Locked On Raptors - Daily Podcast On The Toronto Raptors

In Episode 1488, Sean Woodley is joined by Vivek Jacob (Raptors.com, Sportsnet) to talk about the Toronto Raptors' 112-99 win over the Sacramento Kings in Vancouver to open up the preseason on Sunday. Off the top, Sean and Vivek run through their biggest takeaways from the game. Vivek liked the early returns on the Raptors' starting unit and the clear uptick in ball movement. While Sean, while enjoying the increase in ball-movement and intentionality, feels like the core challenge for the Raptors offense this season -- beating switching defenses -- was very much in display. Things could look similar to how they looked last year in terms of offensive process, but that doesn't mean it can't be better and more aesthetically pleasing. Next, Sean and Vivek each share one major overreaction to the preseason opener, both having to do with the Toronto Raptors' starting lineup. Lastly, they run through the Good, the Bad and the Hmmmmmm from the first preseason game. Raptors basketball is back, weeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

Come hang out with all sorts of Raptors sickos just like you in the Locked On Raptors Discord! https://discord.gg/mS8e94kv

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In Episode 1487, Sean Woodley is joined by Chelsea Leite (Raptors HQ) to react to the news that Toronto will not be getting a WNBA expansion team any time soon as the Toronto Raptors ownership conglomerate MLSE reportedly has balked at the $50 million expansion fee to bring the league north of the border, per Doug Smith of the Toronto Star. Sean and Chelsea chat about how disappointing this news is for a city that is absolutely ready to support a WNBA franchise, and has an ownership group with more than enough resources to invest in the league, even if it might take some time to see the return on that investment. Is something rotten at MLSE? How could it bleed into their stewardship of the Raptors? And what does MLSE's dismissiveness of women's sports mean in the big picture? Plus, a round of What's More Likely with a WNBA lean, as well as some talk about the most likely outcomes for the Pascal Siakam contract situation.

Come join our Discord server to be part of ourd growing community of Locked On Raptors listeners! https://discord.gg/7FPYDYsU

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In Episode 1486, Sean Woodley is joined by Samson Folk (Raptors Republic) to discuss what to expect from the Toronto Raptors on the defensive side of the ball this upcoming NBA season with new head coach Darko Rajakovic taking the reins. Off the top, Sean and Samson discuss the changes they'd like to see, and the changes they'd expect to see as the team transitions out of the Nick Nurse era, and whether or not some of the changes we're likely to see this season already began to creep into the Raptors' defensive stylings after the Jakob Poeltl trade last season. Next, Sean and Samson chat about Scottie Barnes' role in the defense, where his overzealousness has let him down as a defender in the past, and what kind of role might be in store for him on the defensive end this season. Plus, is Gary Trent Jr. going to be a liability? Lastly, Sean and Samson chat about the relationship between the Raptors defense and offense. They likely won't be the steals merchants they've been in recent seasons under Nurse, but could a renewed focus on defensive rebounding and a commitment to running off misses give the Raptors enough transition juice to balance out what still figures to be a bottom-half half court offense?

Join our Discord server and come hang with Locked On Raptors listeners just like you! https://discord.gg/4SSQdpCX

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Gametime

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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In Episode 1485, Sean Woodley goes solo to discuss what might need to happen for the Toronto Raptors to overachieve compared to their preseason expectations going into the new NBA season. Building off the argument made by John Hollinger Tuesday at The Athletic about the Raptors being one of the teams he most expects to overachieve compared to their Vegas win projection in 2023-24, Sean details why the pure talent is certainly on hand for the Raptors to do just that, even if the fit between their top players is a major question. How can that poor fit be overcome? Sean gets into how the team's extra depth and added shooting (though it'd still be nice to have more), along with some pet combinations of players could help the Raptors be more versatile in the ways in which they try to win games, and help make the team in something greater than the sum of its parts. Lastly, Sean discusses how a more conservative style of defense that accentuates the individual defensive talent that the roster is loaded with, along with some needed strides from Scottie Barnes and to a lesser extent Gary Trent Jr., could have the Raptors defense sitting among the very best in the league, raising the team's floor substantially.

