Free Association: Recent Episodes
Sportsnet
If there is a podcasting odd couple, this might be it. Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis don’t agree on much, but what you’ll agree on is this is the best Toronto Raptors podcast going.
The L.A. Lakers are NBA champions. JD and Donnovan kick things off discussing whether a fourth title for LeBron James impacts the G.O.A.T. debate and his podium comments, offering their insights on some of his choice words he had. The they then look toward next season. Which teams project to challenge for the Larry OB? […]
JD and Donnovan preview the NBA Finals, LeBron’s 10th appearance. They kick things off contextualizing LeBron’s legacy and why we may be taking King James for granted before discussing reasons to be impressed by the Miami Heat and how much this team mirrors the 2019 Raptors championship team. The boys finish things off with their […]
JD and Donnovan start things off discussing why the conference finals have become harder to watch as a Raptors fan and what could have been had Kawhi stayed in Toronto. Then they break down what the future may hold for Masai Ujiri, including why it’s not out of the realm of possibility that he moves […]
With the Raptors’ season over, JD and Donnovan wrap the campaign and answer some burning questions. First, the elephant in the room: Pascal Siakam’s sub-par playoff run. Will he ever be a No. 1 option on a championship team, and will his struggles actually help him develop into a better player? Then they discuss the […]
Donnovan and JD react to the Raptors’ double-overtime, Game 6 victory over the Celtics. They discuss Kyle Lowry’s heroism, “Playoff Powell” showing up, the two-way play of OG Anunoby and Nick Nurse going small. Then they look ahead to Game 7 and have a fun debate over what Lowry’s Scotiabank Arena statue will look like. […]
Donnovan and JD react to the Raptors’ Game 2 loss to the Celtics, discussing their emotions on the heels of a blistering fourth quarter from Marcus Smart, whose five consecutive three-pointers were reminiscent of Stephen Curry. They then talk about Pascal Siakam’s miscast role in crunch-time, disappearing acts by Norman Powell and Marc Gasol, and […]
Donnovan is joined by Yasmin Duale of Dishes & Dimes and Raptors in-arena voice Mark “Strizzzy” Strong to discuss the boycotts across sports in support of Black Lives Matter, living as a Black person in 2020 and what they’d like to see from leagues and people to help usher in real societal change. For more […]
The Raptors are through to Round 2 with their first-ever series sweep after dropping 150 points on the Nets in Game 4. Next up: the Celtics, who are coming off a convincing sweep of the 76ers themselves. Donnovan and JD preview the series. What does a potential Kyle Lowry injury mean to Toronto’s fortunes? Should […]
JD is joined by Vivek Jacob — in for the vacationing Donnovan — to react to the Raptors’ Game 1 victory over the Nets. They also discuss Pascal Siaikm’s future as a No. 1 option on offence and Fred VanVleet’s performance in a contract year before potentially jinxing everything by looking ahead to Round 2. […]
With meaningful seeding games in the Raptors’ rear-view mirror, JD and Donnovan grade Toronto’s performance in the bubble to date and discuss how turnover woes contrast with stalwart defensive chemistry. Then it’s question time: Which team in the East poses the biggest threat to the Raps? Not surprisingly, the guys disagree. Then — breaking news! […]
JD and Donnovan break down the Raptors’ stellar performance against the Lakers and grind-it-out win versus Heat, with praise for Kyle Lowry, OG Anunoby and Fred VanVleet. Then they discuss the team’s progressiveness, the professionalism of Chris Paul and why contending teams may end up wishing they had made the move to acquire Paul’s services. […]
JD and Donnovan kick things off discussing the look, feel and sounds of NBA scrimmage broadcasts and how the Raptors have looked in their first two exhibition games, including fitness levels and some praise for the marked improvements made by X-factor OG Anunoby. Then they revisit the importance of the No. 2 seed in the […]
JD and Donnovan begin talking about candles. (Yes, you read that correctly.) thanks the gifts Drake left for the Raptors in the NBA bubble, and — to the surprise of no one — Donnovan reveals he has a candle guy. The boys then fan a different flame featuring some fun Raptors talk around a Nick […]
JD and Donnovan open the pod asking: Would the 2019 Duke Blue Devils beat the bubble iteration of the Brooklyn Nets? Then they discuss early complaints from players in Orlando before detailing reports of players not taking the bubble seriously enough and why in Florida — the current hottest of hot spots in the U.S. […]
