Dave East is a man of many talents.
Today (June 26), TMZ Sports spoke with the Harlem rapper where he was asked about possibly switching to a basketball career. East admitted being open to the idea and is considering tryouts for the NBA.
“I might,” East said. “It’s gotta be the Knicks though. It’s gotta be in New York.”
East’s response is not surprising. Before jumping into the rap game, East was a dedicated ballplayer. He played AAU with Kevin Durant and Michael Beasley. His basketball career was so impressive that East was granted a Division 1 scholarship. Unfortunately, his grades weren’t up to standards to receive it.
Elsewhere during his conversation with TMZ, East revealed that he has been in touch with KD following his Achilles injury during the NBA Finals. The Harlem rapper revealed that Durant is doing great on recovery. East is hopeful that Durant will sign to the Knicks in the offseason.
“I hope he comes to New York,” East relayed. “He’s built for that. He played in Dyckman and all that.”
Throughout East’s music career, KD has shown continuous support. On the 31-year-old rapper’s Change of Plans, he recalled KD’s reaction to hearing him rap.
“He was like, “Yo, that’s you rapping? That’s crazy,’” East recalled. “He was like, ‘I got a studio in the crib. Whenever you free and you wanna come out here, I’ll make sure you get out here.’ I was like, I’m free right now.”
Back in April, East held a candlelit vigil for Nipsey Hussle in New York City. The Karma rapper invited grieving fans to honor the life of the late rapper.
“If You In The NYC Area Come Show Cuzo Some Love This Was Really My Friend Fucc Rap!!!!!” East wrote on Instagram. “LOVE U CRIP.”
Watch Dave East confess that he would try out for the NBA below.