It seems like the Sacramento Kings and the Toronto Raptors might have quite the rivalry on their hands for the rest of the NBA season. By now, you’ve probably heard how Drake showed up to his Raptors’ home game against the Kings, where Cali native DeMar DeRozan eventually ended up after leaving the Toronto team some years ago. The 6ix God was mean-mugging DeRozan and verbalizing insults in his direction, all because of how the basketball player popped out for Drizzy’s sworn enemy Kendrick Lamar’s concert and music video dissing the OVO mogul. While DeMar maintained that he still had love for both MCs and for the competitiveness of the genre, it seems like that’s not there anymore.
Furthermore, even Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive popped out to support DeMar DeRozan, dissing Drake with a very simple sweatshirt at a recent game that read “They Not Like Us.” Whether or not all this rap battle drama and loyalty talk actually bleeds into the court is a mystery that these NBA teams’ fans will likely keep their eyes on for the foreseeable future.
In addition, this whole ruckus prompted conversations around whether or not the Toronto Raptors should retire DeMar DeRozan’s jersey, which Drake threatened to pull down if that ever happened. “Yeah, I think it should,” Houston Rockets player Fred VanVleet (a Raptors hooper from 2016 to 2023) said of whether or not DeRozan’s jersey should be in the Toronto rafters. “I think it should. I think that when you look at what he did, you know, especially when you want to give the history of the franchise and what Vince and all of those guys meant at the beginning and what that meant for Canadian basketball.”
Some people completely understand where both Drake and DeMar DeRozan are coming from here, whereas others think it’s a pretty silly matter. After all, this is the NBA, not the URL or a concert. Nevertheless, people will continue to offer their split reactions to this beef extension. We’ll see whether or not Kendrick Lamar pops out for a game or two… Well, apart from his Super Bowl halftime show for the NFL, that is.
The Toronto Raptors traveled to Sacramento to take on the Kings on Wednesday night in a game that has suddenly given us a little spiciness off the court. Sacramento went to Toronto on the night of Vince Carter’s jersey retirement ceremony last week, which was the first time that DeMar DeRozan played in front of Drake since he appeared in the music video for Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.”
While DeRozan, in the immediate aftermath, said he has tons of love for Drake despite his cameo in the video, Drake expressed that he doesn’t want to see DeRozan get his number retired in Toronto when his career comes to an end, and DeRozan seemed to have a lot of fun responding. And on Wednesday with Drake’s beloved Raptors in town, Kings owner Vivek Ranadive decided to show some support to his star forward by wearing a shirt with the words “THEY NOT LIKE US” on it.
The Kings picked up a 122-107 win on Wednesday to move and 5-3 on the season. All five starters scored in double-figures for Sacramento, with DeRozan leading the way with 27 points on 11-for-21 shooting. It is unclear if he was motivated by the fact that the team’s owner showed up and wore a shirt that trolled Drake, but I’m sure at least part of him appreciated it.
Yesterday (November 2), Drake attended the Toronto Raptors and the Sacramento Kings game at Scotiabank Arena. Instead of focusing on the friendly matchup, Drake and his longtime friend Nessel “Chubbs” Beezer decided to laser in on former Raptors star DeMar DeRozan (now the the Kings). Throughout the game, Drake could be heard hurling remarks at DeRozan (supposedly including “p*ssy” and “goof“), and it doesn’t seem to be sports related tension.
At one point, Drake and Chubbs (both courtside) can be seen standing up and staring down DeRozan (viewable here). Well, just as viewers at home caught the suspenseful moment, so did DeRozan. Over on Instagram, DeMar DeRozan decided to troll Drake back by posting a video clip from Friday (viewable here).
In the scene, starring Ice Cube (playing Craig) and Chris Tucker (playing Smokey), Tucker’s character attempts to regain tough points after being punked by the neighborhood bully, Deebo (played by the late Tommy Lister). “I got mind control over Deebo,” says Tucker. “He be like shut the f*ck up. I be quiet. But when he leaves I be talking again.”
