TORONTO – In the lead up to the next Raptors playoff game, rap-artist Drake has been telling friends and family that he has “a pretty good shot” of getting some playing time.

“I know I’m not going to fill in for Jonas [Valanciunas] or Amir [Johnson] but I can see myself running the back-court with DeMar [Derozen] while Kyle [Lowry] takes a breather,” said the 6ft musician to reporters. “I’m staying realistic about the whole thing.”

Drake has become a consistent presence at Raptors home games, often showing up early to cheer on the team during practice. Drake told reporters that he’s confident his committed and enthusiastic support for the team will convince coach Dwayne Casey to give him the opportunity to take to the court with some of his heroes.

“I was sitting courtside, as usual, cheering on the guys when Mr. Casey walked by. I yelled, ‘Mr. Casey! Mr. Casey! Maybe you can finally give me some minutes?’ and he smiled and said ‘uhhh… maybe next game, champ’,” explained the excited performer. “Can you believe it? Me! In the playoffs!”

Casey told members of the press that Drake was a “polite, well-behaved young man with big dreams”.

“He’s got a lot of hustle, a good basketball IQ, and a great big heart. The guys love him,” Casey said. “Maybe basketball’s not for him but I’m sure there’s something out there that he’s good at.”

At press time, Drake had already begun lint-rolling his tearaway pants.