Will Lou comes live after Scottie Barnes' return to the line up in the Toronto Raptors' 110-105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. He discusses Barnes' performance, Darko Rajakovic's defensive adjustments, and RJ Barrett's continued success. Three stars: RJ Barrett, Chris Boucher, Davion Mitchell Gerald Henderson award: Jaden McDaniels Most Impor…

Will and Alex go around the NBA and discuss whether the Cavs are legit contenders, bring out the worry meter for the Knicks, Bucks, and Sixers, before heading to the West to chat about the Warriors’ rebound season and if Phoenix could be a trade destination for Jakob Poeltl. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email…

Will Lou breaks down the Toronto Raptors' 130-119 win over the Indiana Pacers. He discusses RJ Barrett's season-high 39 points, Darko Rajakovic's timeouts to snap runs, and Jakob Poeltl's underrated importance to the Raptors. Three stars: RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, Garrett Temple Gerald Henderson award: Quenton Jackson Most Important Guy: Garrett Te…

Will Lou talks to draft expert Sam Vecenie about the loaded 2025 NBA draft class, which includes blue chippers Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey. They also discuss other potential top-5 picks and hand out early grades on Toronto Raptors rookies. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Che…

Will Lou and Samson Folk recaps the Toronto Raptors' 126-123 OT loss to the Boston Celtics. They discuss RJ Barrett's stellar passing performance, Jakob Poeltl's career-high of 35 points, and how Gradey Dick can counter aggressive defenses. Three stars: Jakob Poeltl, RJ Barrett, Davion Mitchell Gerald Henderson award: Sam Hauser Most Important Guy:…

Will Lou recaps the Toronto Raptors'99-85 loss against the Detroit Pistons. He breaks down Jakob Poeltl's two-way performance, RJ Barrett's improved offense, and how the Raptors blew another fourth quarter lead. Three stars: Jakob Poeltl, RJ Barrett, Jamison Battle Gerald Henderson award: Malik Beasley Most Important Guy: Alvin Williams RR feedback…

Will and Alex are joined by Ben Golliver of the Washington Post to discuss how the NBA can improve the present-day product and chat about: the attention span of fans, the lack of rivalries, how the sport is discussed in mainstream media, the volume of three-point shooting, the marketability of today’s stars, and more. Reach out to the show by leavi…

Host William Lou breaks down the Toronto Raptors' 99-85 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks from Greta Bar YYZ after the sold-out Hello and Welcome watch party. He breaks down Gradey Dick's 32-point effort, RJ Barrett's struggles, and a general outlook on the team. Three stars: Gradey Dick, Bruno Fernando dunking on Giannis, crowd favorite Jamison Bat…

Will and Alex are joined by Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer to chat about Joel Embiid’s suspension, Nick Nurse and Kyle Lowry’s role on the Sixers, and the direction of the franchise. Later, Keith provides behind-the-scenes stories about Bryan Colangelo, Markelle Fultz, Ben Simmons, James Harden, and the craziest moments from covering the…

Will Lou recaps the Toronto Raptors' 123-103 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. He discusses how RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley are performing post-injuries, Chris Boucher's importance, and sets the record on how he stands with Darko Rajakovic. Three stars: Chris Boucher, Ochai Agbaji, Gradey Dick Gerald Henderson award: Austin Reaves Most Importa…

Will Lou recaps the Toronto Raptors' 105-103 loss to the LA Clippers. He discusses Darko Rajakovic's strange play call at the end, Immanuel Quickley's return, and gives a review of the Clippers' newly opened Inuit Dome. Three stars: Ochai Agbaji, Immanuel Quickley, Gradey Dick Gerald Henderson award: Norman Powell Most Important Guy: Jerome Cheng a…

Will and Alex are live from Los Angeles and joined by The Ringer senior staff writer Mirin Fader to chat about her new book “Dream: The Life and Legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon,” and specifically: the impact Olajuwon left on the Muslim community in Toronto after 9/11, inspiring Masai Ujiri and Giants of Africa, how he was covered by the American media du…

Will Lou recaps the Toronto Raptors' rematch against the Sacramento Kings. He breaks down Gradey Dick and RJ Barrett seeing new defensive coverages, Davion Mitchell's promising effort, and how this team can close out fourth quarters. Three stars: Davion Mitchell, RJ Barrett, Chris Boucher Gerald Henderson award: Keegan Murray Most Important Guy: Ca…

Will Lou comes live after the Raptors visit the Nikola Jokic in the Mile High City. He breaks down why RJ Barrett struggled, Gradey Dick's continued excellence, and Darko Rajakovic's late-game management. Three stars: Jakob Poeltl, Gradey Dick, Davion Mitchell Gerald Henderson award: Russell Westbrook Most Important Gal: Kianna (H&W hat seen on bro…

Will and Alex discuss takeaways from the first two weeks of the season including Gradey Dick’s year two leap, RJ Barrett as the number one option, defensive struggles, the lack of three-point shooting, and big picture questions about the Raptors this season. Later, they chat about the annual team Halloween party and whether the Milwaukee Bucks are …

