The Palaeontologist's Hammer
@palaeohammer.bsky.social
Scientific Insight on your Toronto Raptors
by Mac Priebe
by Mac Priebe
Pinned
Using the tools of palaeontology research to analyze the Raptors of Toronto: Describing phenomena of the past; developing an understanding of its direct effect on the present; and applying those theories to future pathways.
Great discussion of the rooks; Raptor fans will appreciate the CMB portion
My favourite part? Not hearing "the (blank) of it all" even once. Thank you both!
Hearing that dozens of times in recent episodes (yes, I have been counting) had worn thin despite being the gold standard of hoops podcasts
My favourite part? Not hearing "the (blank) of it all" even once. Thank you both!
Hearing that dozens of times in recent episodes (yes, I have been counting) had worn thin despite being the gold standard of hoops podcasts
New episode of The Dunker Spot!
EP 418 w/ @nekiasnba.bsky.social
-Rookie Report
-VJ Edgecombe is putting it all together
-Cedric Coward's hot start
-Opportunity for Cooper Flagg
-Kon Knueppel SLIPS
APPLE: tinyurl.com/yc5fm97f
SPOTIFY: tinyurl.com/5n6uvb2u
YOUTUBE: youtu.be/1jB4XxLteEA
EP 418 w/ @nekiasnba.bsky.social
-Rookie Report
-VJ Edgecombe is putting it all together
-Cedric Coward's hot start
-Opportunity for Cooper Flagg
-Kon Knueppel SLIPS
APPLE: tinyurl.com/yc5fm97f
SPOTIFY: tinyurl.com/5n6uvb2u
YOUTUBE: youtu.be/1jB4XxLteEA
VJ Edgecombe's Stellar Season, Rookie Rankings and Unrivaled Rosters Announced
Podcast Episode · The Dunker Spot · 11/07/2025 · 1h 32m
tinyurl.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Great discussion of the rooks; Raptor fans will appreciate the CMB portion
My favourite part? Not hearing "the (blank) of it all" even once. Thank you both!
Hearing that dozens of times in recent episodes (yes, I have been counting) had worn thin despite being the gold standard of hoops podcasts
My favourite part? Not hearing "the (blank) of it all" even once. Thank you both!
Hearing that dozens of times in recent episodes (yes, I have been counting) had worn thin despite being the gold standard of hoops podcasts
I wrote extensively about the Mavs yesterday...but didn't consider the idea of the Raptors acquiring AD. Great read, highly recommended!
I think the idea of RJ+Jakob for AD is appealing in a number of ways
AD and Scottie have similar games, especially on defense, where they should be a juggernaut
I think the idea of RJ+Jakob for AD is appealing in a number of ways
AD and Scottie have similar games, especially on defense, where they should be a juggernaut
Here are 5 fake Anthony Davis trades that are inarguably perfect: www.theringer.com/2025/11/12/n...
Five Anthony Davis Trades That Might Be Crazy Enough to Work
Spoiler alert: None of them involve Luka Doncic
www.theringer.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:45 PM
I wrote extensively about the Mavs yesterday...but didn't consider the idea of the Raptors acquiring AD. Great read, highly recommended!
I think the idea of RJ+Jakob for AD is appealing in a number of ways
AD and Scottie have similar games, especially on defense, where they should be a juggernaut
I think the idea of RJ+Jakob for AD is appealing in a number of ways
AD and Scottie have similar games, especially on defense, where they should be a juggernaut
Final Takeaways
I'll go with my usual motto that good teams find ways to win the games they are supposed to even when they aren't playing their best.
I'll go with my usual motto that good teams find ways to win the games they are supposed to even when they aren't playing their best.
November 12, 2025 at 3:15 AM
Final Takeaways
I'll go with my usual motto that good teams find ways to win the games they are supposed to even when they aren't playing their best.
I'll go with my usual motto that good teams find ways to win the games they are supposed to even when they aren't playing their best.
4th Quarter
Raptors have continued to look decent here but haven't been able to seal the deal, mostly owing to their poor shooting.
It should not be this close.
