Best On The 3rd Floor Podcasts (2025)

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Why this season will tell the true quality of the Toronto Raptors 2024 draft | Do Walter, Shead, Mogbo & Battle have the goods? 34:34

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3d ago34:34

34:34

The Toronto Raptors crop of rookies in 2024 was one of the feel-good stories of the season last year, but can Ja'Kobe Walter, Jamal Shead, Jamison Battle and Jonathan Mogbo hang as the team looks to be more competitive this season? In Episode 1932, Sean Woodley goes solo to outline what's at stake for each of Toronto's soon-to-be-sophomores, and wh…

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Success for the Toronto Raptors this season = how many wins? | Potential pitfalls of this team build? | Mailbag! 32:14

4d ago32:14

32:14

How many wins would the Toronto Raptors need to win to qualify this coming season as a success as the team looks to move out of its rebuild? In Episode 1931, Sean Woodley goes solo to field a bunch of mailbag questions from you, the listeners! Off the top, Sean digs into what it would take for the Raptors to turn this coming season into a success, …

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Gradey Dick has a LOT to gain and plenty to lose in a pivotal 3rd season 33:47

5d ago33:47

33:47

Toronto Raptors third-year guard Gradey Dick has a lot to gain from a good season in 2025-26, and plenty to lose as well. In Episode 1930, Sean Woodley and Vivek Jacob chat about their lasting impression of Dick's up and down second year in the NBA last season, why the first half of his year is probably more telling of his true ability than his inj…

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Embracing Tech in Retail: Parag Shah of Think Blue on AI, E-Commerce & Customer Experience 42:38

3d ago42:38

42:38

What does it take to transform legacy retail systems into future-ready strategies—without losing sight of what matters most? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Parag Shah, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of Think Blue, to explore his journey from grocery store aisles to executive boardrooms—and now to reimaginin…

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Moving Forward: David & Kim Hershey’s Journey of Faith, Family, and Resilience 58:23

3d ago58:23

58:23

In this inspiring episode of the Star 3rd Ward Podcast, we sit down with David and Kim Hershey to hear the remarkable story of how two very different paths came together in a journey filled with love, laughter, and faith. From a blind date that almost didn’t happen to the challenges of military life, raising five children, and experiencing both hea…

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Is RJ Barrett the odd man out for the Toronto Raptors? Plus, the return of SUMMER VACATION WATCH w/ Katie Heindl 39:33

9d ago39:33

39:33

The Toronto Raptors have reportedly made RJ Barrett's camp aware that he could be involved in trade discussions head into the new NBA season -- is it the right call for the team to explore trading the local-born fan favourite? In Episode 1929, Sean Woodley and Katie Heindl chat about Jake Fischer's latest reporting on Toronto's buying intentions an…

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The Toronto Raptors have a TOP-4 ceiling in the East, but their floor could be pretty grim | Will the team click? w/ James Herbert 36:12

11d ago36:12

36:12

The Toronto Raptors have a higher ceiling than most national media types seem to think is possible, but there's absolutely some disaster potential here as well. In Episode 1928, Sean Woodley and James Herbert (CBS Sports) talk about the ceiling, floor and median outcomes for the wild card Raptors going into the 2025-26 NBA season. Off the top, Sean…

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The Longshot Award Winners Draft! Which Toronto Raptors could take home MAJOR hardward this season? w/ Vivek Jacob 34:37

12d ago34:37

34:37

The Toronto Raptors aren't the first team you'd think of when it comes to major awards contenders this coming NBA season -- but that doesn't mean we can't talk some award winning into existence! In Episode 1927, Sean Woodley and Vivek Jacob (Raptors in 7) play a classic Stupid Little Game and draft their best longshot awards bets for Toronto Raptor…

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BREAKING: Bobby Webster is still the GM of the Toronto Raptors; team won't hire president, Rogers is in charge now 30:59

