Smith & Jones

On the new Smith & Jones, Eric Smith & Paul Jones are joined by 19-year NBA veteran and former Raptor Charles Oakley to discuss a wide range of topics including differences from Today's NBA to when he played, the player empowerment era and the important role LeBron James plays in today's game both on the court and off the court (02:11). The guys are then joined by Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach DeMarre Carroll to talk about his transition to coaching, what he has learned and his memories of his time in Toronto (27:27). Finally, ESPN writer Tim Bontemps joins the show to swing...

On the newest Smith & Jones, Eric Smith and Paul Jones are joined by the voice of the Brooklyn Nets Ian Eagle (00:03). They discuss Brookyln's rough start to the season, the Steve Nash firing, and a little NFL. The guys are then joined by WNBA star and Canadian national team member Natalie Achonwa to talk about her exciting announcement, playing in the Olympics, and what the future holds for her (16:32)! Finally, ESPN NBA insider Bobby Marks joins Eric and Paul to go around the league from the drama in Brookyln and Los Angeles, to the surprising Kings, and what he...

This week on Smith and Jones, Eric flies solo and is joined by former NBAer and Atlanta Hawks analyst Brian Oliver (0:50) to discuss the offseason trade between the Hawks and San Antonio Spurs for Dejounte Murray and becoming court mates with Trae Young, why the Spurs made the move, the competitiveness of the Eastern Conference, John Collins' future in Atlanta and "The Lethal Weapon 3" documentary. Afterward, former Raptor and Sportsnet analyst Alvin Williams (21:30) stops by to chat about the impact Thad Young and Otto Porter Jr. have had on the young Toronto roster, former NBAers using their time to...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are joined by NBA.com's Steve Aschburner (0:43) to discuss his career covering the NBA, LeBron James' final years of his career, how will his legacy end, and the Lakers' up and down season. Afterward, Sportsnet.ca's Michael Grange (23:39) stops by to chat about players' decisions to represent their home countries in international basketball, having committed players and consistency to national teams, and the Raptors testing their depth with injuries piling up. Finally, former NBAer and Houston Rockets analyst Ryan Hollins (37:03) weighs in on the transition for rookies on contending and non-contending teams, balancing individual...

Raptors 905 head coach Eric Khoury jumps (0:41) on with Eric Smith and Paul Jones to discuss his path to becoming Raptors' G-League affiliate's new bench boss, his time studying at University of Toronto to working in basketball, when he got the coaching bug, the use of analytics in sports and how he can translate it as a coach, and if players have accepted the use of numbers. Then, Smith and Jones weigh in with their thoughts on the Brooklyn Nets and head coach Steve Nash parting ways (25:06). Afterwards, former Toronto Raptor and long-time NBA vet C.J. Miles (36:14) joins the...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are joined by long-time Sixers radio voice Tom McGinnis (0:50) to discuss the introduction of having back-to-back games against one team in the NBA just like in MLB, who's the greatest rival team for Philly, the competitiveness of the Eastern Conference, if he's a fan of the play-in near the end of the season, and his assessment of the Sixers through their first few games of the year. Afterward, Smith and Jones look back at the start of the NBA season for the Raptors, Pascal Siakam's outburst on offence, and the willingness to be unselfish...

Eric Smith & Paul Jones are joined by Canada Basketball CEO Mike Bartlett (4:00) to talk about the action down at the Mattamy Centre with Global JAM. They also get to the exciting time for Canada Basketball itself, and how they plan to continue to push it forward. Afterwards, the guys are joined by Sportsnet analyst Alvin Williams (25:00) to talk about Chris Broussard's comments about players not wanting to go to Toronto, and what the reality is instead. Plus, the three talk about whether or not Kevin Durant could be a Raptor, and what they should (and shouldn't) give up to...

