Will, Alex, and Jerome hand out blame pies after the Clippers and Rockets crash out in Game 7, breaking down James Harden’s latest playoff no-show, whether Kawhi Leonard can still be a postseason difference-maker, Steve Ballmer’s bold move to fly fans to Denver, and what’s next for Jalen Green in Houston. Later, they make their second-round predictions and reflect on Gregg Popovich’s legendary coaching career, plus Team Canada’s hiring of Gordie Herbert as the new men’s national team head coach....
May 05, 2025•2 hr 1 min
Will Lou catches up with Chris Boucher to discuss his involvement with the Make-A-Wish foundation, being a finalist for the 2025 NBA Social Justice Champion Award, his upbringing in Montreal, and his future with the Raptors. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link. Original Music by DIVISION 88. Hello and Welcome is presented by Betway. https://betway.ca - O...
May 02, 2025•8 min
Will and Alex dish out blame pies for the Lakers and Bucks, and dive into: JJ Redick’s first playoff series as a head coach, LeBron entering the final stage of his career, Luka’s struggles, Austin Reaves’ disappearing act, Bobby Webster vs. Rob Pelinka, Giannis vs. John Haliburton, Kyle Kuzma’s case as the worst trade deadline upgrade ever, and much more. #lakers #lebronjames #lukadoncic #giannis #giannisantetokounmpo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
May 01, 2025•1 hr 21 min
Will Lou is joined by Raptors Republic's Samson Folk to give some grades to the 2024-25 Toronto Raptors. Grades were assessed in three categories in offense, defense, and intangibles. They also share what the next steps of improvement are for each player in the rotation. Player (grade) Scottie Barnes (B) RJ Barrett (B) Ochai Agbaji (B) Jakob Poeltl (A-) Gradey Dick (C+) Jamal Shead (B+) Jonathan Mogbo (C+) Ja'Kobe Walter (B+) Jamison Battle (C) Immanuel Quickley (C) Chris Boucher (B-) #raptors #...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 45 min
Will and Alex recap a thrilling second weekend of the playoffs, breaking down the future of the Milwaukee Bucks, what a potential Raptors trade package could look like, Anthony Edwards’ rise as the best player in the Lakers-Wolves series, and Julius Randle’s redemption arc. Later, they serve up a blame pie for the Grizzlies’ first-round sweep, debate who has more at stake in the Clippers-Nuggets matchup, explain how Steph Curry is carrying the Warriors, rank the best first-round beefs, and dive ...
Apr 28, 2025•2 hr 8 min
Will and Alex break down the Clippers’ dominant Game 3 win over the Nuggets, the Grizzlies’ collapse after leading by 29 at home, and how Jimmy Butler’s injury could shift the Warriors-Rockets series. Then, they crack open a playoff six-pack and discuss: Nico Harrison’s end-of-season presser, The Athletic’s anonymous player poll, viral Asian NBA fans, and a debate on Mad Men vs. Succession. Finally, Jerome introduces a new BADBADNOTGOOD segment, gauging first-round panic levels around the league...
Apr 25, 2025•2 hr 3 min
Will, Alex and Jerome are joined by Mr. Raptor Moments to draft their favorite moments from the 2024-25 Toronto Raptors season as they reminisce about: Ja’Kobe Walter’s game-winner in Orlando, hot mics, Matt Devlin’s most iconic on-air call, their favorite 30th anniversary moments, the team dancing their way through a rebuilding year, and much more. #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our me...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 58 min
Will, Alex, and Jerome recap the opening weekend of the NBA Playoffs (1:00), diving into Pascal Siakam’s role in Indiana, Kyle Kuzma’s unforgettable box score, and early impressions of Kawhi Leonard and Russell Westbrook. They break down Detroit’s fourth quarter no-show at Madison Square Garden, the Lakers’ growing concerns, Orlando’s offensive struggles, Cleveland’s G1 Big Three, and Golden State’s blueprint against the Rockets. Later, they take fan questions including trade proposals for Jonat...
Apr 21, 2025•2 hr 9 min
Will, Alex, and Jerome make their first round picks and discuss most intriguing players and storylines heading into the postseason including: James Harden’s playoff resume, the history of “Steph Stoppers,” Giannis’s supporting cast in Milwaukee, the Pacer having the best team hashtag in the NBA, Cade Cunningham’s post-season debut, which former Raptor to root for, and more. Finally, we unveil Hello and Welcome’s official induction into the Law & Order cinematic universe courtesy of Ennis Esm...
