The JD Bunkis Podcast

Raptors Puzzle Pieces + NBA First Impressions w/ David Fizdale

The JD Bunkis Podcast

Show Notes

JD asks David Fizdale, 20-year NBA coach and NBA TV analyst, about his first impressions from the NBA's opening day and the statement the Thunder made, before moving on to the Raptors. JD and Coach Fizdale discuss Kawhi Leonard's return timing works for Toronto and Scottie Barnes, Darko Rajakovic's challenge of going from a growing team to a contender, and what to expect from RJ Barrett this season. The show ends with 'What We Missed!'

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

More from The JD Bunkis Podcast

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JD reacts to Kirill Marchenko's return to Columbus and brings on Sportsnet's Luke Gazdic to dive into the Maple Leafs. JD and Luke begin with Adam Fantilli's pointed comments about his ex-linemate Marchenko, if the Leafs have shown pieces of their identity in the last couple wins, Jim Hiller's intent with Gavin McKenna, what about Easton Cowan has been most impressive, how the Leafs lines and power play units may shake out as the season progresses, and Morgan Rielly's best game in a while. JD closes the hour discussing Brady Tkachuk's return to Ottawa (44:00).

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JD is joined by Blake Murphy, co-host of The Raptors Show, to preview the Raptors season: is JD's excitement level found? How does Kawhi Leonard improve the team? Outside of defence and health, what is the Raptors biggest strength and weakness? What is Scottie Barnes' next step? Who or what are some X-factors for success? And what can fans expect from rookie Allen Graves?

Oct 20, 2026

JD and Sportsnet's Sam McKee get into the Maple Leafs' important 3-1 win over the Sharks. The duo discuss the biggest positives from the night, Auston Matthews' leadership evolution, Gavin McKenna's fit in the Toronto market, Sergei Bobrovsky's uneven start with the Leafs, Nick Paul's impact, and the Leafs having the best penalty kill in the league. JD closes the hour discussing the World Series matchup.

Oct 19, 2026

Brady Quinn, NFL on FOX analyst, joins JD to analyze Caleb Williams' spectacular return, if the Rams can turn their season around, if the NFL needs to improve their replay-review system, the shockingly fun Browns, the biggest winners from the NFL weekend, and his read on Arch Manning. The show ends with 'What We Missed!' (40:00)

Oct 19, 2026

JD and DJ Bean, co-host of the What Chaos Show, talk about Nikita Zadarov's fit with the Maple Leafs and his reputation among former teammates, the transactional prevalence early in this NHL season, if DJ is surprised by the Leafs uneven start, what seems to be the Leafs key to success, if this the best Connor McDavid has ever looked, and how much the hockey buzz from the Olympics has lasted in America. JD then ties together his thoughts on the Leafs goaltending, Gavin McKenna's ice-time, and breaking news that Artur Akhtyamov being recalled from the Marlies.

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