Gym Ratz & Jointz

With the CEBL season set to tip off, DG welcomes the CBC broadcast crew of Peter Ruttgaizer and Joe Raso to preview the season and re-live the dramatic Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. How far will Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton take the Suns? The Eastern Finals between Milwaukee and Atlanta are previewed as well. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a 12-hour stretch the NBA Playoffs become more dramatic than ever. Dan Gladman is joined by his University of Virginia classmate Billy Ravenell and producer Dan Wong to discuss Kevin Durant's historic performance in Game 5 against Milwaukee and Joel Embiid's meniscus injury. Then the news breaks about Chris Paul entering Covid protocol and his likely absence from the Western Conference Finals, and Kawhi Leonard's knee injury preventing him from playing Game 5 against Utah. What to make of the rapidly changing storylines of a postseason suddenly becoming unforgettable! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan and Mark look at last night's NBA games, including Damian Lillard's incredible 55-point performance, the dominance of Durant, Harden and Irving and huge injury issues in the Suns-Lakers series. Hebsy drops knowledge on basketball's history in Toronto and talks about his favourite Canadian players of all-time - George Rautins. Not surprisingly, the guys end the show with some memories about the 2019 NBA Finals, and long for the days when they can return to venues to watch live sports, and live music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 2 kicks off with Dan Gladman's interview with Nav Bhatia, original Superfan of the Toronto Raptors, and now a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame. They talk about the championship season, the Damon Stoudamire years and Nav's relationship with Vince Carter and the Carter family. DG recaps last night's games in the NBA Playoffs and introduces The Game I'll Never Forget, reminiscing about the day Toronto won the Eastern Conference championship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 40 episodes of Season 1, Jevohn Shepherd and Andy Rautins say their goodbyes to Dan Gladman and producer Dan Wong in the Break Up episode. The podcast originally started in Wonger's living room, moved to Eggplant Studios, and then to Zoom calls and covered the NBA Bubble, the recent regular season and the rise of Canadian basketball. Today, the guys talk about the Play-In format and preview the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Thank you to Shep and AR, you will be missed. Season 2 starts fresh next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toronto Raptors legend and current-day broadcaster Alvin Williams joins DG, Shep and AR to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the team's first Playoff series win in 2001. Alvin reminisces on the trade from Portland, going to the Eaton Centre with Vince Carter and playing with teammates like Charles Oakley, Antonio Davis, Dell Curry and others. He candidly talks about being a Philly basketball player from Villanova, and how the similarities end there with his good friend Kyle Lowry. He discusses his career transition from basketball and early day encounters at the arena with AR and DG. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DG, AR and Shep look at the topics trending in the NBA this week, starting with injury issues that have the Brooklyn Nets back to square one. Are the injuries to Kevin Durant and James Harden cause for concern, or not? Is 1st in the East the Philadelphia 76ers best path to the NBA Finals? Is Ben Simmons a top flight superstar? The guys then look at Steph Curry's recent torrid play and wonder out loud if he's at yet another career peak. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The guys get to the heart of this week's top basketball stories, assessing how both the Denver Nuggets and the Canadian national team are affected by Jamal Murray's season-ending ACL injury. Is a compressed NBA schedule to blame? On the heels of questioning the Play-in games, Luka Doncic reminds the sport of a certain Legend of old with his miraculous game-winning three-pointer. Jevohn Shepherd and Andy Rautins - the brain trust of the CEBL's Ottawa Blackjacks - recap their first Draft and speak about their new players. Dan Gladman steps back into history with a look back at the start of the Toronto Raptors 2019 championship run. Then the three decide what direction the Raptors should go in now. @gymratzpodcast #TDITRH Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The guys are joined by Amy Audibert to break down Baylor's national championship. The conversation veers into Final Four and March Madness, with the legendary Jalen Suggs winning shot against UCLA put into historical context. A memorable women's Tournament is discussed. Was Stanford the best team? In NBA banter, Jevohn Shepherd excoriates Paul Pierce's Instagram behaviour, Andy Rautins dismisses the New York Knicks' narrow loss to the Brooklyn Nets, and Dan Gladman goes back in Toronto Raptors history. #TDITRH @gymratzpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michigan gets beat in the Elite Eight and Shep mourns the team's exit from March