Zulfi Sheikh

Raptors forging rookie Collin Murray-Boyles through fire - Raptors Republic Is the rookie rising through the ashes or still learning to navigate between the smoke?

Every rookie's NBA journey starts differently, and the Raptors are making sure Collin Murray-Boyles' path goes directly through the flames.

Talk about a warm welcome.

Here are my takeaways after nine games for pick No. 9 ⤵️
www.raptorsrepublic.com/2025/11/13/r...

Raptors 905 follow big club’s lead in season-opening win vs. Sky Hawks - Raptors Republic Call it synchronicity or a bit of serendipity, but the junior dinos did their best Toronto Raptors impression.

The 905 opened their season with a win last night, but just as important, they did it following the tenets of the Raptors.

My recap on the synchronized effort in Mississauga, and some insight into Jonathan Mogbo's assignment stint.
www.raptorsrepublic.com/2025/11/08/r...

Raptors 905 preview: Five storylines heading into NBA G League season As the Raptors 905 prepare to begin their season on Friday at home against the College Park Skyhawks, the G League affiliate is hoping for a trickle-down effect. Zulfi Sheikh tells us what to expect i...

The 905 season is about to begin, and the G League squad is hoping to mimic the Raptors in more ways than one.

It's time to turn potential into progress.

Here's my preview of five storylines to keep an eye on. ⬇️
www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

Raptors, Mamukelashvili ready to control their luck this year - Raptors Republic One bargain-bin contract that's hoping to change two fortunes.

The Raptors didn't go looking for a bargain contract this summer out of hope. They did it out of necessity. Ultimately, they chose Sandro Mamukelashvili, and he chose them.

My thoughts on why the bet was worthwhile and how it could change two fortunes.⤵️
www.raptorsrepublic.com/2025/10/21/r...

NBA 2025-26 Season Preview: Tier ranking all 30 teams The 2025-26 NBA season starts on Tuesday, so now seems like the right time to sort out the contenders from the pretenders and everything in between. Sportsnet's Zulfi Sheikh ranks all 30 teams into ...

The 2025-26 NBA season starts on Tuesday, so I took on the fool's errand of ranking all 30 teams for Sportsnet.

Sorting out the contenders from the pretenders and everything in between. 👀 ⤵️
www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

What's at stake for Canadians fighting on UFC Vancouver card? The seven Canadian fighters set for action this weekend at UFC Vancouver have plenty at stake in front of the home crowd. Zulfi Sheikh breaks it all down.

The UFC is back north of the border for the second time this year, with plenty of local talent being featured.

But make no mistake, the seven Canadians set to fight in Vancouver on Saturday are doing it for much more than cheers on home soil.
www.sportsnet.ca/ufc/article/...

NBA 2025-26 Season Preview: Burning question for each team in the West With the 2025-26 NBA season less than one week away, Sportsnet's Zulfi Sheikh asks one burning question for every team in the Western Conference.

My work helping cover the 2025-26 NBA season for Sportsnet has begun! Starting with a preview of the Western Conference as I asked one burning question for each team.
www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

Raptors 2020 NBA Draft haunted by ‘what if’ - Raptors Republic Taking a look back at Toronto's 2020 draft with hindsight in mind.

Looked back at the Raptors' 2020 NBA Draft and the “what if” that most fans still think about five years later.

For @raptorsrepublic.bsky.social ⤵️
www.raptorsrepublic.com/2025/09/04/r...

Canada upset by Brazil in physical loss to open men's GLOBL JAM campaign Canada's mens team was "punched in the mouth" in Wednesday's tournament-opening loss to Brazil. The group will need to learn from the experience to keep its hopes of advancing to GLOBL JAM's gold meda...

It wasn't the outcome many expected or the one Canada Basketball wanted.

But Wednesday's loss did offer one important thing: insight.

The kind that Dave Smart was after, heading into GLOBL JAM, and the kind his team will need to learn from to turn things around. ⤵️
www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/a...

