Watch Drake Host the NBA Awards
Drake took over the inaugural NBA Awards on Monday (June 26), hosting the event, dropping jokes, and providing some humorous skits throughout.
Sporting a white tux, the 6 God opened the night with some levity during a hilarious monologue. “It’s a bit of an awkward vibe in here tonight,” he said. “I don’t think I’ve ever been in a room with so many guys that have DM’d my ex girl.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBWhzt8drHA
Hilarity continued during a handshake exercise at a “super top secret NBA training facility.” Teaming up with Coach Murphy (Will Ferrell), Drake played the role of Coach Palmer, a handshake specialist.
“Listen,” Drake told a group of basketball players, that included Toronto Raptors’ DeMar DeRozan. “After a clutch shot, the crowd wants to see you shaking hands. They wanna know you’re really friends, best friends.”
The handshake game is strong with @Drake & Will Ferrell 👊
If you're seeing this, it's far from too late. The #NBAAwards are on TNT NOW! pic.twitter.com/yCJYGrC4hX
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 27, 2017
The laughs kept coming, as Drake hosted a fake press conference about the awards show. Instead of answering tough questions, however, the 6 God relied on the Uptown Kids Choir, a puppy, and “someone’s grandma.”
“She made cookies for everyone,” he scolded the media. “And because of this guy, with the yapper on him, no one’s getting any.”
If @Drake held a press conference… #NBAAwards pic.twitter.com/kZzRcTonX9
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 27, 2017
Finally, Drake used a Belly and Get Out-inspired sketch to joke about Steph Curry, his wife Ayesha, and the Golden State Warriors. By the skit’s end, Steph (played by Drake) fell into the dreaded Sunken Place.
"Get Out and Celebrate." @Drake as @StephenCurry30? #NBAAwards pic.twitter.com/7KvLgVBOnq
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 27, 2017
The first-ever NBA Awards was a Young Money affair. Aside from Drake hosting, Nicki Minaj was also on hand for a special medley, which included “No Frauds,” “Swish Swish” and “Realize” (with 2 Chainz).