Smith & Jones

Eric Smith & Paul Jones take a break from their vacation and check back to go over what the future of the Raptors will look like without Masai Ujiri as the President. Do they feel optimistic about the outlook of the Raptors now? Is the team positioned to compete next year? And why would they be looking for a new team president? The guys are then joined by NBA.com's Shaun Powell to get his thoughts on what happened with the Raptors so far this offseason and if we can expect anything else. Does Shaun think they are a playoff...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones close this year with a look back on 30 years of Raptors basketball. The guys share their memories from covering the team over the past three decades and look back at both some of their favorite memories and players along the way. Former Raptor Tony Massenburg joins the program to look back on Paul's "welcome to the NBA" moment. We also hear from Charles Oakley and Dee Brown on what they first thought when news broke that they had been traded to Toronto. Eric and Paul then take some time to look back at the...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back! This week, the pair are joined by the CEO of Canada Basketball, Michael Bartlett! The guys get into this week's announcement by the program regarding the road map to 2028 Olympics. Michael outlines what Canadian basketball fans can expect going into this summer, the changes on the horizon on the heels of the Paris 2024 Games, and the state of the team's core ahead of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup. The trio also sort through the financial side of the program, before sharing their most exciting things to look forward to as a basketball...

Former Toronto Raptor Matt Bonner joins Eric Smith and Paul Jones to discuss Florida's NCAA championship win. He reflects on his experience as a fan vs. a player and shares insights about the current state of college basketball. The conversation covers his upbringing, his journey through basketball from Florida to Italy and Toronto, and his thoughts on the current Raptors season and lessons for the future.

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 are joined by former Raptor and NCAA Champion, Ed Pinckney! The guys start off by chatting with Ed about his memories of Villanova's upset over Georgetown in 1985. How did they achieve this great milestone and what is the lasting legacy of that group? They also dive into his NBA career, how that tournament run propelled his basketball journey, and the ways that the NCAA game has changed 40 years later. Ed wraps up with a look back on time in Toronto and shares what he remembers from those early days on the team, what it...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back with another episode! This week, they are joined by former Raptor Pops Mensah-Bonsu! Pop shares his story of moving to the United States of America in Grade 10, the challenges that presented him, being a two-sport athlete with track and field, and why he ultimately chose basketball. The trio dive into his journey to George Washington University, why he ultimately chose to enroll there, and the program's influence on his basketball development. Pop also chats about his time in Toronto, what he learned about the city, and the impact of the area's large...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back just before March Madness, joined by Michigan legend and former NBA top 10 pick, Nik Stauskas. They discuss his upbringing in the GTA during the rise of the Raptors, and how the team influenced his basketball development. Nik shares his thoughts on how Canadian basketball has evolved since his early days, and whether it's easier for Canadians to break into the pros now. They also dive into why Nik chose Michigan, the influence of the Fab Five, adjusting to college life and what contributed to his on-court success. The conversation then shifts to...

Eric Smith & Paul Jones are back with former Toronto Raptors assistant Tom Sterner! The guys get into how Tom broke into the NBA with analytics on the Orlando Magic, how the analytics have changed since then, working with Dwane Casey on the Dallas Mavericks before ultimately joining him with the Raptors. What was the first thing he noticed in Toronto? How did he adjust living and working in a different country? Finally, the guys get into his "TV Tom" personality and iconic half time interviews he would have. 

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Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back with another former Raptor to celebrate the Raptors 30th anniversary season! This week, John Lucas III joins the guys to chat about his father's legacy of playing and coaching in the NBA as well as the tennis court, and how he passed that love onto his son. John talks about his journey in basketball and what led him to a tumultuous situation at Baylor, eventually leading him to the Final Four with Oklahoma State Cowboys. The guys discuss John's NBA career, his start with Dwane Casey and the Timberwolves, and how that...