On this edition of Smith & Jones, Eric Smith & Paul Jones congratulate the Warriors  on the NBA championship before being joined by the radio voice of the Warriors Tim Roye (:06). They discuss the similarities between Nick Nurse and Steve Kerr, and the Warriors Canadian flavor. They are then joined by former Raptor Alvin Williams (:18) to talk about his draft day experience. Finally they are joined by Celtics Shooting Guard Nik Stauskas (:32) and discus his experience being in the NBA finals, and what the future holds for him!  

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On this episode of Smith & Jones, Eric Smith and Paul Jones talk everything NBA finals and preview game 6. They then welcome on former Raptor and current Sportsnet Analyst Alvin Williams (:06) to talk about the emergence of Andrew Wiggins this series as well as how he see's game 6 going down.  Assistant GM and VP of Player Personnel for the Raptors Dan Tolzman (:25) comes on to talk about all things Raptors and NBA draft. From the teams process of evaluating players, to how they handle undrafted free agents.  The guys wrap it up with a mini review of the new Adam Sa...

On this edition of Smith & Jones, Eric Smith and Paul Jones recap game 3 of the NBA finals and how the Celtics were able to take a 2-1 series lead. Then the voice of the Celtics Sean Grande joins them (:08) to talk about the journey of this Celtics team this year, How the coaching change has helped them, and what he expects to see the rest of the series. The guys then talk about Draymond Green and CJ McCollum transition to  the media, and just how the league has changed.  

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On this episode of Smith & Jones, they are joined by the voice of the Warriors Tim Roye (:01). They preview everything Warriors related from the finals, to Klay Thompson's recovery, to Andrew Wiggins development, and to the Warriors could-be dynasty. Then the guys give you their thoughts on the NBA finals. And the trade rumors circling around OG Anunoby in Raptor land. Alvin Williams joins them (:22) to talk about the what the Raptors roster can improve on, as well as offer his thoughts on the NBA Finals. Finally they are joined by John Karalis (:45) from the Boston Sport Journal to...

On this episode of Smith & Jones the guys talk about the exciting announcements coming out of Canada Basketball and what we can expect to see this summer with the GM of Canada Basketball Rowan Barrett (8:00).  How the roster came together, and where you can catch the team this summer. Then the guys are joined by former NBA player and Dallas Maverick's analyst Derek Harper to talk about the western final, the role of Dwight Powell on the team and how to stop the Warriors (22:00). Alvin Williams reunites with the guys to breakdown all the conference final action, Kyle Lowry s...

Eric Smith & Paul Jones talk about Game 1 of the Conference Finals in both the East and the West, including thoughts on the Mavericks ability to contain the Warriors, and whether or not the Heat are (somehow) underrated. Sportsnet's Alvin Williams joins the show to give his thoughts on the first few Game 1s, plus to review what happened to Chris Paul and the Suns (5:34). Pistons senior advisor and former Raptor executive Ed Stefanski stops by to discuss how franchises develop modern stars, the importance of things like diet play, and Cade Cunningham’s rookie year (20:54). Warriors assistant coach Jama  Mah...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones share their thoughts on Joel Embiid's post-game comments about James Harden and the entire state of the 'Process'. Alvin Williams joins to talk about how those comments can affect the locker room, and what the 76ers can do to improve going forward (8:00). Warriors Play by Play Tim Roye stops by to discuss the Warriors once again advancing to the Western Conference Finals, and the emergence of Andrew Wiggins (24:00). ESPN's Bobby Marks joins to continue breaking down the 76ers, Kyrie Irving vs. the Nets, and how the Warriors were able to bounce back so fast (32:00...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones share some thoughts on the second round of the NBA Playoffs so far, discuss the press conference by Masai Ujiri, and chat about Nick Nurse's future. They are joined by Raptors analyst Alvin Williams to talk about the team's off-season plans, and his thoughts on the Sixers - Raptors first round series (8:00). LA Times' Dan Woike stops by to talk about the Lakers interest in both Nick Nurse and Adrian Griffin, and what the Lakers need to do this off-season to right the ship (23:00). Afterwards, Canada Basketball's President and CEO Mike Bartlett previews what...