Dave Smart 'all in' for return to Canada Basketball, coaching at GLOBL JAM When GLOBL JAM 2025 starts on Wednesday, it won't just represent a homecoming for some of the athletes stepping onto the court. Dave Smart is back coaching the Canadian men, and could play a bigger ro...

When GLOBL JAM tips off, it won't just represent a homecoming for athletes. Dave Smart is back coaching with Canada Basketball, with hopes of sticking around.

"Being part of the Olympics would be great."

More on my conversation with the U23 men's coach ⤵️
www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/a...

Ontario Basketball Association's Hall of Fame celebration returns with star-studded inductees For the first time in seven years, the Ontario Basketball Association brought back its Hall of Fame induction celebration to recognize the game's best. Zulfi Sheikh reports back with the highlights.

While basketball's rise in Canada has many excited to look forward, those around the game want to ensure we still look back and celebrate the trailblazers who've led us to this point.

It was an honour covering the @OBABBall Hall of Fame ceremony! ⤵️
www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/a...

Overreactions from the Raptors’ Summer League experience - Raptors Republic What could happen if just about everything went right for Toronto next season?

Call it an overreaction, but after watching the Raptors at Summer League, I think I'm ready to go all in on next season.

It might just be the spirit of Las Vegas sweeping me up, but let's imagine what could happen if everything goes right for Toronto. ⤵️
www.raptorsrepublic.com/2025/07/25/o...

2025 NBA free agency: Biggest needs for all 30 teams To get you ready for the NBA off-season, here's a look at all 30 teams' biggest needs and who they might covet as the negotiating window opens.

NBA free agency officially opens in less than an hour.

For a second consecutive year, I dove into all 30 teams to figure out what and who they might covet. This took a ton of effort and a lot of words! So would appreciate any love it got 🫡⤵️
www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

In his latest, @zulfisheikh.bsky.social explores who could be the Raptors’ “rising tide” next season. Breaking down Scottie Barnes’ growth, new additions, and what it’ll take for Toronto to lift as a team. A solid-read for Raptors fans! #WeTheNorth

Biggest winners and losers from 2025 NBA Draft: Hawks score, Bailey falls Day 1 of the 2025 NBA Draft is in the books. Zulfi Sheikh takes a look at the biggest winners and losers from the day.

Day 1 of the 2025 NBA Draft has come and gone, so naturally it's time to opine on how teams did, even if we won't truly know until things pan out on the court.

My crack at rating some winners and losers, for Sportsnet. ⤵️
www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

NBA Finals Takeaways: Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder answer call to even series Shai Gilgeous-Alexander demonstrated what it truly means to be a superstar on Friday. Despite missing five consecutive shots between the end of the third quarter and start of the fourth, he delivered ...

ICYMI — The NBA Finals is now a best-of-three after both teams did a bit of what they had to do while also each snatching victories from the jaws of defeat.

My takeaways on the Thunder's numbers-defying win and SGA's late-game heroics. ⤵️
www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

Seven potential trade destinations for Suns' Kevin Durant The Suns' desire to move Kevin Durant might be the worst-kept secret in the NBA right now. So, as the former MVP and Phoenix work together to find a deal, Zulfi Sheikh looks at seven potential destin...

When it comes to on-court action, the NBA Finals have delivered.

But with no disrespect to the Thunder or Pacers, plenty of fans enjoy off-court intrigue as well. So I dug through the Kevin Durant rumours and broke down 7 possible landing spots. ⤵️
www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

Good piece from @zulfisheikh.bsky.social. He breaks down why Amir Coffey could be a sneaky-good FA fit for the Raptors. With his elite shooting, size, and defensive upside, Coffey might finally buck Toronto’s streak of underwhelming signings. Solid value move if they can pull it off! #WeTheNorth

Can Pacers break through Thunder's defence in NBA Finals? There may not have been a better stylistic matchup than the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Indiana Pacers. We look at what the Pacers have to do to pull off an upset in the NBA Finals.

