Started from the bottom, now he’s here.
Months removed from not being allowed in the Miami Heat locker room after they won their latest NBA championship, rapper Drake finds himself back in the good graces of the NBA. The Toronto Raptors announced Monday that Drake has been hired to serve as a team ambassador.
"Today's probably one of the best days of my life," said Drake. "I got to throw on the suit and be announced as the global ambassador of the Toronto Raptors.”
The announcement was one of many things revealed during Monday’s press conference; in which it was also announced that Toronto would host the 2016 NBA All-Star Game. The team also announced a rebranding to coincide with their 20th anniversary. Drake will also launch a clothing line in conjunction with the team.
"I feel like I'm part of the franchise at the most exciting part of franchise history," said Drake.
Drake’s exact duties have yet to be defined, but the 26-year-old rapper says he is open to any role. Drake, who grew up in Toronto, said the opportunity stemmed from a conversation he had with team general manager Masai Ujiri and Tim Lieweke (president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment).
"I came into the venue one night and I guess was extremely outspoken about what I felt could change, as far as the building goes," said Drake. "That sparked a discussion and (we) sat down and decided we had the same visions.”
The Raptors find themselves in a 5-year playoff drought and have only made the postseason twice in the last 10 years, losing in the first round in both 2007 and 2008. This summer, they brought in Ujiri from the Denver Nuggets to help turn the team around. Now, it appears Drake may have a small hand in the process as well.
"I care about the city more than anything in the world," said Drake.