The NBA has announced approved social-justice messaging on the back of jerseys and JD and Donnovan begin with a discussion of whether the idea truly captures the meaning of the protest movement. They also speak to limitations and debate where the various lines will be drawn concerning the approval of custom messaging. The protocols in […]
The NBA has finalized its return-to-play schedule and JD and Donnovan begin with a discussion of the long road travelled, praising the role LeBron James played in the process and his off-court impact. Then they debate whether the extended break helps or hurts the Raptors’ chances. Donnovan outlines why Toronto will benefit from the AAU-style […]
JD and Donnovan discuss the latest concerning the NBA’s return with thousands of new COVID-19 cases on the books in Florida. Players have to report by June 24, so should so many teams have been included or would jumping right into the playoffs have been better? They also debate which personnel should actually be in […]
JD and Donnovan talk about the weekend’s developments in which Kyrie Irving and others voiced their concerns over the NBA returning during the current socio-political climate and how a healthy league can empower player voices for years to come. The also discuss the precedent that a return-to-play decision will set and debate the fate of […]
It’s official… the NBA is back! JD and Donnovan offer up their opinions on the format to end the 2020 season and the level of play they expect to see in Orlando when games resume July 31. They also talk about the fountain of youth Marc Gasol seems to have fallen into, and why the […]
This episode, JD and Donnovan focus on something much more important than sports — social justice. They discuss marginalized communities being mistreated in the U.S. and Canada, and protests that have erupted in cities across North America in recent days. They then offer their perspectives on what it truly means to be an ally during […]
JD and Donnovan kick things off discussing options on the table around the NBA’s return as reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania. They play armchair commissioner, addressing how a single-site — say, Orlando/Disney World — would eliminate home-court advantage and offer some rather creative solutions. They close things out debating whether there will be an […]
The last episode of “The Last Dance” is out and Donnovan and JD are all over it. Where do Reggie Miller and Karl Malone stand in the pantheon of NBA greats? Could the Bulls could have won a seventh title in nine years had the roster been kept together? JD’s got a take on Dennis […]
JD and Donnovan kick things off discussing what they learned from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s weekend conference call and place a bet on the league’s return date as (some) teams slowly ease back into holding practices. Then they dive into Episodes 7 and 8 of The Last Dance, including Gary Payton guarding Michael Jordan, MJ’s […]
JD and Donnovan unravel Episodes 5 and 6 of “The Last Dance,” dissecting the relationship between Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, media coverage of Jordan’s gambling, his stance on social justice, his Nike deal and more. This episode is recorded and sound designed by Michael Mayers and hosted Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis. Audio Credits: NBA, 1987 […]
JD and Donnovan deconstruct Episodes 3 and 4 of The Last Dance, breaking down the narrative focussing on Dennis Rodman and Phil Jackson. JD also rattles off some rapid-fire questions and takeaways, spurring a spirited discussion comparing player animosity today to that of the ’90s. Plus, how the doc is inspiring current players to get […]
Warning: This episode includes some kinda, sorta spoilers. If you’re in Canada, you probably haven’t seen any of The Last Dance yet, but basketball fans in the U.S. have, and so have Donnovan and Faizal Khamisa. They’ve got you covered with a discussion of the first two episodes. They also spend some time on the […]
Donnovan steers the ship solo, kicking things off by breaking down the Chinese Basketball Association’s attempts to get back on the court. He details its timeline of events, and what lessons the NBA can take while it looks to get its own season back on track. He then sits down with Raptors alumni Jerome “Junk […]
Listen to Sports On Pause at https://sprtsnt.ca/3e7nTAZ or search and subscribe in your podcatcher. COVID-19 is impacting the world unlike anything we’ve seen in 100 years, and sports has not escaped its effects. The newest podcast from Sportsnet features hosts Richard Deitsch and Donnovan Bennett in conversation with athletes and executives, health professionals and journalists […]
JD and Donnovan are joined by Bleacher Report’s Howard Beck to discuss Vince Carter’s legacy in Toronto and the NBA as a whole, and how Beck’s life has been impacted on both the personal and professional levels during the pandemic. This episode is recorded and sound designed by Michael Mayers, and hosted JD Bunkis and […]
