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Louis Zatzman

@louiszatzman.bsky.social

4.7K followers 140 following 160 posts

Basketball writer, other stuff too

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Louis Zatzman @louiszatzman.bsky.social · Nov 8

As long as we're here, I'm going to post my favourite sports story I've written (so far) this year, where I tried to write like Ja'Kobe Walter played in his first ever NBA game:

www.raptorsrepublic.com/2024/11/01/j...

Ja'Kobe Walter's constant activity tantalizes for Toronto in his first game

On a rookie becoming the avatar for the Raptors, at least for one night.

www.raptorsrepublic.com

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Louis Zatzman @louiszatzman.bsky.social · 11d

It was an exquisite night for the Raptors, with every player perfecting his role.

On the start of a new era, offensive success, and the defensive gamble that, so far, is paying off:

Raptors’ new math adds up to perfection against Hawks - Raptors Republic

An impressive season opener from Toronto's new-look roster.

www.raptorsrepublic.com

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Louis Zatzman @louiszatzman.bsky.social · 16d

I wrote about the stress of the evening, in two cities, in two sports, from the strangely anxious confines of the Raptors' final preseason game:

During Toronto sports misery, Raptors almost record perfect dress rehearsal - Raptors Republic

An anxious dress rehearsal in the last game before they start counting.

www.raptorsrepublic.com

Louis Zatzman @louiszatzman.bsky.social · 18d

It's time to talk about Scottie Barnes.

3-of-13 against Boston, now 6-of-30 during preseason.

Should the Raptors be worried about Scottie Barnes’ preseason? - Raptors Republic

Or should Barnes be worried about his place within the Raptors' offence?

raptorsrepublic.com

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Louis Zatzman @louiszatzman.bsky.social · 21d

Of all the returners, to me Immanuel Quickley has had the most interesting preseason.

On him solving his problems not be improving his abilities, but just by changing his habits:

Immanuel Quickley is doing more with less for the Raptors - Raptors Republic

Quickley might be improving not by solving his problems but simply by staying away from them.

www.raptorsrepublic.com

Louis Zatzman @louiszatzman.bsky.social · Sep 26

Still just Jalen Johnson, haha. The 1.5 steals is pretty tough to hit, that I think is the big obstacle to more names on the list

Reposted by Louis Zatzman

Caitlin Cooper @caitlinmaycooper.bsky.social · Aug 4

Hello. I've decided to be someone who talks to NBA head coaches about basketball.

Here's a sneak peek of what's coming. Full episode about random offense (with a bit of breaking news) drops tomorrow

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Louis Zatzman @louiszatzman.bsky.social · Aug 1

I went deep on the bench to see if there's a steady contributor - or a hidden star - hiding in plain sight.

Who, if anyone, is most likely to emerge as a bench star for the Raptors? - Raptors Republic

On the performers off the bench, and whether anyone is ready to seize the moment.

www.raptorsrepublic.com

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Louis Zatzman @louiszatzman.bsky.social · Jul 26

that's just the good life right there

Louis Zatzman @louiszatzman.bsky.social · Jul 26

once in a bar I was at in montreal everyone went out to watch the bartender rip a kick flip

November Spawned a RandBall's Stu @randballsstu.bsky.social · Jul 25

The whole bar just went out to smoke. Bartender too.

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Louis Zatzman @louiszatzman.bsky.social · Jul 23

The Raptors are increasingly entrenching their strengths ... and their weaknesses.

In many ways, that means the success of this team, and the future of this era, depends to a huge extent on Brandon Ingram.

This era of the Raptors depends massively on Brandon Ingram - Raptors Republic

The Raptors are bolstering their strengths ... and their weaknesses.

www.raptorsrepublic.com

Reposted by Louis Zatzman

Dan Devine @yourmandevine.bsky.social · Jul 21

"he's wearing your clothes
head down to toes
a reaction to you
you say you know what he did
but you idiot kid
you don't have a clue
sometimes you just get caught in the eye
you're pulling him through"

30 years, with this record. A few more, I think.

open.spotify.com/track/7I7O0h...

Needle in the Hay

Elliott Smith · Elliott Smith · Song · 1995

open.spotify.com

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Louis Zatzman @louiszatzman.bsky.social · Jul 13

The best thing I can say about CMB so far is that he FITS this identity

Louis Zatzman @louiszatzman.bsky.social · Jul 12

damn playing against these SL raptors looks miserable, the Bulls just look really unhappy rn

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Louis Zatzman @louiszatzman.bsky.social · Jul 12

score-first guards are made for SL, he always thrives here iirc

Louis Zatzman @louiszatzman.bsky.social · Jul 12

damn playing against these SL raptors looks miserable, the Bulls just look really unhappy rn

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Louis Zatzman @louiszatzman.bsky.social · Jun 27

Masai Ujiri accomplished the impossible in Toronto. He took a team that was lost and gave it pride, purpose, and a championship.