13d ago30:59

30:59

The Toronto Raptors announced on Monday that Bobby Webster will remain as the team's General Manager and will head up basketball operations as the team will not be hiring a new Team President after all. In Episode 1926, Sean Woodley digs into the strange run of decision-making up top that very much makes it clear that Keith Pelley, Ed Rogers and th…

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The the Toronto Raptors have TOO MANY dudes that need minutes? | 'Shoulda Been a Raptor' All-Time Starting 5 | Mailbag! 35:49

16d ago35:49

35:49

The Toronto Raptors have a lot of guys who are gonna need minutes this year -- do they have too many?! In Episode 1925, Sean Woodley goes solo to field a whole bunch of mailbag questions from you, the listeners! Off the top, Sean plays the 240 Minute Game and tries to lay out how the Raptors' minutes distribution will shake out up and down the rost…

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Why the 2025-26 Toronto Raptors will go as Immanuel Quickley goes w/ Es Baraheni 37:27

18d ago37:27

37:27

He's not the best player on the Toronto Raptors, but there's a strong case to be made that Immanuel Quickley is the most important player to the Toronto Raptors' success this coming year. In Episode 1924, Sean Woodley and Es Baraheni (The Athletic NBA Daily, Raptors Republic, CEBL) to talk about Quickley's importance to the Raptors and why he's in …

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Darko Rajaković: On the hot seat, OR a COY Candidate? | Ochai Agbaji: Extension OR Trade?! w/ Vivek Jacob 33:18

18d ago33:18

33:18

Is Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković more likely to be a Coach of the Year finalist, OR to get fired before Christmas? In Episode 1923, Sean Woodley and Vivek Jacob play a few rounds of everyone's favourite Locked On Raptors Stupid Little Game: What's More Likely?! Off the top, they talk about whether Rajaković ahead of his third season on…

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Navigating Corporate Politics & Building Executive Presence: How to Climb the Corporate Ladder with Andrea Wasserman of The Executive Express 45:50

16d ago45:50

45:50

Do you feel like you’re excelling in your role but can’t really figure out how to crack the code to get to that next level? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Andrea Wasserman, Executive Coach and Founder of The Executive Express, whose career spans leadership roles at Nordstrom, Yahoo, Verizon, and more in VP and C…

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The case for Toronto Raptors pessimism in 2025-26 & why it's wrong! w/ THE VILLAIN Matt Moore 39:50

24d ago39:50

39:50

The Toronto Raptors have a shot to be pretty good in 2025-26, but it could also go pretty poorly! In Episode 1922, Sean Woodley is joined by the villainous Matt Moore (HP Basketball, Locked On NBA, Locked On Nuggets) to talk about why he doesn't see the Raptors winning more than 37 games this upcoming season, the potential flaws in any statistical …

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The Chris Boucher Era with the Toronto Raptors is over, and it makes us sad! w/ Katie Heindl 30:24

25d ago30:24

30:24

Chris Boucher, the longest serving Toronto Raptors and last remaining member of the 2019 Championship team, is a Boston Celtic. In Episode 1921, Sean Woodley and Katie Heindl reunite to talk about Boucher's lasting legacy as a long-time purveyor of energy, dunks and good vibes off the Raptors bench, whether him going to the dastardly Celtics change…

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Building some STAGGERINGLY good Toronto Raptors bench lineups for next year w/ Vivek Jacob 35:29

26d ago35:29

35:29

The strength of the Toronto Raptors in 2025-26 seems likely to be their ability to mix and match starters with bench guys throughout 48 minutes -- can it be a recipe for success? In Episode 1920, Sean Woodley and Vivek Jacob play a Stupid Little Game where they attempt to build out 5-man starter-plus-bench lineups that stand a chance of winning the…

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Brandon Ingram's game-changing impact & the case for Toronto Raptors optimism w/ Michael Pina 34:40