Good news loyal Associates… after three weeks, JD and Donnovan are reunited. They explore how the traditional sports-entertainment landscape may experience a permanent shift, debate Donnovan’s Top-5 all-time NBA players and share their thoughts on re-watching the 2019 Raptors playoffs run. They also catch up with speaker, author, illustrator and WNBA and Canada Basketball player […]
Donnovan is joined by Faizal Khamisa and Danielle Michaud. They discuss the world’s current reality, what they’ve been doing while physically distancing and their favourite basketball movies. This episode was recorded by Amil Delic, sound designed by Michael Mayers, and hosted and produced by Donnovan Bennett. Audio Credits: MTV Films, Paramount Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox and Warner Brothers. Looking […]
Michael Grange joins Donnovan Bennett to discuss possibilities for the NBA’s return, what a world without sports means for society and what this pause means for the Raptors. Plus, Ryan Ruocco of the YES Network, ESPN, DAZN and the R2C2 podcast chats with Donnovan about calling the last NBA game before the NBA shut down, […]
JD and Donnovan assess the impact of losing Norman Powell to injury for the third time this season. The boys then discuss Nick Nurse’s affection for Patrick McCaw, wondering if he is the right guy to have soaked up Powell’s minutes. Finally, they analyze the pros and cons of Atlanta Hawks CEO Steve Koonin’s idea […]
JD and Donnovan discuss the Raptors’ fortunes since the All-Star break, breaking down Pascal Siakam’s recent struggles and OG Anunoby regaining his early season form as the team’s X-Factor. They then debate whether Toronto should look to the buyout market for more three-point shooting ahead of a hoped-for playoffs showdown with the Milwaukee Bucks. All […]
JD and Donnovan deconstruct Tuesday’s loss to Milwaukee and the brewing rivalry between the Eastern Conference contenders. They also break down Toronto’s key contributors this season and what their performances to date could mean for the team’s playoff fortunes. That and more, including a special feature by Maria St. Aubin on Kyle Lowry, whose jersey […]
JD and guest co-host Vivek Jacob discus the reformatted “Elam Ending” to the NBA All-Star Game. Did it breathe new life into the contest? And what else did they like (or not) about the weekend? They also forecast the second half of the Raptors’ season — reminding everyone that the schedule is anything but easy. This episode […]
JD and Donnovan kick things off discussing the Raptors’ organizational makeup and culture, the long road going from a have-not to a have and how Kyle Lowry has been the team’s “perfect leader.” Then they get granular, talking about the win streak, how Terence Davis impacted the trade deadline, the buyout market and more. This […]
JD and Donnovan discuss the news out of New York and the Knicks’ apparent pursuit of Masai Ujiri, why the current iteration of the team is the best it can be and what to expect ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline. That and much more. (This episode was recorded Tuesday, prior to the release of the New […]
A day after the basketball world was shaken to its core, JD and Donnovan discuss what Kobe meant to them, the chapters of his career, the generation he inspired, his impact off the court and more. This episode is produced and sound designed by Amil Delic, and hosted by Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis. Audio […]
Is this the norm for Norm? Donnovan and JD dial down on the new level Powell has reached and highlight other top Raptors storylines from the first half of the season. They also run down their All-Star picks and discuss the importance of finishing No. 2 in the East. This episode is produced and sound […]
Vivek Jacob of Raptors Republic subs in for Donnovan this episode. He and JD discuss how Fred VanVleet should be used when he returns and whether he’ll be back in Toronto next season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise to stardom and what it means for Canada this summer, and how Norm Powell has changed the conversation about his […]
Donnovan and JD discuss what the absence of Pascal Siakam means most to the Raptors, the off-season market at the centre position and why Toronto should re-sign Serge Ibaka. Plus, some 2020 Raptors resolutions (JD is looking at you, Nick Nurse) and how they’ll remember former NBA Commissioner David Stern. This episode is produced and […]
Donnovan and JD are joined by Raptors 2019 second-rounder Dewan Hernandez to talk about his relationship with Kyle Lowry, patterning his game after Pascal Siakam, adjusting to winter weather and picking up Canadian slang. Donnovan then chats with the host and senior producer of 30 for 30 Podcasts, Jody Avirgan. They discuss the latest season, the […]