Will Lou breaks down the Toronto Raptors' 131-128 OT win over the Sacramento Kings, and then is joined by co-host Alex Wong to discuss Vince Carter's emotional jersey retirement and complicated legacy. Three stars: Chris Boucher, Ochai Agbaji, RJ Barrett Gerald Henderson award: Malik Monk Most Important Guy: Vincent Lamar Carter (bonus: Jordan Hayl…

Will Lou is joined by Samson Folk to react to the Raptors' 131-125 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. They discuss Gradey Dick's third career-high in four games, RJ Barrett thriving in a lead role, and take questions from listeners. Three stars: RJ Barrett, Gradey Dick, Jakob Poeltl Gerald Henderson award: D'Angelo Russell Most Important Guy: Masai Uj…

We’re live from the Red Bull Canada Studios! Will and Alex sit down with Olympic gold medalist Phil Wizard for a behind-the-scenes look at his run at the men’s breaking competition, the music selection at the event, his impressions of the athlete village, what the win means to him personally and professionally, how he’s dealing with the post-Olympi…

Will hosts the Reaction Podcast after the Toronto Raptors' 138-133 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. He discusses Gradey Dick's new career-high of 30 points, RJ Barrett looking sharper, and defensive adjustments that need to be made. Three stars: Gradey Dick, Jakob Poeltl, RJ Barrett Gerald Henderson award: Cody Martin Most Important Guy: Jeff Regular…

Will and Alex sit down with TSN analyst Jevohn Shepherd to chat about Scottie’s adjustment to becoming the face of the franchise, early-season progress from Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji, encouraging signs from the incoming rookie season, his relationship with RJ Barrett, and more. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or…

Will recaps the Toronto Raptors' 127-125 OT loss to the Denver Nuggets. He discusses Scottie Barnes' eye injury, RJ Barrett's rusty return, and Darko Rajakovic's strange decision not to call timeout down the stretch. Three stars: Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, Davion Mitchell Gerald Henderson award: Christian Braun Most Important Guy: Matt Devlin --…

Will Lou and Samson Folk recap Toronto’s 112-101 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves and discuss Gradey Dick’s shotmaking, the team’s lack of three-point shooting, an Ochai Agbaji-Norman Powell comparison, Darko’s rotation decisions and Scottie’s underwhelming performance. Later, the two take listener questions. Three stars: Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaj…

Will recaps Toronto’s 115-107 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. He discusses: Scottie Barnes' bounce back game, breakout performances from Jonathan Mogbo and Jamison Battle, and the bigger picture importance for this draft class. Three stars: Scottie Barnes, Jonathan Mogbo, Jamison Battle Gerald Henderson: Kelly Oubre MIG aka Most Important Guy: Ass…

Will, Alex, and Jerome get together for this month’s banter pod. They open with a recap of their team bonding trip during Raptors training camp in Montreal, Will taking his dad to watch Lionel Messi in Toronto, Joe Cash’s wedding, and a behind-the-scenes look at Alex’s surprise 40th birthday party. Later, they answer listener questions about whethe…

Will recaps Toronto’s 136-106 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in their home opener. He discusses: Scottie Barnes' struggles, Darko Rajakovic's struggling rotations, and Jamal Shead's promising debut. Three stars: Chris Boucher, Jamal Shead, Immanuel Quickley Gerald Henderson: Ty Jerome MIG aka Most Important Guy: TJ Ford (guest of honor) Reach out …

Will and Alex are joined by James Herbert of CBS Sports to discuss Jayson Tatum’s case for MVP, Reed Sheppard as a Rookie of the Year contender, how many awards Victor Wembanyama might win, the Executive of the Year race, why Thanasis Antetokounmpo dessrves the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year, and more. Later, it’s the first “Who He Play For?” s…

Will shares his main takeaways from preseason with Alex including: the team’s defensive emphasis, encouraging signs from Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji, Jamal Shead becoming a guy, injuries to monitor heading into the season, and the watchability of the Raptors. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@…

Will and guest Samson Folk recap Toronto’s 116-112 win over the Brooklyn Nets in their final game of pre-season and discusses: Scottie Barnes' physical dominance, Gradey Dick's improved confidence and Ochai Agbaji's quiet growth. Three stars: Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, Jamal Shead MIG aka Most Important Guy: Jamal Shead Reach out to the show by …

Will and Alex are joined by theScore’s Joseph Casciaro to draft the most important guys for the 2024-25 NBA season. They chat about Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby’s impact on the Knicks this season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP odds, Paul George’s new role in Philadelphia, what’s next for Jamal Murray and Dame Lillard, a potential Jimmy Butler …

Will and Alex review the over/under win total for every team in the Western Conference and discuss: whether the Thunder are going to be the best team in the league, if the Wolves took a step back after the KAT trade, the preseason hype around the Grizzlies, if the Clippers are going to take a massive step back this season, what to make of Victor We…