Apr 18, 2025•1 hr 30 min
Will and Alex recap Masai Ujiri and Darko Rajakovic’s end of season pressers and discuss: whether the Brandon Ingram trade impacted the team’s rebuilding plans, Masai giving a high grade for the team’s culture, whether the Raptors should add a young big, if Chris Boucher’s tenure in Toronto is coming to an end, and Masai reflecting on his inability to enjoy the 2019 championship run. #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 26 min
Will and Alex recap today’s end-of-season interviews from Raptors players and discuss: Scottie’s comments on playoff expectations for next season, Brandon Ingram’s plan to return to an All-Star level, RJ Barrett’s future with the team, and more. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link. Original Music by DIVISION 88. Hello and Welcome is presented by Betway. ...
Apr 14, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Will Lou, Alex Wong, and Jerome Cheng discuss the Toronto Raptors' 125-118 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 82. They discuss Scottie Barnes' dominant 35-11-8 outing in the final game of the season, the unfortunate injury to Garrett Temple, and Jamison Battle's hot shooting. Then, they say thank you and show appreciation for show listeners. This is the last Raptors reaction podcast of the season, but the show will continue in the offseason. In the meantime, we take lots of fan questions. The...
Apr 14, 2025•2 hr 9 min
Will Lou and Alex Wong go live during the Toronto Raptors' 124-102 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. They discuss the continued benching of Chris Boucher, Bobby Webster's comments on Brandon Ingram, and then devolve into banter podcast topics. Three stars: Ochai Agbaji, Garrett Temple's stops, Scottie Barnes Gerald Henderson award: Brandon Williams raptors #nba #mavericks Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! V...
Apr 12, 2025•1 hr 37 min
Will and Alex provide Letterboxd ratings to all 30 NBA teams and discuss: Luka’s return to Dallas, potential trade destinations for Kevin Durant, Pat Riley’s aura, Michael Malone and Calvin Booth’s firing, the upside of the Knicks roster, if the Rockets are the most underrated 2-seed ever, if the Cavs can beat the Celtics in the playoffs, and who can possibly challenge OKC in a seven-game series #nba #letterboxd Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys ...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 43 min
Will Lou shares what he saw from the Toronto Raptors' 126-96 win over the Charlotte Hornets. He discusses the triple-double performance of Jonathan Mogbo, the continued absence of Chris Boucher, various tributes and other observations from the last home game of the 2024-25 season. Three stars: Jonathan Mogbo, Jared Rhoden, Scottie Barnes Gerald Henderson award: Nick Smith Jr. #raptors #nba #hornets Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelc...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 18 min
Will and Alex discuss big picture takeaways from the 2024-25 season including: the Raptors failing at tanking, another year of not seeing the Barnes-Barrett-Quickley trio, the end of the rebuilding era, expectations for Scottie and Darko next season, appreciation for Jakob Poeltl, the team’s 30th anniversary celebration, and Alex’s new (unproven) theory that this isn’t in fact the 30th anniversary season. Timestamps: 9:00 The Raptors didn't tank hard enough 19:00 What did you learn about the BBQ...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 14 min
Will Lou goes live after the Toronto Raptors' 120-109 win over the Brooklyn Nets. They discuss the standout efforts of Jonathan Mogbo and Jamal Shead, and then share takeaways from the NCAA Finals for both the men's and women's tournament. Three stars: Jonathan Mogbo, Jamal Shead, Cole Swider Gerald Henderson award: Maxwell Lewis #raptors #nba #nets Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.s...
Apr 06, 2025•1 hr 28 min
Will Lou and Jerome Cheng goes live after the Toronto Raptors' 117-105 loss to the Detroit Pistons. They discuss the continued promise of Ja'Kobe Walter and Jamal Shead, the concerns with Immanuel Quickley in physical games, and rip open a fresh NBA six-pack. Three stars: Ja'Kobe Walter, Jamal Shead, Cole Swider Gerald Henderson award: Tim Hardaway Jr. #raptors #nba #pistons Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our m...
Apr 05, 2025•1 hr 32 min
Will Lou breaks down the Toronto Raptors 112-103 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers game. He discusses the Raptors' lose-lose decision to play Scottie Barnes through a hand injury, the impressive defense of Jamal Shead and Ja'Kobe Walter, and then takes listener questions. Three stars: RJ Barrett, Jamal Shead, Jonathan Mogbo Gerald Henderson award: Shaedon Sharpe #raptors #nba #blazers Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Chec...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 24 min
Will Lou takes a look at 5 NCAA prospects (+bonuses!) that he thinks will be great fits for the Toronto Raptors in the upcoming 2025 NBA draft. Is Maluach or Queen our next big? Should we add VJ to our pool of guards? What is our best fit and talent? Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link. Original Music by DIVISION 88. Hello and Welcome is presented by Bet...