Donnovan and JD share their most memorable moment from the past 10 years in basketball, debate their Raptors all-decade team and discuss what is most important in maintaining a positive perception when a superstar leaves your franchise after winning a title. This episode is produced and edited by Amil Delic, and hosted by Donnovan Bennett […]
Donnovan and JD discuss Kawhi’s return to Toronto, his ring ceremony and a couple of other side presentations for Lou Williams and Mfiondu Kabengele (but not Patrick Patterson). This episode is produced and sound designed by Amil Delic, and hosted by Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis. Audio Credits: ESPN and Sportsnet. Free Association is also […]
Kawhi Leonard returns to Toronto Wednesday with the Clippers. Donnovan and JD debate the reception he’ll receive, whether he made the right basketball decision and their favourite Kawhi moments with the Raptors. They also discuss the Knicks’ apparent wooing of Masai Ujiri and an impressive run of games by Norman Powell. This episode is produced […]
Where would Pascal Siakam be picked in a 2016 NBA Draft do-over? Is he the best bet a team has made since Giannis Antetokounmpo? And where does he rank overall in the NBA? Donnovan and JD talk Spicy P (4:00), Fred VanVleet as one of the top undrafted free agents ever (15:00) and what the […]
JD and Donnovan discuss the Raptor-76ers game, how it was bigger for Toronto than the Lakers win and Pascal Siakam’s growth this season. Then they hypothesize on what would have happened if “The Shot” hadn’t gone down last spring and weigh in on the proposed schedule and playoff format changes. This episode is produced and […]
JD and Donnovan discuss whether the veterans are taking up too many minutes and usage, if Fred VanVleet should continue to start when Kyle Lowry returns (giving Kyle more rest) and the growth of OG Anunoby. They also talk about whether Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright and CJ Miles should have received championship rings, and if […]
The Raptors went .500 on their road trip through Los Angeles with a defeat of the LeBron and the Lakers, and a loss to Kawhi and the Clippers. JD and Donnovan highlight some positives — aggressive defence on Leonard and impressive bench play in the face of injuries — and discuss whether it’s worth making […]
Donnovan and JD discuss Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 2021 free agency, why the Raptors will be as good a fit as any team and how they could woo him to Toronto. The guys also rank the NBA’s best duos and are joined by Muggsy Bogues to talk about his “best Raptor of all-time” and the GoDaddy Curse. […]
Donnovan and JD discuss the Raptors through the first week of the season, whether OG Anunoby is the team’s best defender and if there’s a true bench unit. Plus, the guys debate the 25 greatest Raptors of all-time (as seen on sportsnet.ca) and if the Golden State Warriors are a playoff team. This episode is […]
After a summer of change for the Raptors, Donnovan and JD kick-off the campaign by recapping opening night, discussing the fanbase’s expectations for the team, Pascal Siakam as the new No. 1 and whether Fred VanVleet can be a true No. 2. They also look around the NBA and answer a few burning questions, including: […]
During the wee hours of Saturday morning, news broke that the Los Angeles Clippers had signed Kawhi Leonard and traded for Paul George. Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis are shocked! They discuss the moves and what this all means for the Raptors. They also examine scenarios surrounding what it would have taken to keep Kawhi […]
Donnovan and JD discuss a wild weekend in NBA free agency and its impact on the Raptors. And while the league awaits Kawhi’s decision, the guys debate his options. They also answer a number of questions: Are the Nets the new kings of New York and should the Knicks have been a bigger player in […]
The Toronto Raptors are your 2019 NBA Champions. JD Bunkis and guest co-host Faizal Khamisa reflect on a night they will never forget and discuss the scenes in Toronto following the Raptors Game 6 victory in the NBA Finals. They also touch on why Masai Ujiri was the most important piece to this puzzle, the […]
The Raptors are one win away from their first NBA championship, and Kawhi Leonard is playing like vintage Michael Jordan. Donnovan and JD jump into the studio for a quick reaction episode off Game 4. This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan, and hosted by Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis. Audio Credits: […]
The Raptors beat the Warriors and go up 2-1 in the NBA Finals. Donnovan and JD break down how Toronto took advantage of Golden State’s injuries, Kyle Lowry’s aggressiveness, Serge Ibaka’s defensive play, the Raps coming out strong in the third quarter and how we’re now seeing the importance of load management throughout the season. […]