1M ago34:40

34:40

A healthy Brandon Ingram should transform the way the Toronto Raptors play offense, and the case for optimism in the 2025-26 Toronto Raptors isn't all that hard to outline as a result. In Episode 1919, Sean Woodley is joined by Michael Pina (The Ringer) to talk about the impact a healthy Brandon Ingram can have on the floor for the Raptors despite …

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500 TAKES OF SUMMER, PT. 2! Poeltl extension good, RJ future murky & PLEASE JUST DO A REBRAND 36:22

1M ago36:22

36:22

Jakob Poeltl's extension was good for the Toronto Raptors, Sandro Mamukelashvili is a fun if low-impact signing, RJ Barrett's future is as murky as ever and the Toronto Raptors BADLY need to just do the rebrand to purple already, please. In Episode 1918, Sean Woodley continues to spew his 500 Takes of Summer after sitting out the last six weeks on …

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From Dance Floors to Devotion: The Jones Family Journey 40:21

30d ago40:21

40:21

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Troy and Sarah Jones to hear the inspiring story of their family’s journey—from their first dance at a UVU institute activity to building a Christ-centered home in the 3rd Ward. Moving into the ward during the height of the pandemic, they share how an unexpected knock on the door from Bishop Wood helped t…

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500 TAKES OF SUMMER! Masai Ujiri out, Bobby Webster for PoBo & why the CMB pick was good w/ SEAN WOODLEY 39:13

1M ago39:13

39:13

It's been a wild offseason for the Toronto Raptors and Sean Woodley is BACK to spill his thoughts on Masai Ujiri's firing, Bobby Webster as the potential new president of basketball ops, the Collin Murray-Boyles pick and more! In Episode 1917, Sean makes his return from parental leave to talk about the Raptors surprise ouster of Masai Ujiri after 1…

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From Mopping Café Floors to Leading National Brands: How Candace Pappas Built a Bold Career in Beverage, Retail, and CPG 46:19

1M ago46:19

46:19

Ever wonder how someone goes from mopping café floors to leading at the executive level for two powerhouse brands? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Candace Pappas, SVP of Marketing at Blake’s Beverage Company and Blake Farms, for a no-fluff, straight-talking conversation about rising through the ranks, leading in …

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MAILBAG: Toronto Raptors' Best Poker Player | East Predictions | Raptors Excellent Adventure 37:05

1M ago37:05

37:05

It's another mailbag edition of the show! Vivek Jacob looks at MLSE still keeping spending the same at Summer League, who'd be the best Raptors poker player, where the team stacks up in the East, and more! What does parting ways with Masai Ujiri really say about MLSE? Is it just a prudent financial move so money can be directed elsewhere? Who fared…

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Counting Down Best Toronto Raptors Head Coach Rants, Biggest Opponent Diss, Best Broadcast Moments 35:34

1M ago35:34

35:34

Taking a trip down memory lane with some of the best Toronto Raptors head coach rants, the biggest disses by an opponent, and best moments from the broadcast with Buckets & Tea (Raptors Republic) podcast host Cathryn Naiker. In the first segment, Vivek and Cathryn debate the best head coaching rants between Sam Mitchell's "Zero, zero, zero," Dwane …

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What's The LATEST On The Toronto Raptors' Search For A New President? 34:22

1M ago34:22

34:22

As we transition away from Summer League, it's time to shift attention to the latest on the Toronto Raptors' search for a new team president. Vivek Jacob is joined by TSN's Josh Lewenberg to discuss how much progress has been made. In the first segment, we discuss the dynamics surrounding the decision-making of bringing in a new team president and …

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Collin Murray-Boyles, Alijah Martin Review | Bench Wing Depth Rankings | Favourite Bench Lineups 40:05

1M ago40:05

40:05

Looking back on Collin Murray-Boyles and Alijah Martin's Summer League with Hello and Welcome podcast's William Lou. Vivek and Will also discuss the bench wing depth as well as favourite bench lineup options. Will shares what he learned about Murray-Boyles and Martin as people through his conversations with them in Vegas. Then, Vivek and Will discu…

