Sacramento Kings Triumph: DeRozan's Influence and a Touch of Nostalgia
The Sacramento Kings' owner Vivek Ranadive wears many hats, but none more symbolic than the "They Not Like Us" shirt he donned in a recent display of camaraderie and sportsmanship. This gesture came during the Kings’ solid 122-107 victory over the Toronto Raptors, drawing attention not only for its bold message but for its apparent nod to Kings' star, DeMar DeRozan. The win marked a significant turnabout following the Kings' narrow 131-128 defeat to the Raptors just the previous weekend.
This victory held a particular resonance for DeRozan, the former Raptors standout who now calls Sacramento home. The t-shirt's phrase appears to pay homage to DeRozan's involvement in Kendrick Lamar's music video "Not Like Us," a cultural reference that adds layers of meaning to what might initially seem like just another piece of fan merchandise. For DeRozan, the message is a blend of old bonds and new beginnings—a testament to his journey through the NBA that began when he was drafted by the Raptors in 2009.
DeRozan spent nearly a decade with Toronto, cementing his status as a fan favorite and earning six NBA All-Star titles. His journey with the Raptors concluded in 2018 when he was traded to the San Antonio Spurs, marking an end of an era for the Toronto faithful who had watched him mature into one of the league's finest talents. Now a pivotal player for the Kings, DeRozan continues to bring his prowess and leadership to the court, an influence keenly felt in their latest triumph over his old team.
Adding another layer to the evening's narrative was the presence of global superstar Drake, a long-time Raptors ambassador who was in attendance to discuss the potential retirement of Vince Carter’s jersey—a momentous occasion for the franchise. Despite now wearing rival colors, DeRozan maintains a close bond with Drake, underscoring the indelible ties forged during his time in Toronto.
"Drake's still my man; none of it changed. It's so easy to get overlooked and look at it for what it looks like, but at the end of the day, it's music, entertainment," DeRozan told The Sacramento Bee. The pair's friendship has continued to thrive, a sentiment Drake echoed in a heartfelt social media post where he described DeRozan as a "brother."
For Kings fans, Ranadive's sartorial choice symbolizes a new chapter, where the team not only draws from their current roster's talents but also embraces a broader narrative that includes influential cultural elements and the legacies of their players. The shirt, the victory, and DeRozan’s impact all converge to illustrate a franchise that is both forward-looking yet respectful of its players' pasts. As the Kings continue their season, fans can look forward to further chapters being written in this dynamic narrative, with DeRozan surely at the heart of them.