The JD Bunkis Podcast - podcast cover

The JD Bunkis Podcast

Sportsnetwww.sportsnet.ca
JD Bunkis breaks down the biggest stories in sports every weekday morning. Honest, direct, and a touch of diablerie. Airing live on Sportsnet 590 The FAN from 9am-11am ET.
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Episodes

Manoah's Road Back + Missing Jays Links w/ Arden Zwelling

JD Bunkis is joined off the top by Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling! The pair chat about how underrated and underappreciated Shohei Ohtani is, before getting into the Blue Jays' decision to call Alek Manoah back up to the Majors (00:01). Later on, the guys dig in on the Jays' offence and what might be stifling it so far this season, if there's an issue with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s pitch selection, and what's lead to his recent renaissance (26:04). JD closes out the day with what we missed (50:01)! The...

Jul 05, 20231 hr 12 min

The Nylander Dilemma + Have the Leafs Improved? w/ Kris Versteeg

JD Bunkis kicks off the show celebrating the Argos' huge win over the B.C. Lions last night and highlights the excitement that Chad Kelly is bringing under centre (01:32). Later on, two-time Stanley Cup Champion and founder of the Klevr app, Kris Versteeg joins JD to weigh on how the Leafs' should approach William Nylander's contract situation. The pair also sort through Toronto's latest free agent acquisitions over the weekend and question if the team's roster has improved compared to last seas...

Jul 04, 20231 hr 24 min

Leafs Off-Season Grades & What's Next w/ James Mirtle

JD Bunkis is joined by his Leafs Talk co-host Sam McKee to go over all the moves the Leafs made in free agency this weekend! James Mirtle, Senior Managing Editor at The Athletic, joins the guys to share his thoughts on new additions Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi, the key players lost from last year's roster, and question if this group has another move left in them. JD and Sammy then weigh in on the Raptors losing Fred VanVleet and what it could mean for the franchise as they heading forward, befor...

Jul 03, 20231 hr 23 min

NHL Free Agency Preview w/ Frank Seravalli

JD Bunkis kicks off the show chatting about the news surrounding Fred VanVleet's looming free agency decision and what it means for the Raptors' off-season (00:01). Later on, Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli sorts through the lack of moves coming out of the NHL Draft and if this trend will continue as we head into free agency (09:23). JD and Frank then try to understand the Mape Leafs' front office dynamic right now, what's on the horizon for the team's pending free agents, and whether or not Wil...

Jun 30, 202350 min

Oh My! Leafs Draft, Signings & Fantasies w/ James Mirtle

JD Bunkis is back! He kicks things off with his thoughts on the Blue Jays at the midway mark of the season and ponders if the fanbase's frustrations with the Jays might extend beyond baseball to the Toronto sports scene as a whole (00:01). Later on, Senior Managing Editor at The Athletic James Mirtle joins JD on the heels of last night's NHL Draft! He explain why we saw no trades during the first round, why the Leafs chose to select Easton Cowan, and what the pick says about Brad Treliving's app...

Jun 29, 202350 min

Jake Fischer's NBA Rumour Roundup

JD Bunkis opens up discussing last night's NHL Awards and why he was left disappointed overall, but hopeful for the future. JD then dives into the Leafs' contract numbers to anticipate what William Nylander and Auston Matthews might receive (00:02). Later on, Senior NBA writer for Yahoo Sports Jake Fischer stops by to take a look at the latest Raptors rumours! He discusses O.G. Anunoby parting ways with Klutch Sports, Fred VanVleet's price in the free agent market, what Jakob Poeltl's next contr...

Jun 27, 20231 hr 27 min

Leafs Big Question Time w/ Justin Bourne

JD Bunkis starts the week chatting about what posters bring back the most nostalgia, before getting into the Jays' weekend series victory over the Athletics, the fan base's seemingly negative mindset, and if this series renewed his faith in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (00:01) Next up, JD is joined by Justin Bourne, co-host of Real Kyper and Bourne , to chat about the latest news for the Maple Leafs! The pair discuss if the team would consider trading their first round pick, the latest on Auston Matthe...