Donnovan and JD dissect Game 2 of the Finals. What the Raptors didn’t do to stop Golden State’s third quarter run, Boogie Cousins’ impact on the game, injuries that continue to hamper the Warriors and if the Raptors have found their “Curry stopper.” They also discuss adjustments the Warriors made on defence to stop the […]
Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis preview the key match-ups going into the NBA Finals, Golden State’s weaknesses, how Nick Nurse will play Marc Gasol and if Danny Green will find his stroke again. Also, Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle joins the podcast to break things down from a Golden State perspective, including the […]
History has been made in Toronto. The Raptors take Game 6 over the Bucks to win the Eastern Conference crown and advance to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis dive into the series win and what it means to Canadian fans. This episode is produced and […]
The Raptors take Game 5 to lead the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals, leaving them one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance. Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis dig down on what got them to this point and their chances of taking it to the next level. This episode is produced and […]
The Raptors tie up the Eastern Conference Finals against the Bucks thanks to a little help from their bench, but where do they go from here? Also, Joseph Casciaro joins the show to discuss Kyle Lowry’s place among the Raptors’ all-time greats. This episode is produced and sound engineered by Christian Ryan, and hosted by […]
From the bench to coaching and everything in between, Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis dive into the Raptors’ Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 loss to the Bucks to pinpoint where it all went wrong for the North. They also discuss the NBA Lottery, and just what surprises Zion Williamson might have in store for draft […]
Donnovan Bennett is joined by Howard Beck (Sr. NBA writer at Bleacher Report) to discuss his latest piece on Kawhi Leonard and preview the Bucks-Raptors series. Also, Simu Liu (actor/writer/producer) of Kim’s Convenience talks about his Game 7 experience, friendship with Jeremy Lin and becoming the first Canadian ambassador for Old Spice. This episode is […]
Arden Zwelling and Danielle Michaud were on site at the Scotiabank Arena to witness Kawhi Leonard’s buzzer beater, albeit in different capacities. They joined JD Bunkis and Donnovan Bennett to discuss the Toronto Raptors’ Game 7 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. This episode is produced by Amil Delic, sound engineered by Christian Ryan, and hosted […]
Donnovan Bennett, Jesse Rubinoff and Tyler Ennis break down what went wrong for Toronto in game 6 against the 76ers, how an awakened Ben Simmons made a difference and what it could mean for the Raptors if they lose game 7. Then the guys question if the Houston Rockets can finally get past the Durant-less […]
Donnovan Bennett, Steven Loung and JD Bunkis break down the Raptors game 5 victory against the 76ers, discuss Marc Gasol’s confidence and Joel Embiid’s impact on the series. Then, Donnovan and JD assess the performances of Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam, and wonder if Ben Simmons will ever work with the process. This episode is […]
Tyler Ennis played two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2016-2018. He joins Donnovan Bennett along with Arden Zwelling and Jesse Rubinoff to discuss the unprecedented level Kawhi Leonard is playing at and why American broadcasters continue to label the Raptors and Canada Basketball soft. This episode is produced and sound engineered by Amil […]
Donnovan Bennett, Joseph Casciaro and JD Bunkis break down what went wrong for the Raptors against the 76ers in game 3, possible solutions to their offensive struggles and Nick Nurse’s rotation. This episode is produced and sound engineered by Amil Delic, and hosted by Donnovan Bennett. Audio Credits: ESPN, Sportsnet, The FAN 590 and WPEN. […]
Donnovan Bennett, Jesse Rubinoff and Arden Zwelling break down what went right for the Raptors against the Magic in Round 1 and preview what’s to come against the 76ers. This episode is produced by Amil Delic, sound engineered by Christian Ryan and hosted by Donnovan Bennett. Audio Credits: NBC Sports Philadelphia, Sportsnet, Sportsnet 590 the […]
Donnovan Bennett and Tyler Ennis discuss the value of Kawhi Leonard, the bench contribution and minimizing the rotation. They also debate if Russell Westbrook should change his approach with the media and how social media can play a factor in a professional athlete’s psyche. This episode is produced and sound engineered by Amil Delic, and […]
