Author Archives: Blake Murphy

The Raptors Reasonablists Podcast – Khem Birch Signs w/ the Raptors + Getting to the Play In

Title: The Raptors Reasonablists Podcast – Khem Birch Signs w/ the Raptors + Getting to the Play In
Date: April 12, 2021
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In the latest edition of The Raptors Reasonablists Podcast, Eric Koreen and I discuss the recent play of Malachi Flynn and Gary Trent Jr., the addition of Khem Birch, the struggles of Pascal Siakam, and more. Read an excerpt!

Raptors’ first-half drudging of Cavaliers a perfect example of late-season developmental win

Title: Raptors’ first-half drudging of Cavaliers a perfect example of late-season developmental win
Date: April 10, 2021
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about the good kind of late-season win for the Raptors, underwritten by meaningful development from their youth. Read an excerpt!

Radio Appearance: Talking Raptors on Sportsnet 590

Title: Radio Appearance: Talking Raptors on Sportsnet 590
Date: April 9, 2021
Original Source: Sportsnet 590
Synopsis: I appeared on Sportsnet 590 to discuss the Raptors’ plan for the last 20 games of a lost season.

Check out the audio!

NBA TV Canada: Raptors Gameday television appearance

Title: NBA TV Canada: Raptors Gameday television appearance
Date: April 8, 2021
Original Source: NBA TV Canada
Synopsis: I was a guest on the latest Raptors Gameday on NBA TV Canada, discussing the Raptors’ addition of G League standout Freddie Gillespie.

You can check out my earlier TV appearances here.

Guest Lecture – Centennial College

Title: Guest Lecture – Centennial College
Date: April 8, 2021
Original Source: Centennial College
Synopsis: I made an appearance as a guest lecturer for a Centennial College sports journalism class, discussing my career, answering industry questions, and discussing the news-breaking process in sports.
Read the full article!

Why Khem Birch no longer fit with the Magic, but makes sense for the Raptors

Title: Why Khem Birch no longer fit with the Magic, but makes sense for the Raptors
Date: April 8, 2021
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I joined two colleagues to discuss the Magic buying out Khem Birch, freeing him to sign with the Raptors. Read an excerpt!

Chris Boucher’s career night, Malachi Flynn’s first start and the caveats that come with these Raptors

Title: Chris Boucher’s career night, Malachi Flynn’s first start and the caveats that come with these Raptors
Date: April 8, 2021
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about another Raptors loss you can’t really blame them for or take much from as they navigate a world with eight available players. Read an excerpt!

The Raptors Reasonablists Podcast – Raptors fall to the Lakers + WrestleMania Preview

Title: The Raptors Reasonablists Podcast – Raptors fall to the Lakers + WrestleMania Preview
Date: April 7, 2021
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In the latest edition of The Raptors Reasonablists Podcast, Eric Koreen and I discuss the recent play of Malachi Flynn and Gary Trent Jr., then preview WrestleMania. Read an excerpt!

DeAndre’ Bembry, the Raptors’ king of good vibes: ‘Just bringing good, positive energy’

Title: DeAndre’ Bembry, the Raptors’ king of good vibes: ‘Just bringing good, positive energy’
Date: April 6, 2021
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about how DeAndre’ Bembry maintains his positivity and how his energy raises thoe around him. Read an excerpt!

OG Anunoby’s ejection pushes Raptors’ depth issues, fiscal restraint to forefront

Title: OG Anunoby’s ejection pushes Raptors’ depth issues, fiscal restraint to forefront
Date: April 6, 2021
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about OG Anunoby’s ejection thinning out the Raptors even further, a difficulty of their own making as they’ve chosen to run with a short roster for weeks. Read an excerpt!