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Toronto Raptors' 2025 Summer League Dream ENDS In Semifinals 33:24

1M ago33:24

33:24

The Toronto Raptors' hopes of winning the 2025 Summer League championship ended in a semifinal loss to the Sacramento Kings. Vivek Jacob recaps the loss, zooms in on some of the individual performances, and looks at some big picture takeaways from the five games played. It was another rough first quarter offensively for the Raptors and in a matchup…

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NBA SQUAD SHOW: Damian Lillard's Reunion In Portland And Evaluating Who Stood Out At Summer League! 42:31

1M ago42:31

42:31

Damian Lillard's return to Portland shakes up the NBA landscape. What's behind this unexpected move?The Locked on NBA Squad Show panel dives into Lillard's decision, debating its impact on the Blazers and young star Scoot Henderson. They explore summer league insights, revealing which players might not cut it in the big leagues. Plus, get ready for…

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Collin Murray-Boyles LEADS Toronto Raptors To 2025 NBA Summer League Semifinals 28:48

1M ago28:48

28:48

Collin Murray-Boyles was excellent in leading the Toronto Raptors to an 81-69 win over the Golden State Warriors and a place in the 2025 NBA Summer League semifinals. Vivek Jacob goes solo to break down the win and look ahead to the semis on Saturday against the Sacramento Kings. A quick recap is followed by analyzing what made Murray-Boyles so suc…

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MAILBAG: Toronto Raptors Bench Expectations, Under The Radar Skills At LVSL, Team Ready To Rebrand? 32:02

2M ago32:02

32:02

It's time to answer some mailbag questions! What's the level of confidence in the bench for next season? What are some of the under the radar skills that are emerging at Summer League? What does Alijah Martin bring to the table that Ochai Agbaji doesn't? Vivek Jacob goes solo to answer those questions and more. In the first segment, Vivek sets benc…

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Have Ulrich Chomche, Ja'Kobe Walter and Jamal Shead All Made Their Own LEAPS? 43:07

2M ago43:07

43:07

Taking a deeper look at the Toronto Raptors' Summer League performances through three games. Vivek Jacob is joined by Sportsnet's Blake Murphy to see just how much Ulrich Chomche has progressed in a year, where Ja'Kobe Walter and Jamal Shead are heading into Year 2, and if Bench Mob 2.0 is an actually possibility this season. To start, Vivek and Bl…

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Ja'Kobe Walter POPS OFF in Toronto Raptors' 3rd Straight Win At Summer League 29:13

2M ago29:13

29:13

The Toronto Raptors remained undefeated at the 2025 NBA Summer League with a 101-97 win over the Denver Nuggets. Vivek Jacob goes solo to break down Ja'Kobe Walter's amazing performance, the team unity shining through in a tense moment, and more growth from Ulrich Chomche. This was the performance we've been waiting for from Walter at Summer League…

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How Julian Semer Went from Finance to Shaping the Future of Retail Media at Albertsons 38:25

1M ago38:25

38:25

What does it really take to build a business inside a business? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Julian Semer, Director of In-Store Media at Albertsons, to unpack how a finance background, entrepreneurial drive, and deep curiosity led him to one of the most innovative and fast-evolving areas in retail. Julian shar…

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Collin Murray-Boyles Makes Summer League DEBUT in Toronto Raptors' Win Over Orlando Magic 25:58

2M ago25:58

25:58

Collin Murray-Boyles makes his Summer League debut, AJ Lawson provided a big spark, and Jonathan Mogbo shines. Vivek Jacob goes solo to break down the Toronto Raptors improving to 2-0 after defeating the Orlando Magic 89-86. First up, Murray-Boyles got off to a rocky start as he struggled on his drives, not getting to the basket or being able to pu…

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Alijah Martin Makes a STATEMENT in Toronto Raptors' Summer League Opener Against Chicago Bulls 27:45