Eric Smith & Paul Jones are back after a week off and they are joined by former Raptors and 13 year NBA vet Darrick Martin! The guys go over his career in basketball from starting on the hardcourts in NYC, to going to UCLA. What was it like adjusting on the other side of the country as an under sized guard? The guys then go over his NBA career, how did he end up on a court with Michael Jordan and talking trash to him? What did he make of Toronto when he first go here? And why couldn't he wear...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones return with Antonio Daniels, current New Orleans Pelicans broadcaster, host on Sirius XM NBA Radio and former NBA guard! They dive into what Raptors fans can expect from Brandon Ingram both on and off the court, how he will fit in Toronto and where the trade leaves the Pelicans going forward. The guys also chat about Antonio's memorable moments from his time as a player with the Grizzlies, along with what could have been done differently to keep the team in Vancouver. Finally, the NBA Champion opens up about life after basketball and what...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones discuss the Raptors acquiring Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans, the likelihood that he will re-sign in Toronto, and the players who are now leaving town: Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and Davion Mitchell. The guys bring Sportsnet’s Michael Grange in on the conversation with his thoughts on Toronto's moves and what the future holds for Chris Boucher after he remained a Raptor. After the break, Eric & Paul invite Warriors play by play voice Tim Roye (32:38) to the program to talk about Jimmy Butler heading West to Golden State. 

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Eric Smith & Paul Jones are back with another Raptor Great, Antonio Davis! The guys talk to him about his new role as the president of the NBA Alumni association. What will he look to do with his new role as president? What can they do with the players association to help retired players transition into their post playing career? And how can the alumni association better educate people? The guys also look back at his time in Toronto and how far the Raptors have come over the last 30 years. Guys also go over Vince Carter’s retirement ceremony, Antonio’s th...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back with fan favourite Alvin Williams in a special podcast-only episode! The guys start by going over Alvin's time in Toronto and the start of his basketball career. What was the biggest difference between college and the NBA? What was it like having Butch Carter as his head coach? Where did Alvin's disdain for the city of his birth, Philadelphia, come from? And why does he love Toronto so much? All that and much more as the guys catch up with the former Raptors point guard! 

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Eric Smith & Paul Jones are back with another episode of Smith and Jones! This week, former Raptor Gary Forbes joins the show to discuss growing up in Panama during a time of political turmoil, moving to New York City as a young boy, and his memories of playing in the NCAA with two teams. The guys also get into how being diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes affected not only Forbes' basketball career but his life overall. Finally,  Forbes breaks down how he broke into the NBA and what his memories of playing for the Toronto Raptors are and they go o...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back from the holidays with a special podcast-only version of the show! The guys are joined by long time NBA referee and former undercover cop, Bob Delaney! They start by going over some of his first memories when it was announced Toronto got an expansion team. The guys then get into some of his stories from refereeing in the NBA, how going undercover helped Bob's career, and dealing with PTSD. The show closes with Eric and Paul pitching the roles they would play in Bob's movie! All that and much more!

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back this week as they continue to celebrate the Raptors' 30th season. This week they are joined by seven-year NBA veteran and former Toronto Raptor, Aaron Gray! The guys look back on the start of Aaron's career playing in the Big East at Pitt and how that set the tone for what was to come. He shares his experience being drafted by the Bulls, along with the role Ben Wallace played in his early career. Later, the trio dive into Aaron's time in Toronto including his initial introduction to the city, how the...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back! This week they are joined by former Raptors General Manager and current Senior Advisor to the Grizzlies & Canada Basketball, Glen Grunwald! The guys go over how Glen got his basketball career started, from playing under Bob Knight at Indiana to being drafted by Red Auerbach and the Celtics. Later, Glen dives into NBA front offices, what it was like being at the head of the Raptors, and what he remembers most from that period. The trio close out the episode by going over the way basketball in Canada has grown, where it...

Eric Smith & Paul Jones are joined by former Raptor Point Guard, and current Raptors Scout Ben Uzoh! The guys go over his journey to the NBA from Houston to the University of Tulsa. How & why did he pick Tulsa? What was it like being undrafted? How did he end up in Toronto and what were his first feelings when he found out? How did he transition into scouting? What is his current role with the Raptors and what influence did Masai Ujiri have on him? The guys then go over Ben's final game in the NBA and the Raptors...

Eric Smith & Paul Jones are joined by 1991 NBA Slam Dunk Champion, and 12 year NBA veteran Dee Brown! The guys get into what it was like breaking into the league with the Boston Celtic's led by Larry Bird. What did he learn from him on how to lead a team? How did winning the Slam Dunk contest effect his early career? The guys then get into what it was like when he first got to Toronto, and how he mentored a young core. The guys wrap up the conversation with talk of how Brown's daughter Lexie Brown, has taken the...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back with former Raptors executive and current Senior Advisor to the Pistons, Ed Stefanski! He shares some memories from when he was in New Jersey of trading for Vince Carter and all that went into that. The guys then get into his time with the Raptors and what both he and Brian Colangelo built in Toronto. Later, the trio look back on the trade that sent Kyle Lowry to Toronto and discuss what his presence has meant to both the franchise and city, before debating whose jersey should go up to the rafters...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back with another former Raptor! Joining the guys this week is 13 year NBA vet Tony Massenburg. The guys go over his introduction to Toronto, and meeting Paul back in the day before getting into what life is like an an expansion team. Tony then goes over his time playing for the university of Maryland with Len Bias and what could have been with his career. The guys then go over the legacy of Len Bias and how over time it has changed to being a more positive one. Tony then compares his time...