BI gives them what feels like a big bucket to go up 10 and force a BKN timeout. He's been solid tonight, 7-12 from 2 (don't ask about 3)
Raptors have continued to look decent here but haven't been able to seal the deal, mostly owing to their poor shooting.
It should not be this close.
BI gives them what feels like a big bucket to go up 10 and force a BKN timeout. He's been solid tonight, 7-12 from 2 (don't ask about 3)
November 12, 2025 at 2:52 AM
4th Quarter
Raptors have continued to look decent here but haven't been able to seal the deal, mostly owing to their poor shooting.
It should not be this close.
BI gives them what feels like a big bucket to go up 10 and force a BKN timeout. He's been solid tonight, 7-12 from 2 (don't ask about 3)
Raptors have continued to look decent here but haven't been able to seal the deal, mostly owing to their poor shooting.
It should not be this close.
BI gives them what feels like a big bucket to go up 10 and force a BKN timeout. He's been solid tonight, 7-12 from 2 (don't ask about 3)
3rd Quarter
Raptors are not inspiring much confidence here; Too many misses on good looks.
They're definitely playing better than BKN, but not outrageously so. Seems like their focus comes and goes. Gonna need to start getting buckets.
Raptors are not inspiring much confidence here; Too many misses on good looks.
They're definitely playing better than BKN, but not outrageously so. Seems like their focus comes and goes. Gonna need to start getting buckets.
November 12, 2025 at 2:22 AM
3rd Quarter
Raptors are not inspiring much confidence here; Too many misses on good looks.
They're definitely playing better than BKN, but not outrageously so. Seems like their focus comes and goes. Gonna need to start getting buckets.
Raptors are not inspiring much confidence here; Too many misses on good looks.
They're definitely playing better than BKN, but not outrageously so. Seems like their focus comes and goes. Gonna need to start getting buckets.
1st half takeaways
Not exactly a strong half from the Raptors, but it'll do against the Nets.
The defense definitely perked up, and with some better shooting, they should put this away.
Scottie has been fantastic, he really deserves some recognition outside of Toronto for the way he's playing
Not exactly a strong half from the Raptors, but it'll do against the Nets.
The defense definitely perked up, and with some better shooting, they should put this away.
Scottie has been fantastic, he really deserves some recognition outside of Toronto for the way he's playing
November 12, 2025 at 2:01 AM
1st half takeaways
Not exactly a strong half from the Raptors, but it'll do against the Nets.
The defense definitely perked up, and with some better shooting, they should put this away.
Scottie has been fantastic, he really deserves some recognition outside of Toronto for the way he's playing
Not exactly a strong half from the Raptors, but it'll do against the Nets.
The defense definitely perked up, and with some better shooting, they should put this away.
Scottie has been fantastic, he really deserves some recognition outside of Toronto for the way he's playing
2nd Quarter
IMHO, this has been a very good Gradey defensive game. His hustle pops, he's in the right position and he's disrupting actions.
He can be a decent team defender if they play to his strengths like this...
IMHO, this has been a very good Gradey defensive game. His hustle pops, he's in the right position and he's disrupting actions.
He can be a decent team defender if they play to his strengths like this...
November 12, 2025 at 1:47 AM
2nd Quarter
IMHO, this has been a very good Gradey defensive game. His hustle pops, he's in the right position and he's disrupting actions.
He can be a decent team defender if they play to his strengths like this...
IMHO, this has been a very good Gradey defensive game. His hustle pops, he's in the right position and he's disrupting actions.
He can be a decent team defender if they play to his strengths like this...
Raptors @ Nets
November 11, 2025
The Nets have very bad this year: 26th off, 29th def
However, they don't out wins for showing up. The Nets may be looking for some pride after a terrible start, including a 36 point loss on Sunday to the Knicks.
Would like to see TOR set the tone early tonight
November 11, 2025
The Nets have very bad this year: 26th off, 29th def
However, they don't out wins for showing up. The Nets may be looking for some pride after a terrible start, including a 36 point loss on Sunday to the Knicks.
