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 Credi ..read more

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/N ..read more

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 a ..read more

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. O ..read more

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 ..read more

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 Mayer ..read more

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 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 ..read 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 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 s ..read more

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 ..read more

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 opin ..read more