Will Lou, Alex Wong, and producer Jerome Cheng have you covered on all things Raptors, in addition to the NBA and other culturally relevant topics. New episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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A betting podcast dedicated to breaking down the NBA from every angle.
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Will, Alex, and Jerome answer questions about biggest player leaps on the Raptors roster, niche former players appearing for 30th anniversary celebrations, best pregame fits, most memorable Raptors games, what it means to have generational talent, and share emails from listeners on their fandom. Later, they chat about: tattoo ideas, generational we…
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In this episode we break down the lost season of the Memphis Grizzlies but talk through their key pieces like Ja, Desmond Bane, Jarren Jackson, Zach Edey, GG, and Vince Williams, and why I feel like there should be plenty of optimism for them moving forward.By Bleav + Caleb Plasschaert
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Breaking down the Raptors’ 2024-25 Schedule! Alex Predicts all 82 games
1:01:43
1:01:43
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1:01:43
Will and Alex review the Raptors’ 2024-25 schedule and predict the results of all 82 games (spoiler: they go pretty far in the Emirates NBA Cup tournament). Later, they chat about how fans are going to approach watching a basketball team go through a re-tooling process. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the …
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In this episode we talk everything Toronto Raptors. Is Scottie Barnes that guy? The additions of IQ and RQ. Gradey Dick, and more!By Bleav + Caleb Plasschaert
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Lindsay Dunn’s Paris Trip Report + Olympics Winners and Losers
1:06:46
1:06:46
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1:06:46
Will and Alex wrap up their Olympic coverage with Lindsay Dunn, as she shares her favorite memories from Paris her run-in with friend of the program Yuta Watanabe, where Team Canada’s basketball programs go from here, and much more. Later, Will, Alex, and Lindsay chat about Guerschon Yabusele’s surprise run, the legacy of LeBron/Steph/KD, Jayson Ta…
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In this episode we react to team USA beating Serbia, and then shift to the San Antonio SpursBy Bleav + Caleb Plasschaert
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What’s Next For Team Canada ft. Oren Weisfeld and Libaan Osman
1:04:41
1:04:41
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1:04:41
Will is joined by Oren and Libaan to recap Team Canada’s senior men’s basketball team’s run at the 2024 Summer Olympics and discuss: whether their quarterfinals loss to France was more of a disappointment or failure, Jamal Murray’s struggles, whether the team needs a second option next to Shai, potential prospects who might solve their big man prob…
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React Pod: Canada’s Medal Hopes Ends with Loss to France
50:23
50:23
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50:23
Will and Alex recaps Canada’s 82-73 loss to France in the quarterfinals and take questions from the live audience at their Annex Hotel watch party. Three stars: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, RJ Barrett, Khem Birch/ the Annex Hotel watch party fans. Gerald Henderson award: Mathias Lessort/ Guershon Yabusele Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at…
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React Pod: Canada Finish 3-0 In Group Play With Win Over Spain
1:02:27
1:02:27
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1:02:27
Will recaps Canada’s 88-85 win over Spain to finish 3-0 in group play. Three stars: Andrew Nembhard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, RJ Barrett Gerald Henderson award: Dario Brizuela Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch…
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In this episode we run through the Hornets last season, preview the next and talk about the additions of Charles Lee as the head coach and Josh Green. We also touch on what I think of Lamelo Ball as a player, and the supplementary pieces of Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Mark Willams.By Bleav + Caleb Plasschaert
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Team Canada Knockout Stage Scenarios + RJ’s Impressive Olympic Run
55:10
55:10
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55:10
Will and Alex preview Team Canada men’s national basketball team’s Friday matchup against Spain, look ahead to potential opponents in the quarterfinals, and discuss Jamal Murray’s bench role and RJ Barrett’s impressive tournament run so far. Later, they chat about the Raptors’ 30th anniversary logo. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at h…
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React Pod: Canada Overwhelms Australia with Second-Half Surge
1:00:13
1:00:13
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1:00:13
Will recaps Canada’s 86-76 win over Australia and answers questions about Andrew Nembhard’s role off the bench, a potential matchup against Team USA in the knockout round, and more. Three stars: RJ Barrett, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort. Gerald Henderson award: Jock Landale. Will recaps Canada’s 86-76 win over Australia and answers questions abo…
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React Pod: Canada Escape With Win Over Greece to Open Olympics
49:04
49:04
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49:04