Madness. Andy assesses Gonzaga's chances of finishing the Tournament and the season undefeated. With Paige Bueckers emerging as UConn's latest superstar, the guys reflect on the intellectual and fundamental nature of the women's game. The NBA chat highlights what Noman Powell meant to the Toronto Raptors, and if his presence on the Portland Trail Blazers roster can help lead them to the NBA Finals. DG remembers an epic April Fool's Day game in Toronto. It's jam-packed basketball discussion heading into Final Four Weekend. @gymratzpodcast #TDITRH Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After an unforgettable opening two rounds of March Madness, Shep and AR - friends, brothers, teammates, front office colleagues - face the possibility of their former schools being on track to meet in the NCAA Final. Can the trash talking begin now? Or will Gonzaga and Baylor ruin that party? In the NBA the trade deadline is looming. Are Kyle Lowry and Norman Powell on the move? Then the guys dig into the rare controversy in the Toronto Raptors organization. Pascal Siakam and Nick Nurse aren't getting along. Can the relationship be salvaged? DG chimes in with a special This Date in Toronto Raptors History, I Know, I Was There featuring Michael Jordan. Action-packed basketball chit chat from beginning to end. #TDITRTH @gymratzpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The boyz unleash their Final Four picks but will they pick their alma maters to go all the way? Jevohn and Andy reminisce about their times playing in the NCAA Tournament, and going up against a college basketball legend named Blake Griffin. The NBA talk contains thoughts about the state of the Celtics after their home loss to the Jazz, Dame's 50-and-10 piece and the trade rumours about Norman Powell and the Raptors. Don't miss DG's This Date in Toronto Raptors History, I Know, I Was There, especially if you are a fan of Bismack Biyombo. All ball, all joints. @gymratzpodcast #TDITRH Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shep, AR and DG reform to discuss a compendium of the week's top basketball topics. Shep summarizes Raptors 905's season - on the court and in the broadcast booth. AR sees the Phoenix Suns rising to the top of the class. DG bemoans his Virginia Cavaliers dropping out of the ACC Tournament, and the Big Dance, due to a positive Covid test. Oh the highs and lows. UVA just used a buzzer beater to edge a spunky Syracuse team. The trio also discuss NBA player movement prior to the Trade Deadline. LaMarcus Aldridge and PJ Tucker are up for grabs, but is Kyle Lowry? And don't miss a special edition of This Date in Toronto Raptors History, I Know I was There, as DG remembers Donyell Marshall's three-point barrage 15 years ago. #TDITRH @gymratzpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DG and AR welcome Canadian scout Wes Brown and talk about seven Canadian prospects worth keeping an eye on as March Madness gets closer. Is this the year Gonzaga finally wins the Tournament? The guys then discuss Embiid's MVP performance in the win over Utah, James Harden's first visit back to Houston, and the Raptors' campaign being derailed by a coronavirus outbreak. Andy and Wes then go head-to-head in comparing the top two picks in last year's Draft - Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball. It's a juicy episode of basketball knowledge with an international flavour of This Date in Toronto Raptors History, I Know, I Was There. #TDITRH @gymratzpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Boyz are back with a fast-paced hour of up-to-the minute basketball chatter starting with all the latest All-Star drama. The second half of the NBA Schedule has been released, why isn't Shep looking forward to the Play-In tournament? The Nets are flexing their muscle in the East - is James Harden in the MVP race? Are the Raptors one player away from being back in the title mix? And why are the Celtics plummeting out of a Playoff spot? Out west, AR handicaps the Jazz's Playoff chances while Shep touts the defending champion Lakers. All they need is their guy back. And DG reminisces about a game DeMar DeRozan played many years ago, while applauding his newfound playmaking ability this year. #TDITRH @gymratzpodcast @jevohnshepherd @andyrautins @dgontheroad @danwongsez Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The guys discuss the challenges facing Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets and the Utah Jazz's endless win streak as the NBA nears the halfway mark. Vince Carter's iconic Slam Dunk Victory in 2000 is re-litigated and everyone chimes in on their childhood Syracuse heroes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the NBA G League launching its bubble season in the coming days, DG, Shep and AR welcome Courtney Charles from Raptors 905 to preview his team's prospects and share thoughts about the G League, and basketball's development in Canada. From there, DG reminisces about a memorable Raptors debut. The guys discuss Fred VanVleet's domination of the Orlando Magic, Antetokounmpo's newfound playmaking, the upcoming All Star Game in Atlanta, and Lebron's confrontation with a fan. Also ... Super Bowl picks! Shep and AR have Tampa Bay. DG and producer Dan Wong have the Chiefs! @gymratzpodcast #TDITRH Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shep, AR and DG hit the ground running after the Sixers-Lakers potential NBA Finals preview and the battle of MVP candidates. The guys discuss Shaquille O'Neal's opinion about Donovan Mitchell and Utah's win streak. And what about the Nets Big 3 of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving - will it take time to round into form or are they already there? Do recent victories disprove DG's theories about what's next for the Raptors? And just when the basketball talk seems to be ending, Shep and AR reminisce about some of the great players they faced in their NCAA days. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The fellas are joined by the voice of the WNBA's Washington Mystics, and the G League's Capital City Go-Go, Meghan McPeak, a Canadian living and working in Washington, D.C. during the surreal month of January, 2021. She shares her thoughts of being only blocks away from the insurrection at The Capitol Building on the 6th, and the inauguration of Joe Biden on the 20th. The basketball talk centres around FIBA's sanctioning of Team Canada for missing the AmeriCup and each panelist discusses a Canadian currently making waves in the NBA. @gymratzpodcast @meghanmcpeak @jevohnshepherd @ott_blackjacks @dgontheroad @danwongsez #TDITRH Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shep, AR and DG go to school with ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas who explains what goes into making a player NBA-ready, the value of allowing college athletes to earn money while attending school and why the Indiana model is the only chance for an NCAA Tournament this year. Then the guys shift into NBA mode with differing views on what the Raptors should do next, the impact around the league of the Harden trade and if the Nets can make a championship run with Kyrie Irving's distractions. The show includes This Date in Toronto Raptors History, I Know, I Was There. #TDITRH @gymratzpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Phoenix Suns rising in the Western Conference, there's no one better to chat with than their longtime analyst Eddie Johnson, himself a 17-year NBA veteran. EJ talks truth about the Suns, his own playing career and his transformation into broadcasting. Then, Shep, AR and DG shift gears in Toronto Raptors chatter. What will it take for them to turn it around after a 1-6 start? If roster changes are made will Masai Ujiri eye a Playoff run this year, or blow things up to reset for the future? Our opinions are sure to resonate. @gymratzpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With 2020 mercifully coming to a close, the guys look back at the year that was on the basketball court and beyond. Not just the games themselves but the BLM movement, the player social protests and the tragic death of Kobe Bryant. DG, Shep and Andy discuss their most memorable moments of a year that won't be soon forgotten, and their hopes for the future. And, of course, they assess the early stages of the NBA season. Is anyone playing defence? Are 0-3 starts not a cause for concern? Are the Hawks a Playoff team? Why isn't Nikola Jokic considered an MVP candidate? The hoops chat continues. Happy New Year from everyone at the podcast. @gymratzpodcast #TDITRH Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the clock ticking to the start of the 2020-21 NBA season, the boyz generate their predictions for what is up ahead, while tackling the key storylines on the eve of another year of basketball. Will James Harden last in Houston? Did Giannis Antetokounmpo make the right move? Which LA team will go furthest? And, how do the Toronto/Tampa Raptors fit into a changing landscape in the Eastern Conference? This is the only NBA season preview you need to hear. @gymratzpodcast #TDITRH Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Literally minutes after the announcement that he's joining the CEBL's Ottawa Blackjacks as assistant General Manager, Andy Rautins has to sit in the hot seat on his own podcast, dealing with his new boss Shep and co-host DG. The great stories continue with a firsthand account of the Los Angeles Clippers with their brilliant young radio play-by-play announcer Noah Eagle, who was on the air the day Kobe died, and the day the Clippers lost in the Playoffs to the Nuggets. What was it like interviewing Kawhi Leonard at the All-Star Game? Will the Mafuzzy Chef's show continue in Hollywood? How did Kawhi recruit Serge Ibaka to LA any way? This episode is chockfull of inside details from people living directly within the game of basketball. