The NBA talked to the Toronto Raptors during the Eastern Conference finals about the behavior of Drake along the sideline, a league spokesman told ESPN.
Drake holds a role as global ambassador for the Raptors, and the presence of the Canadian superstar rapper has given added attention to the franchise.
He had a confrontation with then-Cleveland center Kendrick Perkins during last season’s playoff series against the Cavaliers, and he had a viral video moment in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals when he gave coach Nick Nurse a shoulder rub.
With the Raptors making their first appearance in the NBA Finals, opening Thursday night at home against the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors, Drake — and what he does from his courtside seat — will surely be a big topic of conversation. The TV cameras will capture his every move and any potential trash talk.
“He’s really nice to me every time I see him. He’s a really nice guy,” Nurse said on ESPN’s “Pardon The Interruption” show.
“The whole backrub thing, I didn’t know it was happening until the next day, somebody sent me a picture. I didn’t even feel his hands on me. You probably heard my response. I said either I was really focused or he has really soft hands.”
According to ESPN, NBA commissioner Adam Silver issued a memo earlier this year reminding the league’s franchises to state and enforce their fan conduct policies.
–Field Level Media