Will breaks down Canada’s senior men’s basketball team’s 86-79 win over Greece to begin the 2024 Summer Olympics. Three stars: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, RJ Barrett, Dillon Brooks Gerald Henderson award: Kostas Papanikolaou Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! …
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Team Canada Olympic Basketball Preview ft. Oren Weisfeld
1:00:15
1:00:15
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1:00:15
Will is joined by Oren Weisfeld to chat about Jamal Murray’s role on Team Canada, the absences of Andrew Wiggins and Zach Edey, Jordi Fernandez’s coaching approach, why Dillon Brooks excels in the FIBA environment, and more. Later, the two look at expectations for the senior women’s basketball team, the potential of younger players on the roster in…
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In this episode we discuss the most recent season of the Portland Trailblazers, and the different young players within the team. I hope yall enjoy!By Bleav + Caleb Plasschaert
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The Las Vegas Summer League Banter Pod
1:48:16
1:48:16
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1:48:16
Will, Alex, and Jerome recap their weeklong trip to Las Vegas Summer League and discuss former Raptor run-ins, no limit poker at the Golden Nugget, favorite food spots, media parties, casino bans, being stranded at the airport, and much more. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show …
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Free Agent Targets after Raptors cut Sasha Vezenkov
13:17
13:17
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13:17
Will and Alex discuss the Raptors’ decision to waive Sasha Vezenkov and Javon Freeman-Liberty and run through potential remaining free agency options for the roster. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link. Ori…
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React Pod: Raptors get demolished in lopsided loss to Heat
24:00
24:00
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24:00
Will recaps Toronto’s 86-76 summer league loss to Utah and discusses Ulrich Chomche’s unique journey to the NBA, Ochai Agbaji’s development, and more. Three stars: Ja'Kobe Walter, Branden Carlson, DJ Carton Gerald Henderson Award: Cole Swider Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show …
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React Pod: Raptors Fall To Utah Jazz at Summer League
32:59
32:59
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32:59
Will recaps Toronto’s 86-76 summer league loss to Utah and discusses Ulrich Chomche’s unique journey to the NBA, Ochai Agbaji’s development, and more. Three stars: Javon Freeman-Liberty, Jamal Shead, Ulrich Chomche Gerald Henderson Award: Kyle Filipowski Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellow…
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In this episode I give my takeaways from the first couple days of summer leagueBy Bleav + Caleb Plasschaert
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Gradey Year 2 Leap? First Impressions of Raptors Rookies at Summer League
29:48
29:48
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29:48
Will and Alex discuss Gradey Dick’s development for year 2, Jamal Shead’s impressive start at summer league, and their initial takeaways about the Raptors incoming rookie class after two games in Vegas. Later, they chat about Christian Koloko’s potential return to the NBA and where Gary Trent Jr. might end up. Reach out to the show by leaving a voi…
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React Pod: Raptors Beat Nuggets, Remain Undefeated at Summer League
34:53
34:53
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34:53
Will recaps Toronto’s 84-81 win over the Denver Nuggets at Summer League and answers listener questions. Three stars: Jamal Shead, Ja’Kobe Walter, Javon Freeman-Liberty Gerald Henderson Award: Julian Strawther Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Visit hellow…
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React Pod: Raptors Impress In Summer League Win Over Thunder
28:08
28:08
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28:08
Will reacts to the Raptors’ impressive summer league win over the Thunder and shares his first impressions of the team’s new rookie class. Three Stars: Gradey Dick, Branden Carlson, Jamal Shead Gerald Henderson award: Ajay Mitchell Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out o…
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React Pod: Team Canada Falls Short in Exhibition Game vs USA
37:39
37:39
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37:39
Will reacts to Team Canada’s 86-72 loss in Las Vegas against Team USA and talks about the absence of Andrew Wiggins and Zach Edey, toughest opponents at the Olympics, and more. Three Stars: Dillon Brooks, Dwight Powell, Kelly Olynyk. Gerald Henderson award: Jrue Holiday. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the…
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https://x.com/HoopsDriveBy Bleav + Caleb Plasschaert
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Masai Speaks! Ranking The NBA’s Best Young Cores
43:01
43:01
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43:01
Will and Alex discuss Masai’s presser on Monday and what’s next for Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley. Later, they rank the league’s best young cores. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link. Original Music …
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Raptors Mailbag! Bring Back Gary? Should Gradey Start? When Will The Team Contend Again?