This comes after Drake vowed to “pull down” DeRozan’s number should the Raptors ever decide to retire it after Vincent Carter’s number retirement celebration.
DeRozan claimed that he and Drake were “still family” even after he appeared in the “Not Like Us” music video. However, it appears Drake doesn’t feel that same.
The NBA is heading to Las Vegas for Summer League later this week, but before that, a few teams are participating in the California Classic Summer League in San Francisco and Sacramento. On Saturday night, a collection of Sacramento Kings players took on the Chinese National Team at Golden 1 Center, and at one point, the latest addition to the team’s roster showed up.
The Kings pulled off a sign-and-trade earlier in the evening to acquire DeMar DeRozan from the Chicago Bulls — the San Antonio Spurs were also involved in the deal. It had previously been reported that DeRozan was in town to meet with Sacramento’s decision makers, and ultimately, an arrangement got sorted out to bring DeRozan in as a running mate for De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. And as an added bonus, because there were a ton of Kings fans in the arena to watch the team, DeRozan got to show up to a hero’s welcome, all while the Kendrick Lamar track “Not Like Us” played.
DeMar DeRozan was just introduced to the crowd in Sacramento to the tune of Kendrick Lamar’s “They Not Like Us.” pic.twitter.com/yhFu6hy1m7
DeRozan joined Kings owner Vivek Ranadive, who presumably spent a ton of time talking to him throughout the day. And of course, the soundtrack couldn’t have been much better, as DeRozan appeared in the music video that Lamar dropped earlier this week and joined him on stage as he performed the song at The Pop Out last month.
Unfortunate news is coming out of the NBA this morning as TMZ reports an NBA fan died at the Sacramento Kings Vs. New Orleans Pelicans game. Overall, this was a big game for both teams as it was the quarter-finals for the In-Season Tournament. Fans were packed inside the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento for the match. However, as reports explain, a fan in his 30s had a “medical emergency” during the first quarter. Subsequently, paramedics rushed to the scene, however, the fan could not be revived.
“EMS immediately responded and administered CPR,” the Kings said in a statement. “Tragically, these efforts were unsuccessful and the guest passed away. The organization offers its deepest condolences to the guest’s family and loved ones.” This tragedy is one that is being felt all across the NBA. As for players on the Kings, they only found out about this following the match. Kings star Keegan Murray spoke on the incident, and in the clip below via TMZ, he expressed condolences to the fan’s family.
“As a team, we give our condolences to the passing,” he said. “Obviously I want to tell all of our guys that. Hopefully the family is being taken care of.” Overall, this is just a very sad situation. Sporting events are supposed to be a place of joy, and you never want to see something like this go down. Like Murray said, we hope the fan’s family will get taken care of. Although it is not the team’s fault, it would still be a nice gesture given what has gone down here. No matter what, it is a horrible thing to have happen during a game.
Let us know what you think of this development, in the comments section down below. What do you think of safety at sporting events? Is it enough? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sports world. Overall, we will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite athletes.
The inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament Group Play has set new benchmarks, witnessing substantial growth in television viewership, attendance, and digital and social media participation.
In a standout performance, the Nov. 28 clash between the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors on TNT achieved an average of 2 million viewers, making it the most-watched NBA In-Season Tournament game to date, surging by an impressive 93% compared to last season’s equivalent window. Across ESPN and TNT, Group Play games averaged 1.5 million viewers, reflecting a robust 26% increase from the previous season.
Notably, the NBA achieved its highest average attendance on record (18,206) for the month of November through the conclusion of Group Play. Furthermore, the NBA In-Season Tournament fueled exceptional engagement on the NBA App and league social media accounts, accumulating an unprecedented 3.9 billion video views. Meanwhile, watch time on NBA League Pass during the seven Group Play nights witnessed a significant 25% surge compared to the equivalent November dates in the preceding season. The tournament’s resounding success signifies a promising start to this innovative addition to the NBA calendar.
