeared first on In Flex We Trust.
