
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 York Times’ “On Basketball” newsletter by Marc Stein addressing the Knicks’ pursuit of Ujiri.)



This episode is produced and sound designed by Shoaib Alli and Michael Mayers, and hosted by Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis.



Audio Credits: Uninterrupted, CBC



Free Association is also on YouTube. Watch it here. This episode our video producer is Anthony Caminiti.



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.

“Losing Masai would be losing a piece of yourself”

If there is a podcasting odd couple, this might be it. Donnovan Bennett and JD Bunkis don’t agree on much, but what you’ll agree on is this is the best Toronto Raptors podcast going.

Sports

Basketball


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 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.

The King Reclaims His Throne


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/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.

Can The Heat Compete?


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 and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Masai Ujiri’s Future


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. 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 necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Wrapping The Raptors’ Season


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 necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

“Losing Masai would be losing a piece of yourself”

Download our free app to listen on your phone