We've made it folks. Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals tonight!

They say speed kills, and the Pacers look determined to prove that point all the way to a title. More on them vs. the Thunder in a stylistic matchup for the ages. ⤵️
www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

Well, you can for at least the next couple weeks while the Finals are on!

Three Raptors whose roles could shrink next season - Raptors Republic A trio who might end up taking a step back in 2025-26.

Change is undoubtedly on the horizon for the Toronto Raptors.

And whether that’ll open the doors of opportunity or close them will be a matter of perspective. My thoughts on three players whose roles could shrink next season. ⬇️
www.raptorsrepublic.com/2025/06/01/t...

Eastern Conference Finals preview: Knicks, Pacers rekindle storied rivalry In an era that boasts about parity, it's a fitting quartet to watch as we inch closer to crowning a record seventh different champion since 2019.

The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers are ready to pen the latest chapter in a long-storied playoff rivalry. Here's what you need to know for the Eastern Conference Finals. ⤵️
www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

Sea Bears Ready for Exciting yet Emotional Season Ahead

Proud to tell this story. 🩵

As the Winnipeg Sea Bears prepare to host the CEBL's Championship Weekend for the first time, I preview their season ahead. A campaign that'll be filled with many emotions. ⤵️
www.cebl.ca/sea-bears-re...

Six potential trade destinations for Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo Amid the never-ending story cycle that is the NBA, trade speculation has now landed on Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Sportsnet's Zulfi Sheikh dives into six potential landing spots for t...

The Never Boring Association was at it again this week, with much of the chatter surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo.

I broke down six potential landing spots for the perennial MVP candidate in his prime, for Sportsnet ⤵️
www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

Jamison Battle was exactly what the Raptors needed - Raptors Republic Toronto uncovered another diamond in the rough, one they sorely needed.

The story of the 2024-25 Raptors won't be told all that often. But when it does, Jamison Battle’s chapter will undoubtedly be a highlight.

My review of the undrafted forward's rookie season and how he proved to be a model of consistency. ⤵️
www.raptorsrepublic.com/2025/05/09/j...

Zulfi’s (@zulfisheikh.bsky.social) got the scoop on Jamison Battle’s season: from Exhibit 10 to Raptors sharpshooter, he became the surprise gem Toronto desperately needed. Don’t sleep on this rookie’s impact! Looking forward to the next step for Battle. #WeTheNorth

What's at stake for the Canadians fighting at UFC 315 in Montreal? Streaking contenders closing in on title contention, fan favourites needing a win, and an unexpected short-notice opportunity. UFC 315 has a lot at stake for the six Canadians fighting in Montreal.

With the #UFC returning to La Belle Province after over a decade, six Canadians will be competing on home soil on Saturday.

And there will be plenty at stake for each of them. My breakdown heading into UFC 315 in Montreal, for Sportsnet ⤵️
www.sportsnet.ca/ufc/article/...

Eastern Conference semifinals preview: Will the Knicks' moves finally pay off? The NBA Playoffs may be a marathon and not a sprint, but it's time for the remaining teams in the Eastern Conference to pick up the pace after being afforded the luxury of sauntering through the first...

The NBA Playoffs might be a marathon and not a sprint, but it's time for the remaining teams in the Eastern Conference to pick up the pace.

Here's my preview of both matchups ahead of the Eastern Conference semifinals. For Sportsnet ⤵️
www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

What to make of Immanuel Quickley’s lost season? - Raptors Republic The lead guard experiment is still ongoing.

Immanuel Quickley's 2024-25 season was derailed almost immediately. Lost but not forgotten.

My thoughts on his first "full" campaign with the Raps, the ongoing lead guard experiment and questions that still need answering. For @raptorsrepublic.bsky.social ⤵️
www.raptorsrepublic.com/2025/05/02/w...

There's no going back if it's on a graphic! My East, West and Finals picks. Give me all the chalk!

Check out full predictions from myself and the rest of the Sportsnet NBA panel: www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...