That’s A Rap #156: Making 2021-2022 predictions

A new season is upon us, so we employed the services of Chris Walder to help preview the upcoming 2021-2022 campaign.

Before barrelling into the 27th Toronto Raptors season, we had to keep our tradition of pre-season predictions that we’ll likely regret within a month’s time!

To help us preview the season, Jason brought in a very special guest: Former Raptors HQ Writer and current host of The Walder Sportscast, Chris Walder! You won’t want to miss their discussion which includes references to Matt Bonner, Raptors Twitter, and, of course, wrestling. Surprisingly, a lot of our predictions favour teams/players from the East. Enjoy the latest episode of That’s A Rap.

In This Episode:

3:15 — Logo reveal

You voted. We tabulated. I sobbed. After discussing the various new logo designs ad nauseum, then turning to social media for more feedback, we’ve decided on the new logo. Thanks to everyone that voted (for #3 — you hold a special place in my heart, even if it didn’t win).

9:55 — Predictions

It’s that time of the year for pre-season predictions! Who’s going to win MVP? How high (or low) will the Raptors finish this season? Will a team from the East hoist the Larry OB, again?

39:00 — The Walder

Friend of the pod and host of The Walder Sportscast, Chris Walder, joined Jason to help preview the season ahead for the Raptors.

43:30 — Zero expectations

For the first time in a while, the Raptors enter the season with zero expectations (last year was below zero expectations, which is ironic since they were playing in warm-weathered Florida). Scottie Barnes, OG Anunoby, and Pascal Siakam are the real-life representation of “Stretch My Hands.”

50:00 — Kyle Lowry domino effect

The departure of Lowry has provided an invaluable opportunity for Precious Achiuwa and Fred VanVleet. With all due respect to Goran Dragic, the centerpiece in the Miami deal was Achiuwa and he’s already shown flashes of what Masai Ujiri hopes is his future starting centre. For Fred, it’s simply his time to take over as the leader of this team. He began showing those characteristics over the last two seasons, so he’s primed to take over full-time.

55:00 — Rapid fire

Wrestling finish moves? Spreading love around Raptors Twitter? Favourite Simpsons episodes? Jason and Chris speed through all these rapid-fire questions plus more. Share your answers in the comments section below.