Former Raptors All-Star Chime in the Drake & DeMar DeRozan Saga

It’s just unfortunate.

That’s how Fred VanVleet put it when discussing the strange feud between former Toronto Raptors star DeMar DeRozan and Toronto rap icon Drake last week.

“I hate to see it, man,” VanVleet said on The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis. “Obviously DeMar is someone I was close to, someone like a big brother to me. Drake is a friend to me and someone I love and respect very much. That’s why I hate to see any conflict between these two.”

Drake joined the TSN broadcast last Sunday and said he would tear down a DeRozan banner if the Raptors ever decided to retire DeRozan’s No. 10 from the rafters of Scotiabank Arena. He also called DeRozan a “fool” and criticized DeRozan after Toronto’s win over the Sacramento Kings.

“Obviously they have their own personal relationship and it went whatever way it went and it went in a lot of different directions. So I hope they figure it out,” VanVleet said. “I hope nothing crazy, nothing serious. I just hope everyone can figure it out. Yes, I don’t like to see it.”

DeRozan and Drake used to be close friends, but their relationship took a turn last summer when DeRozan appeared in Kendrick Lamar’s music video for “Not Like Us.” The song is essentially an attack on Drake and makes several allegations against the Toronto-based rapper. DeRozan was later seen dancing on stage with Lamar during a performance of the song over the summer.

In response to Drake’s comments, DeRozan joked that Drake still has a long way to go if he wants to take down a banner in the future.

The incident has turned some Toronto residents against DeRozan, who they say betrayed the city by siding with Lamar in the rap battle. VanVleet acknowledged that the feud with Drake probably doesn’t help DeRozan’s chances of having his jersey retired by the organization one day.

“I hope that this situation is not so profound that we would somehow change the legacy or history of the basketball that was played,” VanVleet said. “I believe that everything can be reconciled as long as no one gets hurt and nothing physical happens. It’s about men being men, and I think they’ll figure it out.”

Regardless of whether a jersey retirement occurs or not, VanVleet says DeRozan is worth honoring because he made a huge impact on the organization and helped turn Toronto into a competitive team for nearly a decade make.

“We saw the impact Vince had and then we saw it again with DeMar,” VanVleet said. “He didn’t lead the team to the title, but ultimately he laid the foundation for it. … So yeah, I’d like to see that happen for him, for the city and for the team, but only time will tell.”

VanVleet is the latest former Raptors player to speak out about the situation after Lou Williams called Drake’s comments “selfish” on FanDuel TV’s “Run it Back” show.