Now he's gone. Let's remember what he accomplished and where the Raptors stand now.

Eulogizing Ujiri's tenure with the Raptors.

Eulogizing the Masai Ujiri era with the Raptors - Raptors Republic

On the end of an era, and what Ujiri accomplished during his time in Toronto.

www.raptorsrepublic.com

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Louis Zatzman @louiszatzman.bsky.social · Jun 24

I went deeper on macro trends than I have in a long, long time. What changes in the playoffs? And how does that impact winning?

On how winning in the playoffs requires winning two different categories, and how the league is building towards the zeitgeist of the future:

The NBA Playoffs are a different sport. This is how to win

Here’s what it takes to win in the NBA Playoffs.

www.sbnation.com

Reposted by Louis Zatzman

Ben Dowsett @bendowsett.bsky.social · Jun 17

LED basketball courts?

LED basketball courts!!

I went to Orlando to demo bball's latest tech revolution. While remarkable visuals are the main draw, the court's future potential in injury prevention and athlete data are what really stuck with me.

For @wired.com: www.wired.com/story/asb-gl...

Who Knew Basketball Needed an Interactive LED Floor?

ASB GlassFloor makes a glass playing surface for sports arenas that can show animations, track athletes' performance, and repaint court lines with a tap. Pros in Europe are already playing on it.

www.wired.com

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Reposted by Louis Zatzman

Tyler Parker @tylerparker.bsky.social · Jun 13

There are way more important things happening but A Little Blood and Dancing turns 2 today. Far as I can tell it’s still the only novel featuring a Mitsubishi Debonair, an epigraph from Rich Boy, & a giraffe named Cleopatra. Appreciate yall who bought the book, told a friend, liked a post, anything.

A Little Blood and Dancing by Tyler Parker: 9780771002090 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

It’s a tale as old as time: doomed romance, bloody revenge, fast food, and the voice of God. Welcome to Tyler Parker’s Oklahoma, and one of the most anticipated debut novels of the year from...

www.penguinrandomhouse.com

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Louis Zatzman @louiszatzman.bsky.social · Jun 4

I went deep on the question, "are the Raptors ready for Giannis?" and ended up answering some eye-of-the-beholder stuff like, "what is meaning in the NBA, really?"

Also, on how much I love the Counting Crows:

Are the Raptors even ready to land a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo? - Raptors Republic

On preparation, meaning, and the value of success without winning the ultimate prize.

www.raptorsrepublic.com

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Reposted by Louis Zatzman

Steph Noh @stephnoh.bsky.social · Jun 4

Alex Caruso has been overlooked at every single stage of his basketball career. Now, it's impossible to ignore him.

Here is Caruso's unbelievable journey, from Texas A&M ballboy to one of the best defenders in the NBA:

www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/oklah...

Alex Caruso's wild basketball journey, from 'a nice little camp player' to NBA superstar stopper | Sporting News

Alex Caruso has overcome adversity in every single stop of his basketball journey.

www.sportingnews.com

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Louis Zatzman @louiszatzman.bsky.social · May 29

hey, thank you! although I'm frustrated I didn't include that in the original piece now, haha

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Louis Zatzman @louiszatzman.bsky.social · May 29

No reason, that's a really good possibility! If I was Atlanta, I'd ask for 39 too. Seems fair, maybe, 9+39 for 13+22? If Atlanta really likes a guy who slides to 9

Louis Zatzman @louiszatzman.bsky.social · May 14

The Raptors' front office has made mistakes in recent seasons, sure.

But 2024-25 was a home-run season. Masai Ujiri and company improved the talent, made smart financial choices, and gave the team better chances at better talent in the future.

A+

Raptors’ Masai Ujiri got his fastball back in 2024-25 - Raptors Republic

Masai Ujiri and Toronto's front office had a stellar season.

www.raptorsrepublic.com

Louis Zatzman @louiszatzman.bsky.social · May 14

Toronto didn't get its fairy-tale ending from the draft lottery. That's fine, it was unlikely.

The only thing is the team hinged its chance at contention based on finding a star in this draft. That might be hard at 9.

What now?

Without Cooper Flagg, where do the Raptors go from here? - Raptors Republic

Toronto doesn't get its fairy-tale draft lottery. Now what?

www.raptorsrepublic.com

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Louis Zatzman @louiszatzman.bsky.social · May 14

no matter what else, I will always just absolutely love watching Donovan Mitchell play basketball. artist