2M ago27:45

27:45

The Toronto Raptors defeated the Chicago Bulls 116-72 to open up their 2025 Las Vegas Summer League campaign. Vivek Jacob goes solo to recap the win and the outstanding play of Alijah Martin. Jamal Shead, AJ Lawson, and Jonathan Mogbo also shone. In the first segment, Vivek discusses how forcing turnovers were the name of the game for the Raptors a…

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Can Ja'Kobe Walter Stand Out At 2025 Summer League? | Battle, Lawson Expectations | NBA Cup Groups 25:47

2M ago25:47

25:47

Talking all things Ja'Kobe Walter, Jamison Battle, and A.J. Lawson ahead of the 2025 NBA Summer League. Vivek Jacob goes solo to break down their performances last season and what to expect in Vegas. Vivek starts off with Walter, what he does well and specific areas for improvement in his offensive game. Walter should get plenty of reps in Summer L…

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Collin Murray-Boyles & FRONTCOURT Expectations At 2025 NBA Summer League 31:37

2M ago31:37

31:37

Taking a closer look with Sportscasting/Basketball Insiders writer Ben Pfeifer at what expectations should be for Collin Murray-Boyles, Jonathan Mogbo, Ulrich Chomche and Colin Castleton at the 2025 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. In the first segment, Vivek and Ben focus on Murray-Boyles and what he should bring to the table at Summer League. Next…

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What To Look For From Jamal Shead, Chucky Hepburn, Alijah Martin At The 2025 Summer League 31:42

2M ago31:42

31:42

As Summer League nears, it's time to zoom in on a few players starting with Jamal Shead. Vivek Jacob is joined by Raptors HQ Editor-in-Chief Chelsea Leite to look back on Shead's season and look ahead to expectations at Summer League. Alijah Martin and Chucky Hepburn are also discussed. Defence is where Shead stands out. Vivek and Chelsea dive into…

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What To EXPECT From The Toronto Raptors At Summer League 34:47

2M ago34:47

34:47

The Toronto Raptors have named their Summer League roster. What to expect? Who's got the most at stake? Is there a breakout candidate? Vivek Jacob is joined by BASKETBALL FEELINGS' Katie Heindl to discuss all things Las Vegas Summer League. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use co…

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NBA Free Agency Reaction Show! Who Are The Winners And Losers? | NBA Squad Show 50:16

2M ago50:16

50:16

NBA free agency shakeups have reshaped the league landscape. But which moves will actually impact the standings?Nick Angstadt and a panel of NBA analysts break down the Houston Rockets' offseason spending spree, the Los Angeles Lakers landing DeAndre Ayton, and the Denver Nuggets' path to 60 wins. They debate which teams might sink to the bottom of…

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Who Are Toronto Raptors' leaders? Who Can They Beat? How's The Roster Construction? JULY 3 MAILBAG 36:59

2M ago36:59

36:59

Who are the leaders for the Toronto Raptors excluding Garrett Temple? Which East teams can the Raptors beat in a seven-game series? Is the roster well constructed around Scottie Barnes? Vivek Jacob goes solo in a mailbag episode to answer all that and more. Other questions include What are you most looking forward to in the first 20 games of next s…

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Jakob Poeltl Gets Extension, Sandro Mamukelashvili Is Newest Toronto Raptor 37:13

2M ago37:13

37:13

Jakob Poeltl is committing to a four-year, $104M extension while stretch big Sandro Mamukelashvili will sign on a veteran's minimum. Vivek Jacob is joined by Esfandiar Baraheni to discuss Poeltl's deal, what Mamukelashvili brings to the Raptors, and whether Toronto is in a stable position as things stand. In the first segment, Vivek and Es discuss …

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Why Collin Murray-Boyles Was The BEST Player Available at No. 9 37:17