1:26:28
1:26:28
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1:26:28
Will and Alex answer listener questions about: Bruce Brown (again), Gary Trent Jr.’s free agency market, the Raptors’ timeline for contending, the team’s identity for next season, if Gradey Dick should start, what Davion Mitchell can bring to the team, what to expect from the upcoming 30th anniversary season, and Jakob Poeltl’s future with the team…
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Grading the Raptors’ Offseason + Free Agency Exit Survey ft. Joseph Casciaro
1:05:29
1:05:29
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1:05:29
Will and Alex are joined by theScore’s Joseph Casciaro to grade the Raptors offseason and answer key questions from this year’s free agency including: the long-term impact of the second apron, the second-best team in the East, the Thunder as favorites in the West, what the Clippers are planning to do in the post-Paul George era, the most underrated…
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In this episode we talk about the Will Dawkins and Minger Winger era. What I think about all the Wizards youngins, Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington, Alex Sarr, and Kyshawn George. Why I think Jordan Poole will have a bounce back year. Tristan Vuckevic The Deni Avdija trade.By Bleav + Caleb Plasschaert
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Jake Fischer on Raptors’ interest in Patrick Williams and Memphis inquiring about Jakob Poeltl
15:41
15:41
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15:41
Will is joined by Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports to chat about a potential Eastern Conference destination for Bruce Brown, the Raptors’ interest in Bulls forward Patrick Williams, the asking price for Jakob Poeltl, what the market looks like for Gary Trent Jr.’s next deal, the end of the Paul George-Clippers partnership, how teams are adjusting to th…
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Slow Free Agency Begins! What’s Next For Paul George and Klay Thompson?
49:11
49:11
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49:11
Will and Alex react to the slowest start in free agency history and chat about Paul George’s departure from the Clippers and what the future holds for Klay Thompson in free agency (Bonus: a live reaction to KCP signing with Orlando). Later, the two discuss whether Bruce Brown will remain a Raptor until next year’s trade deadline, Sasha Vezenkov loo…
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Baylor Head Coach Scott Drew on Ja’Kobe Walter, Raptors Sign Immanuel Quickley
47:11
47:11
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47:11
Will is joined by Baylor men’s basketball head coach Scott Drew to talk about Ja’Kobe Walter’s college career and what Davion Mitchell brings to the Raptors. Later, Will and Alex chat about Immanuel Quickley’s new five-year deal, the additions of Ulrich Chomche and Branden Carlson, and why Andrew Wiggins won’t be attending Team Canada training camp…
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Raptors Acquire Davion Mitchell, Draft Jonathan Mogbo and Jamal Shead
40:47
40:47
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40:47
Will and Alex react to the Toronto-Sacramento trade, reminisce about the Jalen McDaniels era, and discuss Davion Mitchell’s role on the Raptors. Later, the two chat about Toronto’s second-round picks Jonathan Mogbo and Jamal Shead before taking a deep dive into Sasha Vezenkov’s Wikipedia page. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowe…
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Why Ja'Kobe Walter Was The Right Pick ft. Sam Vecenie
17:42
17:42
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17:42
Will chats with The Athletic's draft expert Sam Vecenie for the in-depth scouting report on Ja'Kobe Walter. They discuss his freshman season at Baylor, how his game will translate with the Raptors, and other options with the 31st pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hel…
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Raptors Draft Ja’Kobe Walter, Mikal Bridges to the Knicks
54:03
54:03
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54:03
Will and Alex give their initial reactions to Raptors first-round pick Ja’Kobe Walter (1:00), the pros and cons of his game, and what his role might be this season. Later, the two chat about Bruce Brown (30:20), Mikal Bridges to the Knicks (41:30), KD potentially on the move (38:50), and Scottie Barnes’ max extension (48:40). Reach out to the show …
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In this episode we talk about the NBA draft and best bets around it as well as the block buster Mikal Bridges trade that went down. (It's looking like the last 6 or so minutes got cut off. Apologies for that)By Bleav + Caleb Plasschaert
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Bronny, JJ Redick, Free Agency News + Who Will Make Team Canada’s Roster?