Would like to see TOR set the tone early tonight
November 12, 2025 at 12:27 AM
Raptors @ Nets
November 11, 2025
The Nets have very bad this year: 26th off, 29th def
However, they don't out wins for showing up. The Nets may be looking for some pride after a terrible start, including a 36 point loss on Sunday to the Knicks.
Would like to see TOR set the tone early tonight
November 11, 2025
The Nets have very bad this year: 26th off, 29th def
However, they don't out wins for showing up. The Nets may be looking for some pride after a terrible start, including a 36 point loss on Sunday to the Knicks.
Would like to see TOR set the tone early tonight
John Hollinger with an excellent piece on the Mavericks. We seem to agree on what this means for them going forward. Great read!
He was more keen on the Mavs getting their 2027 pick back from CHA, whereas I thought it important to get a decent young player (e.g. Kuminga) in their fire sale.
He was more keen on the Mavs getting their 2027 pick back from CHA, whereas I thought it important to get a decent young player (e.g. Kuminga) in their fire sale.
In an unlikely coincidence, I wrote an article just in time for the completely unexpected surprise news out of Dallas today.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
After Nico Harrison firing, Mavs must trade Anthony Davis and build around Cooper Flagg
Dallas has a self-inflicted mess it needs to dig itself out of. Luckily, it's already won a draft lottery to kick-start things.
www.nytimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:57 PM
John Hollinger with an excellent piece on the Mavericks. We seem to agree on what this means for them going forward. Great read!
He was more keen on the Mavs getting their 2027 pick back from CHA, whereas I thought it important to get a decent young player (e.g. Kuminga) in their fire sale.
He was more keen on the Mavs getting their 2027 pick back from CHA, whereas I thought it important to get a decent young player (e.g. Kuminga) in their fire sale.
Wrote about the Mavs yesterday. There's good and bad news in the Nico firing.
The bad news is that the damage is done: A team that was in the Finals with a generational star 18 months ago is facing a rebuild thanks to their own preposterous decisions.
Mavs fans deserve better, what a disaster.
The bad news is that the damage is done: A team that was in the Finals with a generational star 18 months ago is facing a rebuild thanks to their own preposterous decisions.
Mavs fans deserve better, what a disaster.
Speaking of the Mavs, I never did a season preview of the West, but I would have had the Mavs in the lottery. I did not understand the groundswell of pundits who thought this team would be better than this.
November 11, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Wrote about the Mavs yesterday. There's good and bad news in the Nico firing.
The bad news is that the damage is done: A team that was in the Finals with a generational star 18 months ago is facing a rebuild thanks to their own preposterous decisions.
Mavs fans deserve better, what a disaster.
The bad news is that the damage is done: A team that was in the Finals with a generational star 18 months ago is facing a rebuild thanks to their own preposterous decisions.
Mavs fans deserve better, what a disaster.
Lastly, some Ja trade speculation...note that I am just a guy, no insider information here...
If Ja is really done in MEM, where does he end up? My money would be on CHI or SAC, as they just seem like the kind of franchises that would think this would be awesome for them.
If Ja is really done in MEM, where does he end up? My money would be on CHI or SAC, as they just seem like the kind of franchises that would think this would be awesome for them.
November 11, 2025 at 3:26 AM
Lastly, some Ja trade speculation...note that I am just a guy, no insider information here...
If Ja is really done in MEM, where does he end up? My money would be on CHI or SAC, as they just seem like the kind of franchises that would think this would be awesome for them.
If Ja is really done in MEM, where does he end up? My money would be on CHI or SAC, as they just seem like the kind of franchises that would think this would be awesome for them.
Some Eastern Conference thoughts...
Bulls are getting a lot of helium, and that fan base deserves something positive for a change. I'm afraid to say that I do not expect their winning ways to continue, with my only hesitation being that Billy Donovan is truly an excellent coach.
Bulls are getting a lot of helium, and that fan base deserves something positive for a change. I'm afraid to say that I do not expect their winning ways to continue, with my only hesitation being that Billy Donovan is truly an excellent coach.
November 11, 2025 at 3:24 AM
Some Eastern Conference thoughts...
Bulls are getting a lot of helium, and that fan base deserves something positive for a change. I'm afraid to say that I do not expect their winning ways to continue, with my only hesitation being that Billy Donovan is truly an excellent coach.
