An Amusing Encounter: Michael Rubin Recounts Drake’s Taunts During the Toronto Raptors’ NBA Journey.
In a candid conversation on Showtime’s “All the Smoke” podcast, former Philadelphia 76ers owner Michael Rubin shared an entertaining yet tense tale from the past involving Drake and the victorious journey of the Toronto Raptors in 2019.
Rubin recalled his worst memory of Drake, which occurred during Game 7 of the playoffs. In the midst of the intense match, the musician sent Rubin a picture of himself donning Sixers shorts with a playful message, “I’m coming for you.”
The timing of the photo couldn’t have been worse, as Rubin humorously remarked, “As soon as I saw him in Sixers shorts, I said, ‘We’re losing this fking game.’ That jinx-ass muthafker.”
It’s a lighthearted anecdote that highlights the spirited rivalry and banter between sports enthusiasts, even among influential figures like Rubin and Drake.
In another intriguing twist, Drake reportedly took his celebration to new heights by reaching out to the CEO of Fanatics after the game. Rubin revealed, “By the way, I’ve never seen someone FaceTime me more times, and me ignore him more than after that game. He had no chill. We had just lost to Kawhi’s shot, and he FaceTimed every two seconds. I just never picked up. I just went home depressed.”
According to ESPN, Rubin’s departure from the NBA and NHL franchises was largely influenced by Fanatics’ strategic move into sports betting and player partnerships. Fanatics remains one of the leading companies in licensed sports merchandise.
Interestingly, Drake acknowledged the former owner in his 2019 track “When to Say When” from Dark Lane Demo Tapes. The lyrics pay homage to Rubin’s success, stating, “I watched Michael Rubin win a million off a couple hands. I decide what to see next like it’s on demand.”
While Rubin may have felt the sting of the playoff loss, any lingering resentment appeared to be fleeting. In 2021, the duo was spotted in the Bahamas alongside Meek Mill and Lil Baby, reportedly filming a music video. It’s a testament to the ever-evolving dynamics of their relationship, where playful banter and collaborations intertwine.