Eric and Paul weigh in on the end of the Raptors season and some reaction to Fred Van Vleet’s post-season availability. Doug Smith looks at the improvement of the core over the course of the season, the future for both Thad Young and Chris Boucher as well as the need for adding shooting off the bench (10:56). Marc Spears chats about Scottie Barnes’ rookie year, why the best is yet to come and if the Raptors’ roster composition might be something other teams try to emulate (32:19).

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Eric Smith and Paul Jones chat about the Raptors Game 3 loss to the Sixers in overtime and are joined by SiriusXM NBA's Justin Termine to touch on Joel Embiid's game-winning shot, the valuable playoff experience the young players on Toronto will receive, how Devin Booker's injury could affect the Phoenix Suns' playoff run and why the Celtics-Nets series is one of his favourites to watch (10:45). Afterward, former Raptor and Sportsnet analyst Alvin Williams (28:46) hops on to share his thoughts on Toronto's defence in the final play in OT, a player's perspective after losing a game that was in their...

The Blue Jays win a tight one in Boston, Joe Siddall breaks it down with us. How did the Raps lose game 3? We analyze a tough home loss to the Sixers. Justin Bourne (50:00) wonders if this Winnipeg Jets team needs a rehaul, plus what to look forward to before the NHL playoffs kick off. Faizal Khamisa (60:00) tells us what the mood was like at Jurassic Park & debates with Tim over Pascal Siakam. Blake Murphy (70:00) breaks down the other NBA playoff matchups.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and gues...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are joined by former Toronto Raptor and Sportsnet TV analyst to chat about the adjustments the team should make ahead of Game 2 vs. the Sixers, not playing with their rookie Scottie Barnes, the importance of OG Anunoby, and much more.

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.

We discuss news that Paul George will not be available for the play-in game tonight and then look at the final playoff spots that remain in the NBA. Later we check in with former Raptors coach and current Detroit Pistons head coach Dwane Casey (6:00) and he gives his view of the Raptors and Sixers matchup. He was really impressed this year by Tyrese Maxey. Then we push Coach Casey for why his Pistons have had so much success vs the Raptors ever since he left town. Finally we are joined by Tim Legler of ESPN (35:00) discusses the transition from...

Eric and Paul open up the show looking ahead to the Raptors and Sixers series starting up tomorrow night and reflect on the memories of previous series, especially Game 7 in 2019, and how much each team has changed. Later we catch up with Alvin Williams who gives us his x-factor for each team and how he feels Nick Nurse and the Raptors need to approach Joel Embiid (15:18). Finally, we chat with Jamie Campbell about the early start of the Jays' season and why even MLB's elite teams are still hovering at .500 well into the season (34:35). 

The vi...

Eric and Paul kick off the show talking about how the team may rest some starters with potentially nothing to play for and why success may not be linear for this group (0:35). Then Alvin Williams looks at the chances for this Raptors team to go on a run in the playoffs, how important Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam are to the younger players and a huge moment from his career (12:58). The guys finish the show by talking about the chance for some Raptor players and Nick Nurse to be in the conversation for awards and the idea of voter...

Longtime NBA coach and champion Lionel Hollins shares his views on the current state of the NBA including playoff teams needing young impact players to thrive not necessarily playoff-tested veterans and the coaches in the mix for Coach of the Year (0:25). Ahead of his return to Toronto with the Heat, Kyle Lowry’s former Villanova teammate Randy Foye shares stories about Lowry when he was a young Wildcat at school and discusses his trajectory from college to becoming an NBA champion (16:27).

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones assess the standings after another night of NBA action and agree that things have never been tighter amongst playoff teams in both conferences, especially the East (1:16). NBA insider Bobby Marks discusses teams potentially jockeying for position in order to not face Brooklyn, and shares his thoughts on if certain Sixers and Celtics players will be eligible to play in Toronto come playoff time (19:52). CBS Sports’ Clark Kellogg breaks down the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament, particularly Duke's motivation to defeat UNC after the way they spoiled Coach K’s final home game (36:30).

