Alex Wong @ Raptors Show Appreciation Thread

[Ackshun]

Oh nooo was that announced today? I listened to the first 90 mins.

I like his sense of humor. I’ve had his book in queue for a bit but may have to bump it up

[djsunyc]

i respect anybody putting themselves out there in the public doing their job. they open themselves up to adulation as well as criticism. that's not an easy thing to do.

they've come a long way, not unlike basketball in the country.

at this point, the raptors show is still a glorified podcast with fans from the team. which is good. but i feel there's levels to this and there's still higher places to go with some tweaks.

i also think they need to have callers b/c that's how to get more listeners.

[Scase]

i respect anybody putting themselves out there in the public doing their job. they open themselves up to adulation as well as criticism. that's not an easy thing to do.

they've come a long way, not unlike basketball in the country.

at this point, the raptors show is still a glorified podcast with fans from the team. which is good. but i feel there's levels to this and there's still higher places to go with some tweaks.

i also think they need to have callers b/c that's how to get more listeners.

I think them being effectively owned by the team makes that real podcast/show format untenable. They never really go in hard enough on the team as they should, I always had the feeling that a lot is being held back until it's just the common sentiment. It's why It never grabbed my attention any more than any of the other blatantly sponsored MLSE shows.

[mrdressup]

The show was too wholesome for Canadians. We've been trained by the IUS media to want outrage and scandal.

[rage2021]

ugh - you can't have too much analytics and insight on these shows. look at inside the nba with shaq, ernie, kenny and charles. people watch that more then the games lmao.

even Sid with Tim it just wasnt the same after...

its a bad decision if they are forcing him off hope hes leaving on his own terms. casual fans just want to be ENTERTAINED.

[C Court]

And although I'm not Asian, I think it's great that they rep the Asian community in such an inclusive and fun way.

best of luck to Alex!

I'm not Asian either, but I appreciated them sharing their experiences as Asian Canadian immigrants with a dose of humour and humility. To a third generation white Canadian male like me, it was a perspective that wasn't available anywhere else in the media channels I follow.

That said, I still haven't tried bubble tea. But when I do, it will be because of Alex and Will.

[PhilBlackson]

I hope Alex does a Katt Williams like interview where he puts Will Lou on blast lol

[seanbig]

I’m Asian so Alex was funny to fill a void kinda like Seinfeld talking about nothing but if you real basketball analysis Blake is like Zach Lowe

[Anticon]

I would very much recommend his book, Prehistoric. Much better than I expected.

[Ado05]

He's funny. Throws some humor into the show.

[Ducksplatt]

He will be missed. I really liked what he brought to the show. It will be interesting to see where he goes next.

[WaltFrazier]

I disagree with most in that I really enjoyed that Alex brought personality to the show. I think Blake is great at what he does and I also enjoy listening to him, but I worry that he and Will don't have the charisma to carry a show that casuals will listen to. Also, I don't need my analysis dry and stats-driven at all times. I wish Alex the best and I'll follow his career!

Both things can be true. Alex is not mainstream radio material, and Will and Blake also lack charisma.

[WaltFrazier]

He will be missed. I really liked what he brought to the show. It will be interesting to see where he goes next.

I imagine he'll go somewhere where you won't see him. Or hear him. But reading him, yes

[WaltFrazier]

I think that show will be cancelled by years end with Blake. Wasn’t a fan of Alex either but Blake will just lecture the audience and not invite any feedback. That doesn’t work well when you never competed at any level and hold onto advanced metrics. The local sport radio scene is void of any personality aside from Jeff Oneill.

Yeah they could use an actual player or coach in there to provide that perspective. By itself analytics driven basketball nerd talk won't reach a wide enough audience. I can't think who they could get though.

Is Smith and Jones show even on the Fan anymore?

[pharring]

I'm saddened by this news. I feel like the Raptors Show came at the game from a different angle than the usual talking head sports guys, which I really hope this show doesn't become. I think the show appeals to a younger demographic and gives some reprentation to Toronto Asain culture. I hope Alex does some guest drop ins or some banter pods.

Just don't turn the show into another dull beat writer show. Keep Will. Keep Blake. Add a former player that isn't afraid to offer an opinion. Or rotate through some guests with direct ties to the team.

[bozothepope]

lol im watching todays episode, it really feels like blake hates the back and forth of will and alex. dude barely cracks a smile when they are joking around.

Blake has been like that since he joined the show. He’s a total wet blanket, often interrupting Will and Alex’s jokes with his know-it-all stats that put me to sleep. Alex is/was the best part of the show. I’ve been a fan of Will and Alex’s chemistry since Run It Back on Yahoo and it’s a shame he’s leaving.

[rapsincr]

lol im watching todays episode, it really feels like blake hates the back and forth of will and alex. dude barely cracks a smile when they are joking around.

Blake has been like that since he joined the show. He’s a total wet blanket, often interrupting Will and Alex’s jokes with his know-it-all stats that put me to sleep. Alex is/was the best part of the show. I’ve been a fan of Will and Alex’s chemistry since Run It Back on Yahoo and it’s a shame he’s leaving.

i like him tbh, but i also like the back and forth between will and alex. im torn.

[Mascot]

I dont think this will have the same effect as Sid leaving Tim and Sid and the ratings bombing, but it will not be the same for sure.

Good Luck Alex in whatever new job you have taken.

[Thaddy]

Will and Alex,

Y'all better give realgm a shout out after all these senti comments we giving.

[Chalky_White]

I do wonder if them focusing so much on the basketball minutiae will shorten the shelf life of this show. I know die-hards like most people here appreciate that sort of analysis but i'm not sure if the average radio listeners care too much about breaking down pick and roll coverage and Quickley's off-ball defense.

Count me as someone who enjoys in-depth analysis - in moderation. To often they can't just walk away from the analysis. For instance when they've had Samson on it veers into "Waaa waa waa Charlie Brown" territory. I don't need to hear 15 times that you've watched every pick and roll. I don't need to hear the same point over and over. Make your point, discuss and move on.

I think the show has leaned into their Twitter pals a little too much. Not that I don't want to hear from them. But it can get a little too self-congratulatory and repetitive.

Ya I'd like for them bring on more actual reporters for analysis, preferably from opposing teams. The Stein appearances are the best part of their show and wish they'd have more segments like that.