Jun 26, 20231 hr 32 min

The Dick Pick w/ Blake Murphy

JD Bunkis is joined by Blake Murphy, host of Jays Talk Plus , to break down the Raptors' selection of Gradey Dick with the 13th pick in the NBA Draft! (00:01) The pair discuss the freshman's skillset, how he can fit with the current roster, and what to make of his social media presence. JD and Blake also weigh in on Chris Haynes' report about Pascal Siakam wanting to stay in Toronto and how Fred VanVleet's free agency decision factors in, before looking back on Chris Paul's trade to the Warriors...

Jun 23, 202350 min

Raptors Rumours w/ Marc Stein + HOF Snubs & Bad Math

JD Bunkis kicks off today’s show sharing his surprise about the rumors surrounding Larry Tanenbaum selling a share of MLSE holding, and what the evaluation of the organization is in total. He then dives into the 2023 Hockey Hall of Fame class and why Curtis Joseph and Alexander Mogilny did not make the cut (02:23). Later on, NBA insider Marc Stein joins JD to sift through the Raptors' rumour mill including Fred VanVleet's future, the impact of Gary Trent Jr. opting back in, and if Jakob Poeltl w...

Jun 22, 20231 hr 23 min

Are the Raptors "Difficult" to Deal With? + NBA Trade Rumours w/ Matt Moore

JD Bunkis kicks things off breaking down a big-time win for the Blue Jays over the Marlins, why these games in June have a high leverage feel, and if last night's win alleviated some of the pressure on John Schneider (00:02). Later on, Matt Moore of The Action Network joins JD to go over all the burning questions facing the Toronto Raptors. The pair discuss Gary Trent Jr. opting into the final year of his deal, if Masai Ujiri misread the market at the trade deadline, what's next for Fred VanVlee...

Jun 21, 20231 hr 21 min

Toronto Sports Mediocrity Crisis w/ Ben Ennis

JD Bunkis is back from vacation alongside Ben Ennis, host of The FAN Drive Time , for this edition of the 'Good Hour'! They start off chatting about some of the finer points of house ownership and indoor plumbing, before taking a step back for a wide angle view of the Toronto sports scene. The pair discuss which team is creating the most hope right now, the Maple Leafs' plan to run it back, and if the Raptors will make a move before Thursday's NBA Draft. (32:09) Ben and JD also dig into what's g...

Jun 20, 20231 hr 20 min

2016 Walk-Off + Jays-Orioles IT Factors w/ Adam Jones + Stanley Cup Takeaways

JD Bunkis opens with his thoughts on the Vegas Golden Knights winning the Stanley Cup last night, what the rest of the league can take away from this, and what lessons the Leafs learn from how Vegas built their roster. (00:37) Then, former Orioles centre fielder and 4x Gold Glover Adam Jones joins JD to reminisce about the chaos of the 2016 American League Wild Card game, before taking a look at the state of the Jays-Orioles rivalry today and the pros and cons on the wave. (16:12) JD closes out ...

Jun 14, 20231 hr 24 min

Jokic Coronation, The Next Great Team & Raptors Truth Serum w/ Blake Murphy

JD Bunkis is joined by Blake Murphy, host of Jays Talk Plus , to break down all the action from the Denver Nuggets NBA Championship! They go over how impressed they were by Nikola Jokic's play, if it's still too early to debate where he ranks all time, and if Jamal Murray’s performance in the Finals could elevate him above Steve Nash as Canada's best basketball player. (02:34) Later on, JD asks Blake what question he would want to ask Darko Rajakovic if he had the "truth serum", before weighing ...

Jun 13, 202350 min

Raptors New Coach & FVV's Future w/ Michael Grange + Reliving the Putt w/ Sam McKee

JD Bunkis is joined by Sam McKee, host of The Golf Show , to recap Nick Taylor’s historic performance at the RBC Canadian Open (02:34)! The pair chat about where it ranks among the greatest Canadian sports moments, how will this effect golf in the long run, and if the hype will this carry over to next week's US Open. Later on, Sportsnet's Michael Grange hops aboard to discuss the Raptors' head coaching hire Darko Rajakovic, what's still ahead this off-season, and if there's any legitimacy to the...

Jun 12, 20231 hr 41 min

Courts & Cages w/ Ariel Helwani

Ariel Helwani joins JD to chat about pick-up hoops, the Heat's comeback chances, a key question mark around Canada's men's basketball program, remembering the 2019 NBA Finals, the new season of The Ultimate Fighter and Conor McGregor. (06:45) JD then offers today's best bets, presented by Betano! (49:15) 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 affiliates....