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Onions, baby, onions. Chuck Swirsky wasn't the first or last voice of the Toronto Raptors, but his passionate and distinct calls of the franchise's early years still resonate with fans to this day. Dan Gladman, Andy Rautins and Jevohn Shepherd all have their connections to Swirsky, and take this opportunity to grill him about his favourite memories of Toronto, how to succeed for five decades in sports broadcasting and what to expect from the Bulls in the upcoming NBA season. From downtown Toronto and downtown Chicago, this podcast is sick, wicked and nasty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Shep being named the new General Manager of the Canadian Elite Basketball League's Ottawa Blackjack, AR and DG take him to task in his first long-form interview since taking the position. He reflects on his career goals in front office basketball as well as looking ahead to the CEBL's plan for success. Shifting back to regular NBA chat, they guys discuss the week's flurry of free agent moves, including Fred VanVleet sticking with Toronto, Bogdan Bogdanovic winding up in Atlanta, Serge Ibaka joining Kawhi Leonard in LA, and the Lakers setting the table for a title defence. This episode is chockfull of up-to-the-minute basketball chatter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Gladman, Andy Rautins and Jevohn Shepherd welcome basketball TV analyst Amy Audibert to the podcast to reminisce about NBA Drafts past, and to break down the televised virtual Draft of 2020. Anthony Edwards was the number-1 pick but is there consensus among the group that it was the right choice? The gang discuss how Klay Thompson's season-ending Achilles injury will affect the Golden State Warriors, and their Draft pick James Wiseman. The Toronto Raptors' Draft treasure is discussed. And the Milwaukee Bucks wily trades are assessed on the eve of free agency. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the next NBA season apparently just around the corner, Dan Gladman, Andy Rautins and Jevohn Shepherd dive into re-start concerns, teams' overall readiness for the December 1 training camp open, and the brief free agency period that is coming soon. The guys discuss Fred VanVleet's lucrative options, Dan drops the first edition of This Date In Toronto Raptors History, Shep creates controversy, and Andy speculates about DeMar DeRozan's next move. @gyratzpodcast #TDITRH Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jevohn Shepherd, Andy Rautins and Dan Gladman welcome Robert Sacre to the podcast. The former Laker talks about his years as Kobe Bryant's teammate, including that one time he had to tell Kobe to eff off. Sacre also talks about his years playing in the NCAA for Gonzaga, professionally in Japan and forcing Shep to room with him during his national team days. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Halloween and the US election closing in, Dan Gladman, Jevohn Shepherd and Andy Rautins welcome Charlotte Hornets assistant coach Nathaniel Mitchell to the podcast. They discuss Coach Mitchell's early morning player workouts, moments with his boss Michael Jordan, prospects for the Canadian National team and the brilliant coaching minds he has been influenced by. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Gladman, Jevohn Shepherd and Andy Rautins welcome the radio voice of the Toronto Raptors, Paul Jones, to discuss the latest news in the NBA, particularly coaching changes placing Nate Bjorkgren in Indiana, Doc Rivers in Philadelphia and Tyronn Lue with the LA Clippers. Jonesy discusses Bjorkgren's prospects while Shep raises the question of Allen Iverson's lack of inclusion on an NBA bench. The chat gets more personal as all four men reminisce about their shared experiences working in various eras and aspects of professional basketball. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Rautins - along with Jevohn Shepherd and Dan Gladman - welcomes his former New York Knicks teammate Landry Fields to the show. Now the Assistant General Manager of the Atlanta Hawks, Fields joins the cast to talk about the conclusion of the NBA Finals, Rondo's veteran savvy and Lebron's historic brilliance. He talks about what it was like to guard Lebron and shares stories of life in the NBA with Andy, his years with the Toronto Raptors, an injury that derailed his playing career and his entry into basketball executive life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Gladman, Jevohn Shepherd and Andy Rautins are joined by Sacramento Kings assistant coach Roy Rana to discuss the Lakers' command of the NBA Finals, Rajon Rondo's important contributions and Anthony Davis's dominant Game 4 defence. Coach Rana exchanges barbs with Shep over the defunct Toronto high school rivalry between West Hill and Eastern Commerce, and rues the day when Andy turned him down for Canadian nation team service. Roy reflects on the challenges of the Canadian college basketball system asserting itself, and the first time he sat on an NBA bench ... in Mumbai, India. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Gladman, Jevohn Shepherd and Andy Rautins are joined by Canadian broadcasting luminary Sherman Hamilton to preview the NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat. Alpha dogs LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Jimmy Butler are discussed at length, as well as their key running mates Rajon Rondo, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. The recent dismissal of coach Doc Rivers is assessed for its fairness, or lack thereof. And then the guys explore their own interpersonal relationships through the national basketball program and Canada's sports broadcasting landscape. A few technical issues off the top, please excuse...all become very clear after a couple minutes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Canadian national team players Jevohn Shepherd