Eric Smith & Paul Jones are back with another episode. They are joined by NBA legend, and former Toronto Raptor Charles Oakley! The guys go over his first reaction's to Toronto and how he felt about the city. The guys then get into his experience playing with Vince Carter, and how  close he thinks the team was to being a serious contender. The guys then get into who they think the next jersey to be retired for the Raptors. Eric and Paul wrap up the show with some audio from Vince Carter's hall of fame ceremony.

 The...

Eric Smith & Paul Jones are joined by 3 time NBA Champion Phil Handy! They go over his life in basketball from his early days growing up in the Bay Area, to playing his college ball in Hawaii. The guys then go over just how hard it was to make an NBA roster and his career over sea's, and getting into skill development as a coach. How did all of this lead to eventually getting on Mike Brown's staff to work with Kobe Bryant? Finally the guys touch on Phil's time in Toronto, from his relationship with Nick Nurse to deciding...

Eric Smith & Paul Jones are back for another season of Smith and Jones! The guys kick off the season with former Raptors centre and fan favourite, Lucas "Bebe" Nogueira! They chat about what he is up to now following his recent retirement from basketball, how hard the transition has been to his post-NBA life, and what he wishes he could have told his younger self. The guys then get into some of his recent struggles both on and off the court, before wrapping up the conversation with a look back at his time in Toronto and just how close...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back for one more time this year! In the season finale the guys welcome on former NBA front office executive and current NBA Front Office insider Bobby Marks. He gives them his thoughts on the Raptors draft & off season so far. The guys then go over his thoughts on Paul George moving to the 76ers, what the Nuggets are doing, and how the new CBA is effecting how teams are constructed. Doug Smith of the Toronto Star then joins Eric and Paul and they go over his thoughts on what the Raptors have...

Eric Smith & Paul Jones are back with another jammed packed episode! Guys kick things off previewing the opening of Team Canada training camp, and what this summer will look like for the national team. Paul is then joined by the CEO of Canada Basketball Michael Bartlet and General Manager Rowan Barrett. They go over what this roster looks like and what training camp will entail. Eric and Paul then go over there thoughts on the Raptors off season moves thus far. From acquiring Davion Mitchell to resigning Immanuel Quickley are they better now then when the season started? Guys...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back and joined by NBA Champion Oshae Brissett! They go over what it was like to win the NBA title with the Boston Celtics. Who was the first person he called? What leadership role did Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown play in this series? And who is he celebrating with in Toronto? Boston Globe Celtics reporter Gary Washburn then joins the guys to share his thoughts on the Celtics' championship and what's ahead for this team after the title. Finally, former Cleveland Cavaliers Head Coach and current Team Canada Consultant, David Blatt joins...

Eric Smith & Paul Jones are back with another episode! The guys are joined by the Raptors television play-by-play announcer Matt Devlin! They go over some of his memories from 5 years ago when the Raptors beat the Warriors to win the NBA championship. The guys then get into Matt's experience working beside Jerry West and his impact on both Matt, and the entire league. The guys then welcome on 17-year NBA vet and current Mavs broadcaster Derek Harper!  They get into how this series has played out and why the Celtics have dominated the Mavs in the first 3 games. What h...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back with another jam-packed episode! The guys are joined by Timberwolves Associate Head Coach Micah Nori to go over his experience in the Western Conference Finals after getting thrust into the head coaching role! They chat about the T-Wolves' season as a whole and the leap the team made this year, before Micah offers his thoughts on the NBA Finals matchup and what it presents for both teams. Later, new CEO of Ontario Basketball, Claude Nembhard stops by to go over what he expects to accomplish in his new role, how the OBA...

