Locked On Raptors - Daily Podcast On The Toronto Raptors

In Episode 1478, Sean Woodley goes solo to continue a look into the most important swing skill for each member of the Toronto Raptors going into 2023-24 with a look at Pascal Siakam, O.G. Anunoby and Jakob Poeltl. Off the top, Sean digs into Siakam's catch-and-shoot three-point shooting and why it might be the single most important swing skill on the roster, as it directly relates to the growth of Toronto's most important player, Scottie Barnes. Next, Sean takes a look at Anunoby's handle, why it's a clear swing skill for him, and why it's one Sean would prefer he not really even try to improve considering how effective Anunoby is as an off-ball play finisher, and how poor lyhis on-ball creation attempts have gone throughout his career. Lastly, Sean digs into the very established Jakob Poeltl, who kind of is who he is, but could make the Raptors' lives a lot easier late in games if he can continue to improve his free-throw shooting.

Be sure to join the show's growing listener community over on Discord! https://discord.gg/VGhApHU3

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In Episode 1477, Sean Woodley goes solo to kick off a series of shows looking at the most important swing skills for each member of the Toronto Raptors going into the 2023-24 NBA season, beginning with Scottie Barnes, Precious Achiuwa and Gary Trent Jr. Off the top, Sean digs into why Scottie Barnes' mid-range game simply has to bounce back after a notable dip in his second season. His perimeter defense and three-point shooting are things to work on, for sure, but without a pull-up from the mid-range, superstar status figures to be nearly impossible to reach for the Raptors' most important player going forward. Next, Sean takes a look at Precious Achiuwa's spot-up game, and why his three-and-D wing future hinge on his ability to bridge the gap between catching on the perimeter, and scoring either with a long-range bomb or a decisive, mistake-free drive to the rim -- a place where he scored with great efficiency last season. Lastly, Sean looks at Gary Trent Jr.'s individual on-ball defense, and why that part of his game will need to come a long way if he is to play himself in Toronto's long-term plans. How will he affect possessions if he's not asked to play as a gambling agent of chaos like he was under Nick Nurse. Plus, quick thoughts on Christian Koloko's finishing around the rim, and Gradey Dick's off-ball play to close out a look at the most important young players on the Raptors roster.

Come and join our growing community on Discord and talk Raptors with sickos and freaks just like you: https://discord.gg/VGhApHU3

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In Episode 1476, Sean Woodley is joined by Chelsea Leite (Raptors HQ) to chat about the latest rumours tying the Toronto Raptors to the ongoing Damian Lillard trade request saga before running through the Toronto Raptors players they're most excited to watch in 2023-24. Off the top, they address Matt Moore's reporting from Locked On NBA on the Raptors being one of the teams in the Damian Lillard mix. How much do we buy it? Is there a deal that could make some sense? Or are the Blazers using mystery teams like the Raptors to leverage the most they can from the Miami Heat? Next, Sean and Chelsea dig into the Toronto Raptors players they're most excited to watch this season, beginning of course with Scottie Barnes as their shared top choice. They examine what's at stake for Scottie in Year 3, how far he can take this roster if in fact he does take a leap, and much more. Next, Chelsea outlines why Gradey Dick and Gary Trent Jr. are two of the players she's most intrigued by this season, while Sean rounds out his Top-3 with Precious Achiuwa and Christian Koloko.

Be sure to join our growing listener community ahead of the new season over on Discord! It's free, unlike that other website is going to be: https://discord.gg/bG9ERhrk

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 1475, Sean Woodley goes solo to field some questions from, the listeners, about the upcoming Toronto Raptors season. Off the top, Sean digs into quite a conundrum: would it be better for the Raptors to finish near the bottom of the league and keep their top-6 protected pick from the Jakob Poeltl trade, or have their pick fall at 7th and sent to San Antonio? Sean thinks the answer is pretty clear. Next, Sean runs through the roster and discusses some of the players he thinks might have trouble adapting to Darko Rajakovic's offensive style of play, as well as players on the team who might thrive playing a move ball and player movement-heavy style of basketball. Lastly, Sean digs into what a successful season might look like for Raptors rookies Gradey Dick and Markquis Nowell, as well as whether the Raptors' should consider an all-in push to capitalize on a wobbly Eastern Conference.

To get your questions answered on a future mailbag, join the Locked On Raptors Discord server and become part of our growing listener community: https://discord.gg/bG9ERhrk

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 1474, Sean Woodley and Vivek Jacob (Raptors.com) kick off the show's return to daily episodes with a temperature check on the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Pascal Siakam's future with the Toronto Raptors, and discuss what Bogdan Bogdanovic becoming trade eligible over the weekend might mean for any potential trade talks between the Raptors and the Atlanta Hawks. Off the top, Sean and Vivek dig into the current situation around Siakam, whether they think the Raptors need to accept a trade of Siakam -- even if they lose it on a talent basis -- in the interest of declaring a direction for the franchise and kickstarting the Scottie Barnes era. Next, Sean pitches Vivek on a deal that would send Siakam and Otto Porter Jr. to Atlanta in exchange for Bogdanovic, De'Andre Hunter, AJ Griffin and a 2024 Kings first round pick (Top-14 protected). Is that deal enough for the Raptors to move on from their best player? How would Bogdanovic fit alongside Scottie Barnes? And are the Raptors right to push for Kobe Bufkin's inclusion? Lastly, they examine the state of the team if in fact Siakam does not get moved between now and the start of the season, and how the O.G. Anunoby extension situation could play into it all. We're back to a daily schedule, and isn't it great that we're still talking about the same thing we were two months ago?

