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? Where do the Raptors fit into that conversation? And did we just see our last NBA game without fans in attendance? This episode is produced and edited by Michael Mayers and hosted by JD Bunkis and Donnovan Bennett. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone. Audio Credits: YouTube.com/NBA The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

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? Where do the Raptors fit into that conversation? And did we just see our last NBA game without fans in attendance? This episode is produced and edited by Michael Mayers and hosted by JD Bunkis and Donnovan Bennett. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone. Audio Credits: <a href="http://YouTube.com/NBA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube.com/NBA</a> The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

The King Reclaims His Throne

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 Finals predictions — you’re definitely going to want to hear how the debate plays out. This episode is produced and edited by Michael Mayers and hosted by JD Bunkis and Donnovan Bennett. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone. Audio Credits: YouTube.com/NBA The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

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 Finals predictions — you’re definitely going to want to hear how the debate plays out. This episode is produced and edited by Michael Mayers and hosted by JD Bunkis and Donnovan Bennett. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone. Audio Credits: <a href="http://YouTube.com/NBA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube.com/NBA</a> The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Can The Heat Compete?

Masai Ujiri

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 on from the Raptors organization or even basketball entirely. This episode is produced and edited by Michael Mayers and hosted by JD Bunkis and Donnovan Bennett. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

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 on from the Raptors organization or even basketball entirely. This episode is produced and edited by Michael Mayers and hosted by JD Bunkis and Donnovan Bennett. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Masai Ujiri’s Future

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 salary cap and how Toronto can use its money wisely to retain Fred VanVleet in what should be an interesting free-agency period. This podcast is produced and edited by Michael Mayers and hosted by JD Bunkis and Donnovan Bennett. Free Association is also on YouTube. Watch it here. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone. Audio Credits: YouTube.com/NBA The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

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 salary cap and how Toronto can use its money wisely to retain Fred VanVleet in what should be an interesting free-agency period. This podcast is produced and edited by Michael Mayers and hosted by JD Bunkis and Donnovan Bennett. Free Association is also on YouTube. Watch it here. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone. Audio Credits: <a href="http://YouTube.com/NBA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube.com/NBA</a> The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Wrapping The Raptors’ Season

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. This podcast is produced and edited by Michael Mayers and hosted by JD Bunkis and Donnovan Bennett. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone.  Audio Credits: YouTube.com/NBA The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

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. This podcast is produced and edited by Michael Mayers and hosted by JD Bunkis and Donnovan Bennett. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone. Audio Credits: <a href="http://YouTube.com/NBA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube.com/NBA</a> The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Raptors-Celtics Game 7 Preview

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 how much of a factor Kyle Lowry’s bad ankle truly is.  Finally… some positives, namely OG Anunoby’s stellar play and some much-deserved love for Kitchener, Ontario’s finest: Jamal Murray. Free Association is produced and sound designed by Michael Mayers, and hosted by Donnovan Bennet and JD Bunkis. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone. You can also watch the episode here. Audio Credits: YouTube.com/NBA The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

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 how much of a factor Kyle Lowry’s bad ankle truly is. Finally… some positives, namely OG Anunoby’s stellar play and some much-deserved love for Kitchener, Ontario’s finest: Jamal Murray. Free Association is produced and sound designed by Michael Mayers, and hosted by Donnovan Bennet and JD Bunkis. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone. You can also <a href="https://youtu.be/7R_efb97naI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">watch the episode here</a>. Audio Credits: <a href="http://YouTube.com/NBA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube.com/NBA</a> The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Down 2-0, Where Do The Raptors Go From Here?

Donnovan is joined by Yasmin Duale of Dishes &amp; 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 from Yasmin, you can also check out her blog, The Neon Playbook. And you can listen to Strizzzy weekday mornings on G98.7 FM.  Free Association is produced and sound designed by Michael Mayers. This episode is hosted by Donnovan Bennet and Yasmin Duale. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone. Audio Credits: YouTube.com/NBAonTNT The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Donnovan is joined by <a href="https://twitter.com/carmelohdrama?lang=en" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Yasmin Duale </a>of <a href="https://twitter.com/dishesdimespod" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dishes &amp; Dimes</a> and Raptors in-arena voice Mark “<a href="https://twitter.com/strizzzy" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Strizzzy</a>” 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 from Yasmin, you can also check out her blog, <a href="https://theneonplaybook.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Neon Playbook</a>. And you can listen to Strizzzy weekday mornings on <a href="http://g987fm.com/mark-jem-in-the-morning/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">G98.7 FM</a>. Free Association is produced and sound designed by Michael Mayers. This episode is hosted by Donnovan Bennet and Yasmin Duale. Our video and social media producer is Mike Tassone. Audio Credits: <a href="http://YouTube.com/NBAonTNT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube.com/NBAonTNT</a> The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

A Special Discussion About Being Black in 2020

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 Serge Ibaka should start over Marc Gasol? Will the Raps floor a jumbo lineup featuring both big men? All of that and more. Plus, looking around the NBA, they also discuss who they’d rather have for the next 10 years: Luka Doncic or Giannis Antetokounmpo. This podcast is produced and sound designed by Michael Mayers, and hosted by Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis. Audio Credits: YouTube.com/NBA The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

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 Serge Ibaka should start over Marc Gasol? Will the Raps floor a jumbo lineup featuring both big men? All of that and more. Plus, looking around the NBA, they also discuss who they’d rather have for the next 10 years: Luka Doncic or Giannis Antetokounmpo. This podcast is produced and sound designed by Michael Mayers, and hosted by Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis. Audio Credits: <a href="http://YouTube.com/NBA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube.com/NBA</a> The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Raptors-Celtics Series Preview

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. This episode is produced and edited by Michael Mayers and hosted by JD Bunkis and Vivek Jacob. Audio Credits: YouTube.com/NBA The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

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. This episode is produced and edited by Michael Mayers and hosted by JD Bunkis and Vivek Jacob. Audio Credits: <a href="http://YouTube.com/NBA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube.com/NBA</a> The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

A Game 1 In The Books

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! The NBA will hand out awards for the seeding portion of the Orlando restart. Some strong takes ensue.  This episode is produced and edited by Michael Mayers and hosted by Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis. Audio credits: YouTube.com/NBA The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

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! The NBA will hand out awards for the seeding portion of the Orlando restart. Some strong takes ensue. This episode is produced and edited by Michael Mayers and hosted by Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis. Audio credits: <a href="http://YouTube.com/NBA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube.com/NBA</a> The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Who Should The Raptors Fear Most In The East?

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.

This used to be a 5-star podcast. Bunkiss was the energetic optimist to Bennett’s sober minded skeptic. 

Now Bennett has to play the energy guy to Ennis’s cardboard personality and presence.

With the occasional exception- Bennett and a guest or with panel of other Sportsnet pundits- this show has become a bit of slog to get through.

Taken a step backwards

So maybe they deserve 2.5 because I do enjoy the podcast. Probably my fave Raptors podcast.... but if you don&#39;t release episodes I can&#39;t give it 5 stars can I? Honestly I originally put 5. Downgraded because of 1. Lack of new episodes 2. Lately it sorta seems like you guys aren&#39;t so into basketball. Feels like yallas don&#39;t really care about the team - which is cool and all but - I can&#39;t give five stars to a show without passion for the North 🤷🏻‍♂️
I guess it was fun while it lasted

Um.... is this podcast canceled?

Free Association

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 […]

July 18: Raptors reel in Kawhi Leonard, deal DeMar DeRozan

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 […]

Nov. 20: Should The Raptors Just Go Young?

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 […]

July 6: Bye Bye, Kawhi. Now What, Raptors?

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 […]

May 26: NBA Finals, meet the North

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 […]

June 14: Your NBA Champions, The Toronto Raptors

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 […]

Feb. 7: On Your Marc, Get Set, Go!

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 […]

Jan. 11: The Raptors Midterm Report Card

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 […]

Oct. 16: New Season. Different Team. Our Predictions.

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 […]

May 13: Game. Series. Kawhi.

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 […]

March 5: Centre Of Attention

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) &amp; Paul George re-upping with the Thunder (22:05). They also tackle Fred VanVleet’s […]

July 3: Free Agency Fallout

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, […]

We’re Living Through A History Lesson

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 […]

Dec. 12: One Ring To Rule Them All

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 […]

“Losing Masai would be losing a piece of yourself”

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 […]

May 28: We The North Meets Dub Nation

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 […]

Jan. 29: How To Control Raptors Killers

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. […]

May 3: Who will help Kawhi defeat the 76ers?

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 […]

Dec. 18: Who Makes Your Raptors All-Decade Team?

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 […]

Feb. 26: If The Shoe Fits…

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 […]

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