How is Denny Hamlin Related to the Charlotte Hornets After Being Spotted Laughing With Rapper Nelly at Their NBA Game?

NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin was recently spotted at a Charlotte Hornets game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Hamlin was sitting alongside famous rapper and hip hop artist, Nelly.

During the game, the two friends were seen ‘sharing secrets’ as one of the commentators speculated jokingly.

Hamlin replied to the video on Twitter as he wrote, “Talking bout the track we are gonna build inside this stadium. True story.”

Whether this story is ‘true’, as Hamlin says, remains to be seen. But what’s true though, is that the NASCAR driver and the rapper are great friends who are often seen supporting and hanging out with each other.

During one of Nelly’s concerts in Indianapolis, Hamlin joined his pal on stage. He also posted a photo of the same on his Instagram account. While Hamlin supported Nelly by going up on stage, the rapper supported Hamlin as he wore a t-shirt with Hamlin’s name and a printed photo of his No.11 Toyota Camry.

On another occasion, the rapper posted a video for Hamlin before the Cup Series playoffs last season. In that video, he spoke about Hamlin’s Daytona wins as he proclaimed his friend will make it into the Last 4, which he did.

But hanging out with his friend is only one of the reasons for Hamlin to be at the Hornets game. He has a professional connection to the NBA team.

How are Denny Hamlin and Charlotte Hornets connected?

First of all, yes, Hamlin is a fan and a big supporter of Hornets.

But the other thing is, Charlotte Hornets is owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan. And Jordan is the co-owner and business partner of Denny Hamlin in the 23XI Racing team.

Both Jordan and Hamlin began this venture in 2020. And after only two years, they’ve grown from a one-car team to a two-car team.

The 23XI team has signed veteran Kurt Busch on board, who joins Bubba Wallace for the next season as the team aims to fulfill the big ambitions of its ambitious team owners.

WATCH: Kurt Busch Shares His First Day at His New Team 23XI Racing