50 Cent recently took to social media to show love to Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown. He posted a clip of the team practicing on Instagram, praising Brown’s approach to coaching them. In the clip, he’s seen reprimanding a few of the players for making a mistake, and he went all the way in. While it may be controversial, it seems as though 50 Cent is in full support of Brown giving the athletes a bit of “tough love.”
“We’re gonna keep doin’ that sh*t!” Brown shouts in the video. “I don’t give a f*ck! I don’t give a f*ck! […] You missed the f*ckin’ shot down there! What’chu doin’?” Clearly, the coach wasn’t about to cut the team any slack for missing the shot. According to Fif, this type of coaching is effective for creating stronger players, and will work out in their favor in the long run. “Tough Love this is what it takes to create focus sometimes,” he captioned the clip. “You will see how well they play together, fvck all that soft sh*t! Let’s Go ! #bransoncognac #lecheminduroi.”
Countless fans have chimed into Fif’s comments section, reflecting on their own past experience with coaches. Many note that coaches like Brown ultimately made them better at their respective sports. “You ain’t never played a sport if you ain’t been cussed out by the coach,” one commenters writes alongside a laughing emoji. Some, on the other hand, disagree with 50 Cent and believe that Brown took things a bit too far.
What do you think of 50 Cent praising Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown on social media? Are you a fan of his approach to coaching, or do you think he was being too harsh on the athletes? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
In the ever-evolving world of professional sports, financial gains and player net worths have become focal talking points. In the NBA, few names have garnered attention quite like Domantas Sabonis. As of 2023, Domantas Sabonis’s net worth is estimated to be around $6 Million US Dollars, as reported by ClutchPoints. So, what factors contribute to this number? Let’s delve deeper into the financial journey of this remarkable NBA star.
The Making Of A Multi-Millionaire Athlete
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 23: Domantas Sabonis shakes hands with Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted 11th overall by the Orlando Magic in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 23, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Sabonis’s entry into the NBA was no fluke. Selected in the first round of the 2016 NBA draft, he quickly made a name for himself with his incredible work ethic, skills, and unmatched court vision. The Sacramento Kings star’s potential was evident early on, and the contracts he secured mirrored his rising prominence in the league.
As his career progressed, the negotiations of his contracts inevitably reflected his growing stature. Multi-year contracts, endorsement deals, and personal brand collaborations played a massive role in building his financial portfolio. However, the bulk of any NBA player’s earnings stems from their player contracts, with endorsements and other revenue streams supplementing this primary income.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 13: Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings celebrates with Kevin Huerter #9 after a basket in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Golden 1 Center on November 13, 2022 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Like many NBA players, Sabonis has also tapped into the power of endorsements. Brands recognize the impact a player of his caliber can have on consumers, and they are more than willing to invest significant sums to associate their brand with him.
While the exact figures of these deals remain undisclosed, it is widely acknowledged in the sports community that endorsements can substantially boost an athlete’s net worth. From sportswear brands to lifestyle products, these collaborations play a significant role in the financial upliftment of players.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – OCTOBER 30: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against the Toronto Raptors during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on October 30, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
It isn’t just about earning money but also how one manages and grows it. Many players have seen their fortunes dwindle due to poor financial decisions. Thankfully, Sabonis appears to be on the right track. With the assistance of financial advisors and smart investments, he seems to be building a solid financial foundation for his post-NBA career. This foresight is commendable and ensures the longevity of his financial wellbeing.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 30: Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in game seven of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Golden 1 Center on April 30, 2023 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Performance plays a pivotal role in determining a player’s net worth. A consistent player like Sabonis, who showcases his skills on the court game after game, will inevitably attract higher-paying contracts and more lucrative endorsement deals. It’s a simple equation: the better the performance, the higher the earnings.
Sabonis’s commitment to the game and his team has surely helped him in amassing his current net worth. However, the future still holds potential for even greater earnings. As long as he remains injury-free and maintains his current trajectory, his net worth is expected to climb even higher in the coming years.
