2019 NBA Finals: Toronto Raptors vs. Golden State Warriors

Silver says he spoke with Drake about sideline interactions

NBA commissioner appreciates depth of Canadian rapper's fandom

The NBA has spoken with Toronto Raptors global ambassador and popular music artist Drake about his interactions on the sidelines, per commissioner Adam Silver.

The conversation was intended to show appreciation for Drake’s passion for the game while making sure there’s boundaries, or as Silver put it, “lines” being set.

“We appreciate how big a fan he is, and I know the Raptors do,” Silver said in an interview with Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports. “He has the official designation ‘ambassador’ … and he’s a global star, so it’s a huge deal that he’s so engaged with the team and loves the NBA so much.

“Obviously, there’s some lines that even ambassadors shouldn’t cross.”

Silver states that line includes mid-game shoulder massages to coaches, a move Drake did to Raptors coach Nick Nurse on the sidelines during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.

“I think Drake understands as excited as he is and as appreciative we are of his support that there’s got to be lines drawn. Obviously, you don’t want to end up touching a coach because a coach may not realize what’s going on in the middle of the action.”

The Raptors are making their first NBA Finals appearance in franchise history, opening up the series at home against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday (9 ET, ABC).

Expect cameras to follow Drake nonstop, but don’t expect him to be on his worst behavior.

“I think he has a better understanding now of where that line is,” Silver said.

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