Drake is the most famous fan of the Toronto Raptors. He's often found sitting courtside at the games of his hometown team and he's always in the building during the playoffs. Earlier today, he took to Instagram to thank DeMar DeRozan for his time in Toronto while simultaneously welcoming Kawhi Leonard.
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Drake expresses a gratitude the entire city of Toronto should feel towards DeRozan. Of course, they never could get past LeBron James to advance to the Finals, but they were an incredibly successful team that gave Toronto fans years of sustained success. DeRozan was a gigantic part of that.
The all-star shooting guard gave his heart and soul to the Raptors and Toronoto. He was incredibly loyal to the organization but there was no reciprocation on the part of the Raptors. That's why it's difficult to fault players for skipping town and changing teams.
But Drake does more than simply thank DeRozan, he welcomes Leonard to the city. He's quick to mention Toronto's fanbase as the “most intense and supportive city in NBA basketball!!!”
Drake and Raptors fans should be thrilled with this deal. Although DeRozan was a mainstay in Toronto and gave them everything he had, this is a way for the organization to try something new. They have a year to convince Leonard should commit to Toronto long-term.
And if Leonard decides to walk at the end of the season, they're off DeRozan's enormous contract and can effectively start their version of a rebuild. It likely won't be a complete teardown, but they'll have the flexibility to proceed in a number of ways.
It may be tough for Drake and his fellow Canadians to watch DeRozan leave, but they should be excited for what's in store next season.
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