Domantas Sabonis’s estimated net worth of $6 Million US Dollars in 2023, as highlighted by ClutchPoints, is a testament to his skills, dedication, and smart financial choices. While this figure is impressive, it’s essential to remember that the NBA star has many years ahead of him. The combination of future contracts, endorsements, and smart investments will likely see this figure rise even further. As fans and spectators, we can only sit back and watch as his journey unfolds, on and off the court.
The Sacramento Kings took the entire NBA by storm this past season. Led by a crew of young talent, the Kings exceeded all expectations, earning a playoff spot. However, all great stories don’t have perfect endings. The Kings were eliminated in the first round by the Golden State Warriors. However, even in defeat, the team put the entire league on notice. With the franchise ready to turn to the next chapter, some changes may need to be made.
The first change being uniforms. The Kings have one of the more rare color combinations in the entire league. Purple and Black isn’t a combination that you see in many sports organizations. However, it does define this franchise. If you’re old enough, those colors remind you of teams that the city can be proud of. Now, the franchise is seemingly ready to move on from its purple history. At least, that’s the feeling some fans got when watching the latest teaser video. Check out the uniform teaser video below.
The teaser clip above could be just to swerve the Kings faithful. However, no purple would be a sad day for all involved. In the video, it seems that the purple uniforms are meant to keep the beam lit. “Light The Beam” took over the league this season. As every Kings home win meant the sky would be lit with a purple hue. While Ivan Ooze was probably somewhere smiling, purple is now taking the brunt of the jokes.
With speculation running rampant, uniforms shouldn’t be the main topic. The topic should be that the Sacramento Kings are back as one of the top teams in the league. It was a long road back to the playoffs. Now it’s time for the next step, winning a playoff series. However, will the Sacramento Kings accomplish that this upcoming season? Also, where do you rank them in the current Western Conference landscape? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest news in sports, keep it right here with HNHH.
Draymond Green officially declined his player option with the Golden State Warriors earlier in June. While Green is likely to return to the Warriors, his decision means that other teams are able to approach him as well.
Furthermore, there should be a healthy market for the veteran. Green is an elite defender who could easily bolster the championship hopes of several title contenders. While there are some attitude issues that could cause hesitation in pursuing Green, his play is more than other the occasional on-court issue.
However, ESPN‘s Brian Windhorst suggested a particularly wild place for Green to sign with – the Sacramento Kings. While the Kings launched themselves into the Western Conference conversation last season, Green’s recent history with the team makes it an unusual pairing, to say the least.
Brian Windhorst on the Sacramento Kings clearing up cap space last night: “The Kings can now go hunting for Draymond Green if they wish. …it’s the exact type of player they need.” pic.twitter.com/eZllPXoJ7h
Windhorst pointed to the Kings’ draft day moves as signs they were chasing a big signing. During the draft, Sacramento sent Richaun Holmes and 24th overall draft pick Olivier Maxence-Prosper for a return to be announced later. The move allowed the Kings to create some much-needed cap space for a major signing.
“The Kings can now go hunting for Draymond Green if they wish,” Windhorst said on ESPN’s draft coverage show.“And that would be extraordinarily interesting because it is the exact, the exact, type of player they need…” As mentioned, Green is an elite defender, one of the best in the NBA.
However, catching himself, Windhorst went on to explain why the trade would be interesting. “You know, it would be interesting with Sabonis. That would be an interesting first practice.” Famously, Green earned himself a suspension during the Warriors’ playoff series against the Kings for stomping on Domantas Sabonis. Those would definitely be negotiations you would pay to be in the room for.
However, just how wild of a take is it? On the one hand, Wembanyama is a lean 7″2 who is going to struggle against more physical defenders. Furthermore, he’s never played in the American system of basketball, be it the NBA, G League, or another development league. While he’s been playing professionally since 2019, it’s on a much more relaxed schedule against “inferior” competition to what he will face in the NBA.
Despite this, Wembanyana is unlike any prospect the NBA has ever seen. His skill set is so unique that LeBron went as far as to call him an “alien”. Furthermore, he has spent the last four years focused purely on basketball, playing professionally in a well-regarded European league. Regardless, the debate also to whether he is worth the hype will be answered when he debuts in the summer league in a few months.
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