Free Association, Sportsnet's Toronto Raptors podcast

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. […]