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 25 min
Will Lou and Jerome Cheng react to the Toronto Raptors' 137-116 loss to the Chicago Bulls. Will discusses the continued struggles of Scottie Barnes on offense, the numerous defenses lapses against the Bulls, and then they share a fresh six-pack of topics and take listener questions. Three stars: Ja'Kobe Walter, Immanuel Quickley, Orlando Robinson Gerald Henderson award: Talen Horton-Tucker #raptors #nba #bulls Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys in...
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 31 min
Will Lou and Alex Wong hang out after the Toronto Raptors' 127-109 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. They discuss RJ Barrett's excellent outing, the success of Toronto's four rookies in Ja'Kobe Walter, Jonathan Mogbo, Jamal Shead, and Jamison Battle, before getting into their usual banter topics. Three stars: RJ Barrett, Jamison Battle, Ja'Kobe Walter Gerald Henderson award: Jalen Hood-Schifino #raptors #nba #76ers Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guy...
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 26 min
Will Lou and Alex Wong go live after the Toronto Raptors 108-97 win over the Charlotte Hornets. They discuss the importance of Jakob Poeltl, the emergence of rookie guard Jamal Shead, the Memphis Grizzlies firing their coach, are the LA Clippers for real, Stephen A. Smith vs. LeBron James, and the Toronto Blue Jays. Three stars: Jakob Poeltl, Jamal Shead, Immanuel Quickley Gerald Henderson award: Tidjaun Salaun #raptors #nba #hornets Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.s...
Mar 29, 2025•1 hr 38 min
Will Lou and Alex Wong go live after the Toronto Raptors' 116-86 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Will discusses the development success stories for Raptors rookies Jamal Shead, Ja'Kobe Walter, and Jamison Battle. Then, Alex Wong joins with a fresh NBA 6-pack. Three stars: Orlando Robinson, Jonathan Mogbo, Cole Swider Gerald Henderson award: Trendon Watford #raptors #nba #nets Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merc...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 32 min
Will, Alex, and Vivek Jacob answer listener questions on the Raptors’ future, including optimism for the 2025-26 season, potential roster additions, and key areas for the starters to improve over the summer. They also discuss their top draft prospects, the biggest what-ifs in franchise history, and more. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link. Original Musi...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 14 min
Will Lou and Alex Wong go live after the Toronto Raptors' 112-104 win over the Washington Wizards. They discuss the absurdities of tanking, the strong performances by Jamison Battle, Jamal Shead, and Jonthan Mogbo, and then somehow end up shopping for Raptors hats. Three stars: Jakob Poeltl, Jonathan Mogbo, Jamison Battle Gerald Henderson award: AJ Johnson #raptors #nba #wizards Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out o...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Will Lou and Alex Wong come to you live after the Toronto Raptors' 123-89 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. They discuss the total lack of competitiveness in this loss, the struggles of Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett with turnovers, and finish with plenty of banter. Three stars: Jamal Shead, Scottie Barnes, Kelly Rowland Gerald Henderson award: Devin Vassell #raptors #nba #spurs Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our m...
Mar 24, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Will Lou and Alex Wong break down the Toronto Raptors' 117-114 loss to the Golden State Warriors. They discuss Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley's strong performances, the interesting tactical wrinkles on matchups, and then go around the NBA for a fresh 6-pack. #raptors #nba #warriors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link. Original Music by DIVISION 88....
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 19 min
Will is joined by Keerthika Uthayakumar, Joseph Casciaro, and Joe Wolfond to discuss the five biggest questions on the state of the Raptors’ rebuild, including: whether Scottie is a number one option, how Brandon Ingram will fit with this roster, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley’s role with the team, who is the Raptors’ shooting guard of the future, and expectations for next season. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check o...
Mar 20, 2025•1 hr 23 min
Will and Alex recap Toronto’s Game 3 win at home over the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals and discuss: Serge’s motivational speech to the team after falling down 2-0, Nick Nurse’s defensive adjustments against Giannis, Kawhi’s career-high 51 minutes in the double overtime victory, Marc Gasol’s bounce-back, the importance of Pascal Siakam during the title run, and more. Three stars: Kawhi Leonard, Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol DJ Augustin award: George Hill Reach out to the show...
Mar 18, 2025•1 hr 3 min