Arden Zwelling and Joseph Casciaro have covered the Toronto Raptors extensively during their six straight playoff runs. After being in the Scotiabank Arena for the Raptors game one loss to the Orlando Magic they joined Donnovan Bennett to discuss if they are still confident this team is better equipped for playoff success, Nick Nurse’s rotation […]
Tyler Ennis played two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2016-2018. He joins Donnovan to discuss the turmoil around the Lakers after Magic Johnson’s resignation and if the Toronto Raptors are better equipped for playoff success than ever before. Then Jesse Rubinoff, Danielle Michaud and Faizal Khamisa sit in to talk about the Raptors […]
Tyler Ennis played a single season for Syracuse and then entered the NBA draft, where he was picked 18th overall in 2014. He joins Donnovan to discuss the decision-making process that makes one-and-done players like Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett. The pair also break down how the first round of the playoffs is looking for […]
Donnovan Bennett and Tyler Ennis discuss the Toronto Raptors playing small ball, the opening rounds of the NCAA tournament and the debate around paying collegiate athletes. Then, the Globe and Mail’s Rachel Brady is in studio. She talks about the differences between covering the 2018-19 Raptors versus previous years and the state of female athletics […]
Donnovan Bennett is joined by Tyler Ennis to discuss the Toronto Raptors rotation, the NCAA tournament selection process and Canada’s tough FIBA World Cup draw. Two-time Olympian and Raptors 905 assistant coach Tamara Tatham then joins to discuss her ascension as a female basketball player in Canada. This episode is produced and sound engineered by […]
Donnovan Bennett is joined by Seerat Sohi to discuss what success looks like for the Toronto Raptors, how the Los Angeles Lakers keep failing in free agency and what the altercations with Serge Ibaka on the court and Russell Westbrook with a fan means for the league going forward. This episode is produced and sound […]
Donnovan and Tyler dial down on how Raptors coach Nick Nurse is experimenting with Marc Gasol’s usage and its impact on Serge Ibaka. They also look around the NBA and discuss the relationship between players and referees, off-court distractions, why the Nuggets will be a tough out in the West and the fate of LeBron […]
Donnovan and Tyler discuss the highs and lows of NBA All-Star weekend in Charlotte and how it compared to Toronto 2016- including Tyler’s memories of the Players Association meetings he attended- as well as DeMar DeRozan’s emotional return to Toronto. They also debate the implications of Zion Williamson’s exploding shoe for his NCAA career and […]
First it was Marc Gasol, now it’s Jeremy Lin. Donnovan is joined by podcast Bench Mob members Danielle Michaud and Jesse Rubinoff to break down what Linsanity will mean for the Raptors and how Gasol’s impact is already evident. The three also debate what the Starting 5 should look like, discuss further buyout-market options to […]
Donnovan and Tyler run down a busy trade-deadline for the Toronto Raptors and discuss what the addition of Marc Gasol will mean for the team and putting them over the top in the Eastern Conference. Tyler, who’s been traded twice on deadline day, also talks about the human element of the day and what it’s […]
Donnovan and Tyler discuss whether James Harden is the best offensive player ever and how the Raptors can control him and others who have roasted them, like Kyrie Irving, Steph Curry and, now, Luka Doncic. They also talk about the possibility of Anthony Davis to Toronto and how the team has been playing a ton […]
Tyler Ennis knows the value of rest and he’s back with Donnovan to discuss why it’s so important for Kawhi Leonard — it’s not just physical. Also, who can the Raptors trade to bolster the roster? What would a guy like Bradley Beal mean to the team? And who the real All-Star Game starters should […]
Tim Micallef joins Donnovan Bennett to discuss Kyrie Irving’s comments following Boston’s win against the Raptors, the meaning of a true leader in today’s NBA and the thirst for attention. They also wonder if the Raps have the right nucleus to win a championship, Kyle’s passive play and what to do with C.J. Miles. This […]
As we pass the midway point of the NBA season, Donnovan Bennett and Faizal Khamisa grade the Raptors starters, bench and head coach Nick Nurse. They also discuss the differences in Kawhi’s Raptors versus Kyle’s Raptors, if LeBron really is the G.O.A.T. and the toughest game of the year. Plus, Fred VanVleet stops by the […]
Two important pieces to Canada’s national men’s team, Assistant GM Rowan Barrett and point guard Tyler Ennis join Donnovan. Barrett discusses the challenges Canada had to overcome in putting together a competitive squad for World Cup qualifying and Ennis talks about his career, the differences between European basketball and the NBA and his thoughts on […]
Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis discuss what the Philadelphia 76ers trade for Jimmy Butler means for the Toronto Raptors and the future landscape of the Eastern Conference. This episode was produced by Amil Delic. Audio Credits: CSN Philadelphia, ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Southwest, Paper Tiger, Sportsnet and WDBO. The views and opinions expressed in this […]
Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis discuss how the Raptors can’t seem to stop winning, with or without Kawhi Leonard, and how the team has been overly cautious with their superstar’s health. They discuss how the rest of the team sans Kawhi has been gelling nicely, and that even though Serge Ibaka is playing like a […]
Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis debate who has been the Raptors’ early season MVP and where Kyle Lowry ranks among point guards in the Eastern Conference. They also discuss the contributions of both Serge Ibaka and Jonas Valanciunas, the sinking ship in Cleveland, the off-court drama in Washington and the always entertaining Golden State Warriors. […]
The Raptors are off to a blistering start, so Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis discuss how the additions of Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green have transformed the rotation, and how they have allowed Serge and JV to thrive with less pressure. The guys also break down Raptors vs. Celtics in the East, analyze the wild […]
Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis give you their (very specific) Toronto Raptors over/unders and actually agree on who they think will be the team’s third best player this season. Plus, the guys debate which NBA team will be filled with drama, the squad that will surprise us and the team to watch this season. This […]
Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis wonder if Kawhi Leonard is ready to take ownership of a team and what role Kyle Lowry might play if this is the case. The guys also discuss a different coaching style that’s been implemented by Nick Nurse, Kawhi’s health and video games on the road. This episode was produced […]
Donnovan and JD try to assess the Raptors’ first pre-season game and answer listener questions around landing Jimmy Butler, who will start, the Celtics and how things will change under Nick Nurse. And, yes, Kawhi Leonard can become the first MVP in Raptors history (if he stays healthy). This episode was produced by Amil Delic. […]
Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis question the importance of Media Day (4:50) and discuss Kawhi Leonard’s message to the fans including his future plans in Toronto (9:20). They also break down the Jimmy Butler situation in Minnesota (23:30) and assemble a few potential trade packages the Raptors could offer for Butler (31:20). [Produced by Shoaib […]
Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis get together on another offseason episode, and kick things off by reviewing Kawhi Leonard’s first public statement since the trade (9:37), and also tackle the addition of Greg Monroe to the bench mob (23:48). Later on, they make some picks regarding the biggest Eastern Conference threats to the Raptors (40:19), […]
The Raptors make a big offseason move, which convenes Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis for some immediate reactions. First, Donnovan is shocked at the reactions on social media (2:43), and the pair discuss how this impacts the family unit of the team (14:20). After, they discuss whether or not this was a coup for Masai […]
Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis catch up on a busy start to free agency, including the Warriors once again upsetting the balance of the NBA by signing DeMarcus Cousins (5:38) and how that upstaged both LeBron James signing with the Lakers (16:49) & Paul George re-upping with the Thunder (22:05). They also tackle Fred VanVleet’s […]
Just days before the 2018 NBA Draft, Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis discuss the Raptors potentially being in on Kentucky’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2:43), and JD proposes a few theoretical Toronto trade scenarios to Donnovan, including ones with the Los Angeles Clippers (19:22), Charlotte Hornets (26:02), Cleveland Cavaliers (28:45), Memphis Grizzlies (32:44), and the Dallas Mavericks […]
Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis get you caught up with the Raptors’ head coaching search (4:40), and comment on Jerry Stackhouse’s position within the franchise if he’s not to be the new coach (21:01). They also tackle Bryan Colangelo’s ‘burner’ accounts on Twitter (29:45), and briefly break down Kevin Durant’s place in the NBA (43:14).