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Hip-Hop’s marketing capabilities is a phenom lost on no one, including the NBA who recently hosted a “Drake Night” in the rapper’s honor.

The Toronto Raptors utilized the platinum Grammy-Award winner’s celebrity status and for good reason. The team has been devoid of an all-star for several years and the additional attention could lead to star players wanting to play in Canada. Maybe.

It was a precedence set by the most unlikely team but everything doesn’t have to be a rat race. Other teams should follow suit.

Basketball and Hip-Hop’s similarities are nothing short of fraternal and there are a host of franchises that could, should and most likely follow the Raptors’ lead.

Here’s a list of all 18 NBA teams that fit the format. Best believe you can add Macklemore to the list whenever the Seattle Supersonics decide to resurrect.


Photo: Instagram

Photo: Joeff Davis

Atlanta Hawks – Jeezy

The Snowman has proved he can handle Corporate America on the musical and commercial fronts effortlessly. Let’s just hope he can lay off the merciless butt-whoopings on his son.

Photo: Instagram

Boston Celtics – Statik Selektah

The multifaceted producer has been an insulator for Hip-Hop acts on all corners of the globe and his popularity in his home state can work wonders for the rebuilding Celts.

Photo: Instagram

Brooklyn Nets – Fabolous

The Nets aren’t 0-82 like Jay Z famously quipped on “N****s in Paris” but they’re not exactly illuminating the Eastern Conference since Hov sold his share of the team. Fabolous hasn’t released an album since he joined Twitter but he has over 8x the amount of followers as the team so they should have a glass of whatever he’s drinking.

Charlotte Bobcats Hornets – J. Cole

The self-proclaimed Born Sinner took North Carolina to notoriety where Petey Pablo couldn’t and he’s still escalating his stock with his solo grind. And since the Hornets are coming back, they’ll need the extra push to restore the glory of yesteryear.

Photo: AFP

Chicago Bulls – Kanye West

Last time Lord Yeezus sat court side at a Bulls game, he was booed. But an eminent return to real rap music and promises to tone down the antics in 2K14 should make up for the loss of Luol Deng.

Photo: Instagram

Cleveland Cavaliers – Machine Gun Kelly

Since LeBron chunked the deuces, even the talented efforts of “Uncle Drew” haven’t been enough to cast the spotlight back on the Cavaliers. With the right pinch of rock to his rap, MGK can help bring the spotlight to his city once more. He’s already considered extended family.

Photo: Twitter

Dallas Mavericks – Dorrough

The other D-Town gets overlooked due to its neighboring cities and their struggle-laden football team but Dorrough has proven he’s got halftime hit material (“Ice Cream Paint Job,” “LaLaLa,”) and you’ve never heard get involved in any foolishness to shame his city. Your move, Mark Cuban.

Photo: Mr. Peter Parker

Detroit Pistons – Big Sean

Sorry folks. Eminem is only a sports fan when he has an album coming out. The G.O.O.D. Music golden child can cold rock a crowd and he’ll never stop repping the 313, win, lose or…well, most likely lose.

Photo: YouTube

Golden State Warriors – Mistah F.A.B.

Whether he’s calling out plays or giving the refs an earful, Fabby Davis Jr.’s persona matches the cocky-yet-confident talents put on display by Mark Jackson’s youthful Warriors night in and out. There probably isn’t a more qualified MC on the list for role of NBA ambassador and Oracle Arena could probably get a hefty discount for licensing his music for the halftime shows.

Photo: Streetball

Houston Rockets – Bun B

The people are already clamoring for the UGK survivor to be mayor of their beloved city. His election into the NBA should be all but automatic.

Photo: Mark Beale

Memphis Grizzlies – Juicy J

Quick, name the last Juicy J saw you heard. Now picture the Grizz Girls cheerleaders doing their best routine to that number. You’re welcome. #Bandz.

Photo: ESPN

Miami Heat – Flo Rida

When you have the most popular player on the planet and back-to-back championship banners in the rafters, the promotion generally handles itself. Still when it comes time for the next “Decision,” Flo can use his pop power to reach a wider audience than Rick Ross can.

Photo: YouTube

New Orleans Pelicans – Curren$y

Since Lil Wayne is a fair-weather Miami Heat fan, you can expect his former Cash Money co-worker to fill in the void to rep Crescent City. Just don’t expect him to co-sign that mascot, though.

Photo: The Washington Post

New York Knicks – Diddy

He made us vote. He made us watch music videos on TV again. He even convinced the NBA to drink liquor. If there is any man who can have the world dressing in orange and blue and not look silly like Spike Lee, it’s Sean “Puff P. Diddy Daddy Sergio” Combs.

Photo: Instagram

Los Angeles Clippers – Tyga

Like the Young Money maker, the Clips make up for their lack of a storied background with dedication, hard work and potential with every move. (Crossovers and all.) Both of their styles incorporate a bit of flash and Tyga is the genius that inspired their “Lob City” movement.

Photo: ESPN

Los Angeles Lakers – Snoop Dogg

It’s no secret that the Lake Show is a sinking ship with no lifeguards in site. With Kobe’s inevitable retirement in a couple of years, they’ll need a universal cheerleader like Snoop who can kick it with politicians like it’s nothing but a G thang.

Photo: Instagram

Philadelphia 76ers – Meek Mill

MMG’s second biggest star knows how to create a hit and shows love to his city every chance he gets. Isn’t that exactly how Drake got the gig for the Raptors?

Photo: YouTube

Washington Wizards – Wale

Complex and his local announcers may be sleeping on what he brings to the table but Wale loves to go heads up with Skip Bayless on the regular and Skip quietly enjoys it as well. Plus, if the Wizards ever need extra star power, The Gifted rapper is easily their man to call.