Will recaps Toronto’s 119-118 win over the Boston Celtics in their fourth game of pre-season and discusses: Scottie Barnes dominance, Gradey Dick's exploding for 27 points, and who the Raptors should keep for 15th roster spot. Three stars: Scottie Barnes, Gradey Dick, Jakob Poeltl Gerald Henderson award: JD Davidson MIG aka Most Important Guy: Bran…

Will and Alex review the over/under win totals for every team in the Eastern Conference and discuss: whether they believe in the Knicks as a contender, if the Pacers are being overlooked, whether Heat Culture is still a thing, if the Raptors will try to win every single game this season, and more Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hell…

Will recaps Toronto’s 115-111 loss to the Boston Celtics in their third game of pre-season and discusses: Scottie Barnes' quiet night, Gradey Dick's defensive weaknesses and Jonathan Mogbo's unique game. Three stars: Jonathan Mogbo, Gradey Dick, Jamal Shead MIG aka Most Important Guy: Ochai Agbaji Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hel…

Will recaps Toronto’s 113-92 loss over the Washington Wizards in their second game of pre-season and discusses: Scottie Barnes' debut, Jamal Shead and Davion Mitchell's defense and thoughts on, Jonathan Mogbo, Ulrich Chomche. Three stars: Chris Boucher, Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl MIG aka Most Important Guy: Jamal Shead Reach out to the show by le…

Will goes solo and creates the Raptors' rotation. He makes the case for why Gradey Dick is favored to start, while also considering Ochai Agbaji's fit. Then, he breaks down the battle at backup point guard and if Chris Boucher has a chance to get minutes. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hello…

Ahead of Vince Carter’s Hall of Fame induction this weekend, Will and Alex are joined by Vivek Jacob to walk through his career in Toronto as they discuss: his cultural impact, favorite dunks, his final days with the Raptors, and more. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check o…

Will and Alex are joined by Keerthika Uthayakumar as she shares 10 fun Raptors fun stats including: their strength of schedule to open the season, Scottie Barnes triple-double watch, competitive losses, number of starting lineups, the potential return of the bench mob, and more. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or e…

Will recaps Toronto’s 125-98 win over the Washington Wizards to open their pre-season schedule and discusses: Jamal Shead’s impressive performance, RJ Barrett’s strong start, and thoughts on Davion Mitchell, Jonathan Mogbo, Ulrich Chomche. Three stars: RJ Barrett, Jamal Shead, Kelly Olynyk MIG aka Most Important Guy: Nishay Seth (He gave us $5) Lea…

Will recaps the Toronto Raptors' annual open practice at McGill University. Takeaways include Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji making their cases to start, RJ Barrett and Kelly Olynyk as the best players in the run, and a look at Raptors rookies Ulrich Chomche and Jonathan Mogbo. Three stars: Kelly Olynyk, RJ Barrett, Ochai Agbaji Most Important Guy ak…

Will and Alex are joined by Matt Devlin to chat about: taking an optimistic view on the Raptors, his career journey, behind-the-scenes of his iconic Game 6 championship on-air call, new Raptors nicknames, and much more. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Vi…

We’re live from Montreal! Will and Alex discuss highlights from the first day of Raptors training camp including Scottie’s absence, Garrett Temple’s new hobby, and Jakob Poeltl’s comments from media day. Later, the two chat about whether LeBron and Bronny should go to work together, if the Clippers and Bucks are in trouble, and what Victor Wembanya…

Will and Alex chat about Masai’s comments on rebuilding at Raptors media day, Scottie taking on a new leadership role, and what Darko expects from the roster in Year 2. Later, Will and Alex discuss Vince Carter’s appearance in Toronto on Friday and Karl-Anthony Towns being traded to the Knicks. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellow…

One week away from the start of training camp, Will and Alex discuss Vince Carter’s retirement ceremony in November, the city edition jerseys, Bruce Brown’s injury, Christian Koloko signing with the Lakers, Rogers taking over the Raptors, Woj’s retirement, and more. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys…

Will, Alex, and Jerome share their respective 15-song playlist for the summer and chat about their evolving music tastes, how they’re still finding ways to discover new artists, Will’s love for Dead Prez, and more. Listen to the playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3B6qDFMAAsIdKViKC1gEvh?si=4bc822068bd94926 #playlist #music #summermusic…

Will and Alex sort all 30 teams into their respective tiers and discuss what might derail Boston’s chances at a repeat, who should be the favorite in the West heading into the season, whether the Mavericks’ Finals run was a fluke, the Grizzlies and Pacers as potential surprise teams, what’s going on with the Clippers and Heat, which rebuilding team…

Welcome to the official end of the summer. We’re less than 50 days from the start of the regular season and Will is ready for the Raptors season to start. On this episode, Will sits down with Alex and proposes 10 reasons to be excited for the upcoming season. They discuss Scottie’s All-NBA case, rookies most likely to break out, 30th anniversary pl…

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…

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 …

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…

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…