2M ago37:17

37:17

The Toronto Raptors like to pick the best player available in the draft. Why do they believe Collin Murray-Boyles is THAT guy? Vivek Jacob is joined by Raptors Republic's Samson Folk to discuss. What makes CMB better than Khaman Maluach, Carter Bryant, and Thomas Sorber? Vivek and Samson discuss that and then move on to CMB's defensive fit next to …

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From Physical Therapy to Executive Leadership in Grocery Retail: Kendra Shaw’s Career Journey at Sprouts Farmers Market 34:21

2M ago34:21

34:21

What if the career you thought you’d never pursue turned out to be exactly where you were meant to lead? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Kendra Shaw, District Director of Operations at Sprouts Farmers Market, to explore the unexpected turns, defining moments, and leadership lessons that shaped her 20+ year career…

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Toronto Raptors STATS That Need To Be Addressed As Free Agency, Summer Begins 33:34

2M ago33:34

33:34

NBA Free Agency is here! The Toronto Raptors are at the tax so are limited in terms of pursuing free agents. What does the team need to improve most and how can they do it? Vivek Jacob is joined by stats extraordinaire Keerthika Uthayakumar to discuss. In the first segment, Vivek and Keerthika look at key stats that need to be improved in the off-s…

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The Masai Ujiri Era With The Toronto Raptors Is OVER 37:54

2M ago37:54

37:54

Masai Ujiri is no longer the President and Vice Chairman of the Toronto Raptors. Vivek Jacob and Katie Heindl react to the breaking news, why now and what's next? Jacob and Heindl detail the ownership changes over the last few years that led to this, the shock that still comes with the timing, and the uncertainty that now looms over the franchise. …

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The Toronto Raptors Select COLLIN MURRAY-BOYLES At The 2025 NBA Draft 37:17

2M ago37:17

37:17

The Toronto Raptors have selected Collin Murray-Boyles with the ninth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Vivek Jacob is joined by Hello and Welcome's Alex Wong to talk initial reactions, whether this has Vision 6'9" written all over it, and if this is the end of the Chris Boucher era in Toronto? First up, we know the Raptors look to draft the best…

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Who Should the Toronto Raptors PICK If They Trade Down? 36:57

2M ago36:57

36:57

Who should the Toronto Raptors consider if they trade down to the 15-20 range? Vivek Jacob is joined by theScore's Lead Raptors and NBA reporter Joseph Casciaro to discuss the likely prospects. The show also discusses second apron implications and finishes off with some nostalgia from the Raptors' championship parade. In the first segment, the focu…

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Are The Toronto Raptors RIGHT To Prioritize Best Talent Over Biggest Need At The 2025 NBA Draft? 40:10

2M ago40:10

40:10

The Toronto Raptors have historically prioritized drafting the best talent over a positional need. Is that the right move with a glaring need for a centre? Vivek Jacob is joined by Hello and Welcome's William Lou to discuss. First up, Jacob and Lou debate their top five options at the No. 9 pick for the Raptors including a debate over Khaman Maluac…

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How Much Closer Are We To Knowing the Toronto Raptors' Draft Selection Plus Pascal Siakam's comments 32:33

2M ago32:33

32:33

Toronto Raptors Assistant GM and VP of Player Personnel Dan Tolzman addressed the media on Monday ahead of the draft. Vivek Jacob attended the presser and shares his takeaways. Jacob then answers a couple of draft related mailbag questions before finishing off by addressing Pascal Siakam's comments about being in a dark place while with the Raptors…

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MAILBAG: Kevin Durant Asking Price, Masai Ujiri Contract, Best Non-VC Dunks 32:20

2M ago32:20

32:20

What's too much of an asking price for Kevin Durant? How will Masai Ujiri's contract status affect his approach? What's the best non-Vince Carter dunk in Toronto Raptors history? Vivek Jacob digs into the mailbag to answer listener questions! In the first segment, Jacob tackles what the Phoenix Suns want along with what the Raptors should be willin…