and Andy Rautins, along with award-winning sports producer Dan Gladman, break down the NBA's conference Finals, discussing the Lakers' real MVP, Jamal Murray's ascent to all-Bubble team and his future chances to become the GCOAT (Greatest Canadian Of All Time). Additionally the guys discuss the undeniable Kentucky connections among the last teams standing in the NBA Playoffs. Could Tyler Herro and the Miami Heat win it all? Thoughts on the league's annual coaching carousel round out the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the NBA Playoffs flying by in the Bubble in Orlando, Dan, Shep and Andy assess the chances of the final four teams remaining. Can the Nuggets win another series? Do Lebron and the Lakers have too much? Can the Celtics get over their infighting and douse the Heat? Is Jimmy Butler even the best player on his team? And of course with the Raptors and Clippers gone fishin', the guys break down what went wrong and whether those teams need to blow it all up. Here's all the basketball chat you need for the weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Gladman, Andy Rautins and Jevohn Shepherd break down the first six games of the unforgettable Raptors-Celtics series, then look ahead to Game 7. They discuss the will and skill of Kyle Lowry and Boston's crunch-time miscues. Then they consider Giannis Antetokounmpo's future and react to Stephen A. Smith's reaction to the Steve Nash head coaching hire in Brooklyn. And what would March Madness look like if all 350 NCAA Division 1 teams are included? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The boyz join once again to wrap the first round of the Playoffs, featuring the amazing performance of Jamal Murray and the Nuggets. Shep, Andy and DG discuss their personal associations with Denver's fiery coach Mike Malone. They dive deep into the Boston-Toronto series and decide once and for all if Pascal Siakam is built to be a championship team's number 1. The BLM protest is revisited and the East's scary new beast Miami is broken down. The Butler didn't do it, the Gym Ratz and Jointz crew did! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy, Shep and DG were recording a podcast and looking ahead to the Eastern Conference semifinal between the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors. Celtics assistant coach Scott Morrison joined them for some chat about his team and life as a Canadian coach in the NBA. But as the conversation continued, some news dropped - the Milwaukee Bucks would protest the police shooting of Jacob Blake, and not play their scheduled game against the Orlando Magic. The guys offer their first, genuine and emotional responses to a day the NBA won't soon forget. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leo Rautins is synonymous with basketball in Canada. A first round draft pick in the NBA in the '80s, a former player and coach on the national team, and a legendary broadcaster, Leo has left an indelible imprint on the lives of his son Andy Rautins, his former player Jevohn Shepherd, and on Dan Gladman, his colleague for more than 20 years. This national treasure sits down for an hour with the Gym Ratz & Jointz trio to discuss the NBA Playoffs, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Dallas Mavericks, the truth about Masai Ujiri's run-in with Oakland police, and a life in the game that can't be touched. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Canadian Elite Basketball Summer Series completed, Dan Gladman, Jevohn Shepherd and Andy Rautins ponder the success of the domestic league, and quiz its Commissioner Mike Morreale about the challenges of pulling it off in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as future plans for professional ball in Canada. Then, with the NBA Playoffs only hours away, the trio dives deep into some of the bigger questions, including Damian Lillard's awesome offensive arsenal, the young Suns emergence, how good can Shai Gilgeous-Alexander be and the beast of the East - the Toronto Raptors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NBA bubble and the Canadian Elite Basketball League are one week in. Dan Gladman, Jevohn Shepherd and Andy Rautins get into the topics that have highlighted both North American leagues as the world looks on in wonder. Should other sports take notice of their safety measures? Why are injuries piling up to stars in the NBA? Gregg Popovich's memorable comments about Black Lives Matter. Why are the experts underrating the Raptors again? Who's got the West? Could Xavier Moon play in the NBA? And what would the fellas choose as their team's intro music? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Fellas hit their first Pod and introduce themselves...Hosted by Andy Rautins, Jevohn Shepherd, Dan GladmanVO Talent - Jeff ColeProduced by Dan WongNBA - the bubble - - Social messaging on players jerseysWhat are your picks? - Eastern ConferenceWho will play in Olympic Qualifier next year?NBA player involvement on national team - Nick Nurse influenceWill Canada ever emerge? How can Canada get better? Is there a program to model after? CEBL - How do you like Elam Ending?TSN and Sportsnet call out by commissioner Mike Morreale - was he right? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.