He kicked things off with an opening sketch that found him sharing the screen with Will Ferrell, portraying "handshake coaches." In addition to ragging on DeMar DeRozan, they show off some of their handshaking expertise and introduce moves like the "Gossip Queen," the "Prom" and "Kid at a Grocery Store."
The handshake game is strong with @Drake & Will Ferrell 👊
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 27, 2017
If you're seeing this, it's far from too late. The #NBAAwards are on TNT NOW! pic.twitter.com/yCJYGrC4hX
.@Drake x Will Ferrell handshakes Part II features an original you won't want to miss...#NBAAwards pic.twitter.com/Qh8pYxVQng
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 27, 2017
Of course, between trophies being handed out, Drizzy made plenty more cracks at the expense of the pro athletes in attendance and starred in a handful of other prepared sketches.
Check out clips from his hosting gig below.
.@Drake coming out 💪 with the jokes! 😂 #NBAAwards pic.twitter.com/9FCUFG0JIb
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 27, 2017
"When you hear the names, Kenny, Ernie, Shaq and Chuck, you think of black excellence... and Ernie." #NBAAwards pic.twitter.com/N0Gx3dB5MK
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 27, 2017
.@TheJetOnTNT couldn't help himself after @Drake's opening at the #NBAAwards 👀 pic.twitter.com/jNq9smFAOo
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 27, 2017
Shots fired at the #NBAAwards
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 27, 2017
😂 pic.twitter.com/dWFmfVP8aJ
If @Drake held a press conference... #NBAAwards pic.twitter.com/kZzRcTonX9
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 27, 2017
.@Drake & @SHAQ mixtape coming soon? 🤔
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 27, 2017
Get to TNT for the #NBAAwards! pic.twitter.com/1QyFXFmuj9
.@Drake not letting up on @TheJetOnTNT at the #NBAAwards... 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/fllnWQYQc6
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 27, 2017
.@Drake: "Who's your favorite MVP in NBA history?"@JHarden13: *crickets*#NBAAwards pic.twitter.com/YeXHFHUJJ3
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 27, 2017
Drake wasn't the only hip-hop star in attendance. Nicki Minaj and 2 Chainz were on hand to deliver "Realize," before Minaj stole the spotlight for her verse off Katy Perry's "Swish Swish." Watch footage of the performance below."Get Out and Celebrate." @Drake as @StephenCurry30? #NBAAwards pic.twitter.com/7KvLgVBOnq
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 27, 2017
.@2chainz x @NICKIMINAJ 🔥🔥🔥#NBAAwards pic.twitter.com/lmWG6UIJYt
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 27, 2017
If sports are more your thing, head over here to check out the full list of NBA Awards winners.
Pick up Drake's 2016 album, VIEWS, on vinyl via Umusic.