Be sure to join the conversation in our ever-growing Discord community! https://discord.gg/bG9ERhrk

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 1473, Sean Woodley is joined by Jamar Hinds (Raptors Republic) to assess three different What's More Likely scenarios regarding the Toronto Raptors this upcoming season. Off the top, they chat about Pascal Siakam's future following the latest reporting from Michael Scotto on the talks between the Atlanta Hawks and Raptors about a Siakam swap, and whether it's more like that Siakam has played his last game for Toronto, or that he will play 300+ more games in a Raptors uniform. Next, Sean and Jamar discuss whether it;s more likely that the Raptors will finish with a Top-6 record in the Eastern Conference, or a Bottom-6 record in the NBA in 2023-24. Lastly, they examine whether Darko Rajakovic is more likely to win Coach of the Year in his first season with Toronto than Nick Nurse is to win the award with the disaster show that is the Philadelphia 76ers.

Come hang out with Locked On Raptors listeners just like you in our growing Discord community! https://discord.gg/bG9ERhrk

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 1472, Sean Woodley is joined by Vivek Jacob (Raptors.com) to discuss the Toronto Raptors' starting lineup options going into the 2023-24 season. Off the top, they discuss both of their preferred starting lineup choice: Scottie Barnes, Gary Trent Jr., O.G. Anunoby, Pascal Siakam and Jakob Poeltl, and why prioritizing Scottie Barnes' development, to them, needs to be the leading factor in which ever decision head coach Darko Rajakovic makes. Next, they examine the possibility of swapping Trent Jr. out for new signing and FIBA World Cup MVP Dennis Schröder, and discuss some of the pros (extra ball-handling, defense) and cons (a dire lack of shooting and spacing) of what a Barnes-Schröder-Anunoby-Siakam-Poeltl lineup might be. Lastly, Sean and Vivek discuss some deeper bench candidates to potentially carve out a starting role on the team this season. Could Jalen McDaniels get on a three-point heater and work himself into the starting lineup plans? What about Otto Porter Jr.? All that and more on today's show!

Be sure to join our growing listener community over on Discord! https://discord.gg/tGUtu3Nb

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 1471, Sean Woodley is joined by Alex Adams (Raptors Republic) to put a bow on Team Canada's impressive run to the bronze medal at the FIBA World Cup and look ahead to the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Off the top, they chat about the thrilling victory over Team USA to secure the first medal in Canada's World Cup history, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's arrival as one of the world's very best players, and why this medal is a win for all of Canada basketball from the top down. Next, they chat about Raptors guard Dennis Schroder winning tournament MVP, and some of Alex's stories from his time covering Canada during the group stage in Jakarta, Indonesia. Lastly, Sean and Alex run through the Canadian World Cup roster and determine who will be on the Olympic roster when the Paris games roll around in 11 months time.

Check out Alex's interviews with Bruno Caboclo and Sergio Scariolo mentioned on today's episode, and read all of Alex's work from the World Cup over at Raptors Republic! https://x.com/AlexAdamsBTP/status/1697003082108854311?s=20

Be sure to join the growing Locked On Raptors listener community over on Discord! https://discord.gg/tGUtu3Nb

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 1470, Sean Woodley is joined by Nick Angstadt (Locked On Mavs) for a little crossover episode to react to Canada's 100-89 win over Luka Dončić and Slovenia in the quarterfinals of the FIBA World Cup, setting up a semifinal matchup between Canada and Serbia on Friday. Off the top, Sean and Nick discuss Luka's ejection and incessant complaining, and the biggest reasons why Canada was able to pull away in the second half after a super close and entertaining opening 20 minutes. Next, Sean and Nick dig into some of the tactical elements of the game, from Canada going super small, to Slovenia losing the plot in the third quarter as Canada's athelticism and transition attack took over. Lastly, they dig into what's next on deck for Canada in their tilt with Serbia, whether Dončić will play out the string as Slovenia goes into the consolation pool -- with no shot to secure a spot in the 2024 Olympics having suffered the loss, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looking like the front runner for tournament MVP and more!

Come and join our Locked On Raptors Discord server and be part of our growing listener community. Sean will be up at 4:45 on Friday to watch Canada; come join him! https://discord.gg/tGUtu3Nb

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 1469, Sean Woodley is joined by Joe Wolfond (The Score, Pound the Rock) to discuss why Toronto Raptors point forward Scottie Barnes figures to be one of the most interesting players in the NBA in 2023-24. Off the top (2:00), Sean and Joe dig into what exactly makes Barnes such an interesting player, and why the Raptors' future direction is so tied up in his what his growth in year three will look like. Can he overcome a team context that might not be very conducive to his development as a traditional point guard? And how much of his disappointing 2022-23 season can be put on Barnes himself as opposed to the faulty roster construction and team chemistry. Next (13:13), Sean and Joe dig into the reasons for concern surrounding the Barnes lead guard experiment, and the numerous steps forward in a handful of areas he will need to take in order to thrive within an offensive system that figures to be shooting and spacing starved once again. Lastly (29:089), Sean and Joe close out on an optimistic note, and discuss some of the reasons to truly believe in a Barnes breakout being on deck this season, from his visionary passing, to the possibility of a Pascal Siakam three-point resurgence, to the many flashes of a game-alterting forcefulness from over the course of his first to seasons that hint at someone talented enough to overcome a tricky team context on talent alone. Plus, could we see Barnes tap into his substantial defensive upside this season?

Be sure to check out Joe's piece on Barnes over at the Score: https://www.thescore.com/nba/news/2700886

And come hang out with our growing community of Locked On Raptors listeners over on Discord! https://discord.gg/WswK3jDk

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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