Th...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones break down the Raptors latest win - a 125-102 effort vs the Timberwolves, and discuss Toronto's hot play of late as they current sit  6th in the Eastern Conference and out of the play-in (0:18). Next, the Toronto Star’s Doug Smith weighs-in on the rookie race between Scottie Barnes and Evan Mobley and chatting with Kyle Lowry ahead of the Raptor great’s upcoming return to Scotiabank Arena (21:53). To finish, NBA TV’s Jared Greenberg catches up with Eric and Paul with more on the NBA Rookie of the Year Race, and the standings in the...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones break down the playoff teams in the Eastern Conference, notably the Bucks playing well with a championship pedigree (and their similarities to the 2020 Raptors) and if Cleveland’s lack of experience could hurt them come playoff time (0:12). The guys welcome Alvin Williams in on the conversation with his thoughts on the seeding in the East, the Raptors organization being proven and playoff-tested, and who he played with that he felt made a difference come playoff time (16:50). Afterwards, Minnesota Timberwolves voice Alan Horton previews tonight’s matchup vs. Toronto and discusses the job ex-Raps assistant Chri...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones recap a hard-fought 115-112 Raptors win over the Boston Celtics, on a night where Pascal Siakam took over with 40 points. E and Jonesy discuss the game’s playoff atmosphere, their view on the officiating, Boston hanging tough without key players, and Thaddeus Young’s presence on the floor (0:47). Later, Sportsnet’s Michael Grange joins the fellas with more on Pascal Siakam’s big night, the tight Eastern Conference standings and how the Raptors stack up against the other playoff teams in the East (29:30).

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Eric Smith and Paul Jones are joined by Canada Basketball’s President and CEO Michael Bartlett to discuss GLOBL Jam that will be taking over Toronto this summer and the different initiatives and programs created to keep growing the sport across the country (17:34). Next, Alvin Williams joins for Alvin Williams Wednesdays ahead of the Raptors next game against Cleveland: an important game for both clubs as it pertains to the standings. Alvin discusses Toronto being a tough out in the playoffs no matter who they match up with, why he still fears the Bucks in the East, and the eff...

Eric and Jonesy break down the Raptors' loss to the Bulls on Monday night, and play some audio from Fred VanVleet and Nick Nurse (0:27). Next, Matt Devlin stops by to give his thoughts on the Raptors' recent stretch, their loss to Chicago, the team's upcoming matchup with the Cavs, the final three weeks of the schedule, and how life has been on road (21:51). Afterwards, Dan Bonner breaks down the March Madness tournament up until this point, and looks ahead to the Sweet 16 matchups (39:47).

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones look ahead to Friday night's Raptors-Lakers rematch with Toronto in search of its sixth straight win (0:35). They welcome in Lakers play by play voice John Ireland to discuss the teams’ recent play, the hope that Anthony Davis can return soon, and why Russell Westbrook’s season has been so difficult (22:52). Afterwards, ESPN Analyst and former NCAA head coach Seth Greenberg discusses an eventful start to the March Madness tournament highlighted by Saint Peter’s upset win over John Calipari and Kentucky (41:03).

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Eric Smith hosts solo and is joined by Alvin Williams coming off of the Raptors’ 5th straight win - a 103-100 effort against the Clippers where they were led by Pascal Siakam’s 33 points (15:39). Later, NBA Radio’s Justin Termine goes around the association and examines the Lakers’ future beyond this season, the Suns’ impressive run in the West without Chris Paul, and who can be trusted come playoff time in each conference (32:13).

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 & M...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones discuss the Raptors’ impressive win over the Los Angeles Lakers - the team's fourth straight victory (0:38). E and Jonesy get into LeBron James’ noticeable frustration on the court and Scottie Barnes taking his play to another level since the All-Star break (9:07). Later, Sportsnet’s Michael Grange joins the conversation and speculates with the guys on what could happen with James going forward after a disastrous season for the Lakers (33:02).