Be sure to join our growing listener community on Discord before the new season tips off! https://discord.gg/RdXCVAGm

Ibotta

Ibotta gives you cash back on hundreds of grocery items from produce to personal care to pantry goods, so you can make sure you’re beating inflation no matter what you’re purchasing! Go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code locked. 

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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In Episode 1484, Sean Woodley goes solo to answer questions about the Toronto Raptors and Masai Ujiri on the heels of Media Day on Monday. Off the top, Sean fields a question about whether or not the Toronto Raptors are capable of functioning like a normal franchise anymore, if their commitment to being ahead of the curve or outside the box has gotten them to a point where traditionally easy decisions and choices are not longer so rote. Next, a listener asks about whether it's time for there to be some heat on the seat of Masai Ujiri, and whether a fresh set of eyes would be preferred to help guide the Raptors through the big decisions that loom over the Raptors heading into the next year or so. Plus, do we get too quick to judge front offices? And is the answer to both those questions a simple: maybe?! Lastly, Sean runs through some questions about selfishness, areas of the team that most need fixing, and whacky lineups the Raptors can test out with no Christian Koloko available to soak up reserve big man minutes.

Come hang out in our growing listener community over on the Locked On Raptors Discord! https://discord.gg/bnXS4u7r

Ibotta

Ibotta gives you cash back on hundreds of grocery items from produce to personal care to pantry goods, so you can make sure you’re beating inflation no matter what you’re purchasing! Go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code locked. 

Gametime

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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In Episode 1483, Sean Woodley is joined by Vivek Jacob to break down everything that came out of Toronto Raptors Media Day, with extra attention paid Masai Ujiri, Pascal Siakam and Darko Rajakovic's press conferences. Off the top, Sean and Vivek dissect the bizarre and uncomortable pressers of Ujiri and Siakam, and the state of limbo the team still seems to be stuck in as it pertains to their best player. Next, they chat about some of the more exciting notes of Darko Rajakovic's presser, digging into the promise of a 10-man rotation being in use this season, as well as the way in which is seems like multiple players are going to get shots to run the offense, with Scottie Barnes seemingly not being pigeon-holed into the traditional point guard role. Lastly, Sean and Vivek run through rapid fire thoughts on Christian Koloko, who is out indefinitely with ongoing respiratory issues, and Scottie Barnes, who spoke about his improved conditioning and added muscle mass, if that's the type of thing that excites you on Media Day.

Be sure to join our growing listener community over on Discord! https://discord.gg/XgQuVACq

Ibotta

Ibotta gives you cash back on hundreds of grocery items from produce to personal care to pantry goods, so you can make sure you’re beating inflation no matter what you’re purchasing! Go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code locked. 

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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In Episode 1482, Sean Woodley is joined by Jamar Hinds (Raptors Republic) to react to Damian Lillard getting traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-teamer with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Phoenix Suns, and where that leaves the Toronto Raptors after they were reportedly very much in the running for the 7-time All-NBA point guard. Off the top, Sean and Jamar share their initial reactions to the reporting on how the trade went down. Ultimately, this doesn't quite feel like a case where the Raptors balked at a readily available deal, and more like a loss of an honest bidding war to a Bucks team whose package the Blazers simply valued more. Still, that doesn't excuse Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster for the corner they've painted themselves into as a franchise going forward. Next, they chat about where this leaves the team with Lillard not coming in to revitalize the offense and define the team's direction. In particular, they dive into the troubling reporting from Michael Grange about the team still not being sure about where they stand with their best player, Pascal Siakam, and are still in wait-and-see mode when it comes to whether or not they will commit to their 2-time All-NBA forward. Lastly, Sean and Jamar discuss what this means for Scottie Barnes, who now stands as one of the last remaining vehicles by which the Raptors can be lifted out of their state of purgatory. If he's really That Dude in Year 3, then a lot of the Raptors problems become less problematic. But is it unfair to heap that level of pressure and responsibility onto Barnes, especially considering how ill-fitting the roster around him seems to be?