Eric Smith & Paul Jones kick off the show by offering some thoughts on the passing of Bill Walton. About his impact both on and off the court and he meant for the NBA. The guys then welcome on former Knicks GM & current ESPN analyst Scott Perry to hear his thoughts on the conference finals. What stands out for him more then anything else?  Would it be a disappointed if the Celtics didn't win the title this year? And what does Scott see in these conference finalists that the Raptors can apply to there rebuild? The guys are then joined b...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back with another packed episode! The guys kick things off with their thoughts on the announcement of Toronto getting a WNBA team! What does it mean for the city and the game of basketball in Toronto, as well as for the nation as a whole? Next, the pair dive into the NBA conference finals alongside Dallas Mavericks radio play-by-play voice, Chuck Cooperstein! He breaks down his takeaways from Game 1 including if the Mavs have the defensive chops to win the West, and how Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić have figured out how to...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back with another packed episode! The guys share their thoughts on the news of the Nets retiring Vince Carter's number and what it says about Raptors, before being joined by the voice of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Alan Horton! Alan helps break down everything Nuggets-Timberwolves including what's changed from Game 2 to now and how the T-Wolves can counter-punch. Next up, former NBA player and current Pacers analyst, Eddie Gill weighs in on Indiana's chances of clawing back into their series with the Knicks. Later on, ESPN writer Tim Bontemps stops by to go over...

Eric Smith & Paul Jones share there thoughts on the MVP award, and why they think the NBA got it wrong. The guys are then joined by longtime NBA executive Ed Stefanski. They get into his thoughts on the MVP award. Then his thoughts on how both the Timberwolves and Nuggets were put together. The guys then get into Ed's thoughts on Zach Edey and if he can fit into the modern NBA. Eric and Paul are the joined by 2014 Big 10 player of the year & former NBA player Nik Stauskas. They get into what he saw in game 2 at MSG...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are joined by NBA champion & former NBA head coach Lionel Hollins! The guys go over his memories and role in Portland's 1977 championship. Next, Hollins unpacks what it's like coaching in the playoffs and what goes into game planning. After that, how can the Lakers retool after being eliminated by the Nuggets yet again? The guys then get into what Lionel is seeing from the Mavs, and Knicks and discuss if they are legit title contenders. Eric and Paul then get his thoughts on Charles Barkley's comments and the development of younger players in the...

Eric Smith & Paul Jones are back breaking down all the action from the NBA playoffs! Guys are joined by ESPN's and New York Knick radio announcer Monica McNutt to breakdown everything going on in the big apple. Is she surprised by the Knicks start? How are they doing all this without Julius Randle? And is Joel Embiid leaving anything to be desired?  The LA time's Dan Woike then joins the guys to share his thoughts on Lakers-Nuggets. Why does it seem like the Nuggets own them? And is there discord coming from the Lakers? Guys then get into Dan's t...

Eric Smith & Paul Jones are back to wrap up the 2023-24 Raptors season. The guys are joined by Sportsnet Raptors analyst Alvin Williams as they look back at the high's and low's from the season. Eric and Paul then listen to Masai Ujiri end of season availability and talk about what they expect in the offseason. They then hear from Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley, before offering there final thoughts for the season (33:42). 

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

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are joined by former NCAA and NBA head coach, and current NBA on ESPN radio analyst, P.J. Carlesimo! He shares some of his memories his time with Seton Hall and their trip to the Final 4. How did he prepare them to play Duke? What did he say at halftime when they were down? The guys then pivot to the 2024 NCAA tournament and what P.J. thinks the future holds for Zach Edey. Later on, they discuss who's leading the NBA MVP race and if anyone can stop a Denver-Boston final. All that and...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back with a special edition of Smith & Jones! With the news of Vince Carter's induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, the guys are joined by his former teammate Muggsy Bogues to look back on his time in Toronto. Was he often under appreciated? Did his love of basketball get lost in the shuffle? How impressive was he in practice? Muggsy also offers some thoughts on the current NBA season and how he sees it shaking out. Later on, Sportsnet's Michael Grange stops by to share his thoughts on the Vince Carter's...

Eric Smith and Paul Jones are back with a brand new episode! The guys are joined by Front Office Sports Reporter, Alex Schiffer to talk about his reporting on the situation. What happened exactly and how big will the consequences be? Alex has covered the Porter brothers since high school, did he ever see something like this happen? Eric and Paul then get into their own thoughts on it and what the fallout could be for all of sports. Guys shift gears and talk to Canada basketball CEO Michael Bartlett after. What are the next steps the national team...