54:31
54:31
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54:31
Will and Alex chat about Rich Paul’s recent comments on Masai Ujiri’s interest in Bronny James (3:40), the Alex Caruso-Josh Giddey trade (7:40), free agency updates on Malik Monk (11:50), Pascal Siakam (13:30), and OG Anunoby (17:00), and the Lakers hiring JJ Redick (21:50) as their new head coach before Will, Alex, and Jerome try to spend a minute…
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Canada's Rayyan Pathan on T20 Cricket World Cup and Toronto sports heartbreaks
17:35
17:35
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17:35
Will Lou has an in-depth conversation with Canada Cricket team member Rayyan Pathan about the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, growing up in Toronto, the infrastructure for cricket in Canada and being a lifelong Toronto sports fan. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Original Music…
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Andrew Nembhard on Team Canada, Growing up in Toronto, and the Pacers’ success
31:38
31:38
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31:38
Will and Alex are joined by Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard to chat about the Team Canada senior men’s national team, how he fell in love with basketball, playing with RJ Barrett, the draft process, the success of the Pacers, the Pascal Siakam trade, Tyrese Haliburton’s fits, growing up in Aurora, and the CNE. Reach out to the show by leaving …
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In this episode we cover a couple main topics Building around Cade Cunningham Jaden Ivey's fit with Cade Cunningham Monty fired + what to look for in new coach Jalen Duren Ausar Thompson Biggest NeedsBy Bleav + Caleb Plasschaert
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Key Raptors Off-Season Decisions + Behind-The-Scenes Draft Stories ft. Bobby Marks
46:21
46:21
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46:21
Will is joined by ESPN NBA Insider Bobby Marks to discuss four key decision for the Raptors this summer: Immanuel Quickley’s restricted free agency (1:00), Bruce Brown’s trade market (7:30), Gary Trent Jr.‘s next contract (12:00), and a potential extension for Scottie Barnes (16:00). Later, Bobby shares his favorite stories from draft night (21:30)…
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NBA Finals G4 Recap + Should The Raptors Tank Next Season?
45:52
45:52
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45:52
Will and Alex chat about Dallas’ impressive Game 4 win (1:00), whether anyone wants to win Finals MVP (9:30), Charles Barkley’s retirement plans (13:00), a Grant Williams tribute video (17:10), and Klay Thompson’s free agency (21:00). Later, on this week’s edition of “Slow Raptors News Week,” the two debate whether the team should tank this season …
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Will, Alex, and Jerome figure out how many great NBA Finals they’ve watched in the past decade by reviewing every matchup from 2014 to 2023 (01:00). Also included: Letterboxd rating and review for each series and the Ian Mahinmi All-Stars. Later, everyone picks their top 4 individual Finals games of all-time (44:00). Reach out to the show by leavin…
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In what is potentially the last game of the season, we break down our favorite bets in game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas MavericksBy Bleav + Caleb Plasschaert
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Who Should The Raptors Draft At 19th? ft. Sam Vecenie
41:00
41:00
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41:00
Will is joined by The Athletic senior writer and host of The Game Theory Podcast Sam Vecenie to break down the pros and cons of four players the Raptors could potentially select with the 19th pick: Jaylon Tyson (6:31), Tyler Kolek (12:21), Tristan da Silva (16:41), and Kel’el Ware (21:08). The two also discuss whether Zach Edey’s (27:45) college su…
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NBA Finals G1-2 Recap + Darko on Team's Competitive Timeline
56:04
56:04
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56:04
Will and Alex discuss the 2024 NBA Finals (1:20) and chat about Jrue Holiday’s impact, Kyrie and the Mavericks looking ordinary, how the Celtics built a roster to overcome their flaws, Payton Pritchard as early contender for the Ian Mahinmi All-Star award, and their review of ESPN's broadcast (22:30). Later, the two discuss adjustments for Game 3 (…
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Finally back in the states. In this episode we break down our favorite bets for game 2 of the NBA finals, between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston CelticsBy Bleav + Caleb Plasschaert
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The WNBA in Toronto & the Caitlin Clark Discourse ft. Shireen Ahmed
46:54
46:54
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46:54
Will and Alex are joined by CBC senior contributor Shireen Ahmed for a behind-the-scenes look at how the WNBA ended up in Toronto (12:00), potential names for the franchise (18:40), and the present-day sports media discourse surrounding Caitlin Clark and women’s basketball (32:30). Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show o…
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Will is joined by TrueHoop’s David Thorpe to preview the NBA Finals. The two chat about the narrative of the Celtics having an easy path to the Finals (2:00), how Boston may approach defending Luka Doncic (13:00) and Kyrie Irving (22:05), and the key matchups for this series. Later, the two chat about Jrue Holiday’s defensive brilliance (27:00) and…
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NBA Finals Storylines + Winners & Losers from the 2024 Playoffs
52:52
52:52
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52:52
Will and Alex discuss the upcoming NBA Finals matchup between the Celtics and Mavericks (8:00) including top storylines, official predictions (25:00), and Joe Mazzulla’s best soundbites. Later, they share their winners and losers of the postseason (27:00) and chat about the next generation of NBA stars, best role players of the playoffs (32:30), wh…
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