Come join in the ongoing Dame convo in the Locked On Raptors Discord! https://discord.gg/YTw4MEXF

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In Episode 1481, Sean Woodley is joined by Erik García Gundersen of Blazer Banter to chat about the onging Damian Lillard trade saga from the perspective of the Portland Trail Blazers, and whether the Toronto Raptors have the type of trade package on offer that might satisfy what Portland is looking for in exhange for the 7-time All NBA guard. Off the top, Sean and Erik dig into the Portland end of the summer's most dragged out NBA storyline, how Portland got to this point, and what the franchise's motivations are as they seek to grant Lillard his request for a trade. Next, Sean and Erik dig into some of the misconceptions or just downright wrong things being said about Dame as a player, including the idea that he's an injury risk, that he's a non-winning player, and that he won't report to Toronto if dealt to the Raptors, all of which are pretty easy to dispel. Lastly, Sean and Erik attempt to predict how this all ends up going down. Will the Raptors put O.G. Anunoby on the table and complete a deal? Will the Miami Heat re-enter the conversation? And could the Blazers actually let this thing drag into the start of the season?

Be sure to join our growing listener community on Discord to chat with sickos just like you about Damian Lillard, the upcoming season and more! https://discord.gg/VGhApHU3

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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In Episode 1480, Sean Woodley goes solo to lay out some of the arguments in favour of the Toronto Raptors pushing in to acquire Damian Lillard in a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers after yet another day full of rumors and reports tying the Raps to the disgruntled star point guard. Off the top, Sean digs into the statistical argument for Lillard being exactly what the Raptors need, from his decade-long history of driving Top-10 offenses, to his incredible play tracking data in pick and rolls and isolation, to the shooting and playmaking ejection he'd bring to a spacing and creation starved roster and more. Next, Sean examines how putting Lillard alongisde Scottie Barnes could actually be an accelerant to Barnes' development as an all-encompassing star, diverting the playmaking responsibility Scottie is currently slated to have to one of the best point guards of his generation, and freeing Scottie up to gradually develop into the all around star he certainly has the potential to be. Lastly, Sean digs into why Lillard is worth it from a competition standpoint. No, a Lillard trade will not make the Raptors a flawless inner circle contender. But in a parity-driven league that has no perfect squad, giving the team a real puncher's chance at winning the East is more than enough justification to pull off a move that while imperfect, would drastically improve the Raptors' organizational position.

Come talk more about Dame in the Locked On Raptors Discord! https://discord.gg/VGhApHU3

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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In Episode 1479, Sean Woodley goes solo to break down the latest reports surrounding the Toronto Raptors and their believed interest in trading for Damian Lillard of the Portlan Trail Blazers. Off the top, Sean and Vivek dig into the details of the latest reports from Jake Fischer, Marc Stein and others, and whether they think the Raptors are right to be pursuing Lillard, or if it's a bit of a wrong guy / wrong time situation for a Raptors team stuck at a strange crossroads. Next, Sean and Vivek dig into what the ideal cost would be for the Raptors to pay Portland in exchange for Lillard, while being enough to outbid the Miami Heat. A Pascal Siakam-centered deal feels like a non-starter, but what about moves that feature either Scottie Barnes or O.G. Anunoby as the major outgoing pieces? Which leaves the Raptors with a better roster to surround Lillard with? And how does the inclusion of Barnes or Anunoby affect the future pick outlay that might be going to Portland in the deal as well? Lastly, they chat about the downsides of a move for Dame, who reportedly would "make it ugly" if he were deal to Toronto -- is that as transparent a bluff as it seems -- as well as the significant upside a team built around Lillard and Siakam would have. Definitely not done talking about this story this week!

Continue the conversation by joining our growing listener community over on Discord! https://discord.gg/VGhApHU3

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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