Jun 09, 202350 min

Miami's Moment w/ Stugotz

JD starts the show emphasizing the Nuggets' stellar performance in Game 3 of the NBA Finals before being joined by co-host of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, Jon Weiner! The pair discuss the Heat being written off again, the psyche of the team's fans, Miami as a sports city, the looming reception for Messi in South Florida, and subtle differences between the 305 and 416 (4:30). JD then offers today's best bets, presented by Betano (45:00)! Plus, today's podcast-only portion with JD and the ...

Jun 08, 202357 min

PGA Shocker + Manoah's Plan w/ Ben Nicholson-Smith

JD starts the show processing the meddling PGA-LIV marriage. Then, JD is joined by Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith to discuss the Blue Jays sending Alek Manoah down to the Florida Complex League, if Manoah was part of the decision, what aspects Manoah will look to improve, the mental and physical steps back to success, the odds he can return this season and positively contribute, the Jays' chances without him, and the team's outlook heading into the trade deadline (12:30). JD then offers today's...

Jun 07, 20231 hr 11 min

Good Hour w/ Ben Ennis + PGA-LIV Merger Reaction

JD is joined by the host of The Fan Drive Time, Ben Ennis, to dive into Alek Manoah going from a Cy Young candidate to one of the worst starting pitchers in the MLB, the boo birds at Rogers Centre, why the Blue Jays - who some favored to win the World Series - feel stuck in the middle, and if Manoah should get demoted to Triple-A (00:01). Later, JD and Ben talk about CBS Miami reporter Samantha Rivera stiff-arming a belligerent Golden Knights fan while keeping eye contact and finishing her on-ca...

Jun 06, 20231 hr 35 min

Leafs Coaching Questions w/ Kris Versteeg

JD starts show discussing the bravado head coaches have during press conferences and offers his takeaways from the Blue Jays' sweep of the New York Mets (00:01). Then, Stanley Cup champion Kris Versteeg joins JD to break down the Brad Treliving hire; his body of work in Calgary, the difference being a General Manager in Toronto, and how he can fill holes in the Maple Leafs. After, JD and Kris consider if the Leafs' bench boss should return, a Patrick Roy suggestion, if Mike Babcock can turn it a...

Jun 05, 20231 hr 30 min

Treliving's Tasks, The Shanaplan & What's Next? w/ James Mirtle

JD Bunkis starts the show spewing his boredom around the Blue Jays right now, and what they can do to change it. (00:01). Senior managing editor at The Athletic, James Mirtle, joins JD to discuss the Maple Leafs new hire Brad Treliving, if the early feelings with Treliving are all too familiar, Shanahan still being the Geppetto in the front office, what other candidates Toronto may have missed out on, the real chance that the Leafs will run it back with Sheldon Keefe and the core four, and Austo...

Jun 01, 202351 min

Leafs Next GM w/ Elliotte Friedman

JD Bunkis starts the show giving his initial thoughts on the news that Brad Treliving will be the next GM of the Leafs. He is then joined by Sportsnet Insider and co-host of the 32 Thoughts Podcast , Elliotte Friedman, to discuss reports that Brad Treliving is in the final stages of contract negotiations to become the next General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs (08:43). JD and Elliotte discuss the current beat in Leafs land, what the Leafs like in Treliving, who else the organization intervi...

May 31, 202350 min

Boston's Blow Up, Lowry Feelings & Nurse to Philly w/ Israel Gutierrez

JD Bunkis starts the show recapping the Celtics' heartbreaking Game 7 loss at TD Garden to the Miami Heat. JD is joined by ESPN NBA reporter Israel Gutierrez to discuss his unexpected prediction of the Heat and Nuggets meeting in the NBA Finals, Caleb Martin’s spectacular play, playoff Jimmy saving his legacy, what’s potentially next for Jaylen Brown, Kyle Lowry’s stature in Miami, and initial reactions to the Sixers hiring Nick Nurse (11:34). JD closes out the day with his best bets, presented ...