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rog...

Paul Jones and Eric Smith reflect on the Raptors' three-game winning streak, including impressive back to back wins over the Suns and Nuggets (0:58). Then former Raptor C.J/ Miles talks about talking in  Raps-Spurs last week and what he likes from Nick Nurse’s squad this season (14:47). Afterwards, former Laker and UCLA Bruin Tracy Murray discusses the Lakers’ woes ahead of tonight’s Raptors game and which team he thinks has a legitimate shot to win the NCAA’s National Championship (33:40).

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not ne...

Eric and Paul recap the the Raptors' win over the Spurs that saw Fred VanVleet return to the lineup with an impressive performance and Precious Achiuwa making some clutch shots down the stretch (0:28). Afterwards, Sixers TV voice Kate Scott talks about tonight’s big Philly-Brooklyn matchup, how Ben Simmons will be greeted by fans, and James Harden and Joel Embiid’s play since the trade (35:21). Later, TNT Sports’ Nabil Karim discusses his career path from studying criminology to hanging out with Shaq, Chuck, and the Great One (50:53).

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Spurs analyst and NBA Champion Matt Bonner shares his favourite Gregg Popovich stories and what it was like playing for him as he is on the cusp of becoming the NBA’s all-time wins leader (11:56). Former NBA coach PJ Carlesimo talks about sharing the sideline with Popovich and the various memories and dinners they shared on and off the court from his five years as an assistant with the Spurs (30:42).

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 an...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones talk about Kyrie Irving’s talent as it was on full display during his 50-point performance vs Charlotte and discuss the complicated rules around his vaccination status (0:37). Next, Sportsnet’s Alvin Williams discusses the Raptors' recent skid, the team being cautious with Fred VanVleet’s knee, and his admiration of Gregg Popovich from afar as Toronto gets ready to face San Antonio (29:52).

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 affiliate.

Eric Smith and Paul Jones open with some International Women's Day shoutouts, before discussing San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich earning his NBA record 1,335th career victory, tying him with Don Nelson (which makes Jonesy reach deep into the memory bank!) and Russell Westbrook’s comments on fans disrespecting him and his family (0:44). Afterwards, ESPN analyst Doris Burke discusses Westbrook, Sunday's showdown between Jayson Tatum and Kevin Durant, her view on the Raptors, and Ben Simmons returning to Philadelphia this week but not playing (31:06).

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones break down the Raptors' loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers: Scottie Barnes playing the point with injuries to VanVleet and Flynn, the team’s struggles from 3-point range, and the lack of production from the bench (0:44). Former Duke player and NBA executive Billy King discusses the celebration for legendary Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski as he coached his final home game and if the Nets can gel in-time to make a deep run (32:35). Later, Dan Woike of the LA Times talks about LeBron James’ epic 56-point performance versus the Warriors and addresses the speculation that Russell West...

E and Jonesy are joined by ESPN’s Tim Bontemps on the Lakers’ latest blowout loss to the Clippers, his low expectations for them even if they sneak into the playoffs, and Ja Morant and the Grizzlies taking the league by storm (16:10). To wrap, author Jeff Pearlman looks ahead to Sunday’s premiere of HBO’s “Winning Time” - HBO’s mini-series on the Showtime Lakers and discusses his book being the basis for the series, how the people portrayed are receiving its release, and if a book or TV show on the LeBron-era Lakers would make for good entertainment...

Dwane Casey and the Pistons have foiled the Raptors again! Eric Smith and Paul Jones break down the Raptors’ 108-106 loss to Detroit where rookies Cade Cunningham and Scottie Barnes went head-to-head and Nick Nurse found himself getting ejected (0:44). Next, Mississauga’s Nik Stauskas discusses his NBA return with the Boston Celtics after his standout performances in the G-League and opens up about nearly stepping away from basketball and why he didn’t (29:56).

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers...