Free Association, Sportsnet's Toronto Raptors Podcast

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 […]