May 30, 20231 hr 32 min

Good Hour w/ Ben Ennis + Succession Finale Recap w/ Ailish Forfar

JD Bunkis is joined by Ben Ennis, co-host of The Fan Drive Time , for this week's edition of 'Good Hour'! They dive into the Miami Heat on the verge of the worst playoff collapse in NBA playoff history, and touch on the Sunday vibes at the horse-racing track. Later, JD and Ben dive into Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s approach at the plate and his troubles when being down in the count, before taking a step back to discuss the Blue Jays' so-so weekend. JD poses two burning questions: How do we rank the D...

May 29, 20231 hr 10 min

Blue Jays' Big Problem + Raptors Necessities w/ Bobby Marks

JD Bunkis is joined by the co-host of The FAN Morning Show, Ailish Forfar, to start the show chatting about "one of the greatest shows of all-time", Succession (00:01). After, JD gets into the poor play and bad vibes surrounding the drowning Blue Jays. Later on, JD is joined by ESPN NBA Front Office Insider Bobby Marks, who helps break down the Celtics chances of becoming the first team to overcome a 0-3 deficit in a NBA playoff series, and some hypotheticals for the Raptors heading into a pivot...

May 26, 20231 hr 18 min

Good Hour w/ Ben Ennis: Is Matthew Tkachuk the Star the NHL Needs?

JD Bunkis is joined by the host of The FAN Drive Time, Ben Ennis, for this week's edition of 'Good Hour'! The gents begin the show by chatting about reality television, before getting into the Blue Jays' familiar bullpen troubles and the offensive prowess of the team (00:02). JD and Ben set their sights on the NHL to discuss the Panthers making the Stanley Cup Final, Matthew Tkachuk's swagger and star status in Florida, and the formula for building a playoff team in the NHL. Later on, the pair d...

May 25, 202349 min

Jays Stock Watch + The Criminally Underrated Jamal Murray w/ Blake Murphy

JD Bunkis welcomes back Blake Murphy, host of Jays Talk Plus , to talk about last night's offensive explosion for the Toronto Blue Jays and what it could mean going forward for the team. They then get into the team's bullpen concerns, what changes could lie ahead, and if George Springer is still the player the Jays signed. The pair then switch gears to the hardcourt to break down the Nuggets' sweep of the Lakers, where to rank Jamal Murray's 4th quarter scoring outburst among the best NBA perfor...

May 24, 20231 hr 21 min

Dubas-Shanahan Fallout w/James Mirtle

JD Bunks recaps an eventful weekend for the Blue Jays and shares where his current concerns lie with this team amid their five-game losing streak. JD welcomes on James Mirtle, Managing Editor at The Athletic, who helps answer some of the bigger questions around the Maple Leafs' decision to part ways with Kyle Dubas including Brendan Shanahan's plan, what's next, and how it could affect the long-term futures of the "Core 4" (16:32). JD then offer his best bet of the day, presented by Betano! (48:...

May 23, 20231 hr 17 min

BONUS: Leafs Part Ways with Kyle Dubas

JD Bunkis and Sam McKee are back for an emergency Leafs Talk podcast with the news today that the Maple Leafs will not be bringing Kyle Dubas back as general manager. They react to the events leading up to the decision, Dubas' negotiation, Brandon Shanahan's press conference and what comes next for the Leafs. 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 affiliates....

May 19, 202337 min

What's Next for the Leafs and Kyle Dubas w/ Frank Seravalli

Its Friday and we’re still awaiting news on Kyle Dubas' future with the Maple Leafs. JD Bunkis starts the show looking at the NBA’s Western Conference Final and Jamal Murray’s performance in Game 2 to extend the Nuggets' series lead. He then turns his attention back to the Leafs' upcoming off-season with the help of Daily Faceoff NHL Insider, Frank Seravalli! They pair chat about the state of the franchise, the decisions that need to be made and who should be making them, and what's next for the...

May 19, 202350 min

The Good Hour is Back! w/ Ben Ennis

The 'Good Hour' returns today! JD Bunkis and Ben Ennis of The FAN Drive Time dive into the Blue Jays' latest series against the Yankees and discuss the strengths of Toronto's roster across the board (00:01). After that, they turn their attention to the Maple Leafs to chat about the precarious situation surrounding the General Manager's chair next season, their takeaways from the team's end-of-season media availability, and some possible moves the franchise could make this summer (31:06). Somewhe...

May 18, 202350 min
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