Bulls are getting a lot of helium, and that fan base deserves something positive for a change. I'm afraid to say that I do not expect their winning ways to continue, with my only hesitation being that Billy Donovan is truly an excellent coach.
Speaking of the Mavs, I never did a season preview of the West, but I would have had the Mavs in the lottery. I did not understand the groundswell of pundits who thought this team would be better than this.
November 11, 2025 at 3:21 AM
Speaking of the Mavs, I never did a season preview of the West, but I would have had the Mavs in the lottery. I did not understand the groundswell of pundits who thought this team would be better than this.
Some random thoughts around the NBA on another off-day for the Raptors during their five game road trip....
November 11, 2025 at 3:18 AM
Some random thoughts around the NBA on another off-day for the Raptors during their five game road trip....
What a pic! I grew up in Cleveland in the Mark Price era, and Lenny Wilkens was a big part of what made that era so fun. Later he coached some exciting Raptor teams starring Air Canada. He retired with the most coaching wins (since surpassed). A great player, coach and all-around competitor. RIP
RIP Lenny Wilkens. Coach during the era that turned me and all my friends into lifelong cavs super-fans. He seemed to be both a consummate gentleman and a fierce competitor. Photo from the 1989–1990 Cavaliers Media Guide located in the Cleveland Public Library Sports Center.
November 10, 2025 at 4:38 AM
What a pic! I grew up in Cleveland in the Mark Price era, and Lenny Wilkens was a big part of what made that era so fun. Later he coached some exciting Raptor teams starring Air Canada. He retired with the most coaching wins (since surpassed). A great player, coach and all-around competitor. RIP
Once again, the offense was good enough to win.
They have given up 130+ in regulation three times now.
This team has too many good defensive players to play this badly.
They have given up 130+ in regulation three times now.
This team has too many good defensive players to play this badly.
November 9, 2025 at 3:13 AM
Once again, the offense was good enough to win.
They have given up 130+ in regulation three times now.
This team has too many good defensive players to play this badly.
They have given up 130+ in regulation three times now.
This team has too many good defensive players to play this badly.
Raptors shots since the 8 minute mark (feet from rim):
17, layup, 19, 24, missed layup, 25, layup, 27, 26, 25.
It's like they're trying to score 11 points with every shot.
17, layup, 19, 24, missed layup, 25, layup, 27, 26, 25.
It's like they're trying to score 11 points with every shot.
November 9, 2025 at 3:06 AM
Raptors shots since the 8 minute mark (feet from rim):
17, layup, 19, 24, missed layup, 25, layup, 27, 26, 25.
It's like they're trying to score 11 points with every shot.
17, layup, 19, 24, missed layup, 25, layup, 27, 26, 25.
It's like they're trying to score 11 points with every shot.
3rd Quarter
This is exactly what I'm talking about. This is just WAYYYY too easy. A lazy shot fake followed by a slow motion drive. As a result, Scottie has to clean up the mess.
It isn't this hard to stay in front of guys. Do better.
This is exactly what I'm talking about. This is just WAYYYY too easy. A lazy shot fake followed by a slow motion drive. As a result, Scottie has to clean up the mess.
It isn't this hard to stay in front of guys. Do better.
November 9, 2025 at 2:04 AM
3rd Quarter
This is exactly what I'm talking about. This is just WAYYYY too easy. A lazy shot fake followed by a slow motion drive. As a result, Scottie has to clean up the mess.
It isn't this hard to stay in front of guys. Do better.
This is exactly what I'm talking about. This is just WAYYYY too easy. A lazy shot fake followed by a slow motion drive. As a result, Scottie has to clean up the mess.
It isn't this hard to stay in front of guys. Do better.
First half takeaways
Let's be clear: As usual, the offense is playing winning basketball.
After the first, I said the defense needed to improve. It got worse instead. They have sunk back into bad habits from early in the year, and too many offensive possessions are just too easy.
Let's be clear: As usual, the offense is playing winning basketball.
After the first, I said the defense needed to improve. It got worse instead. They have sunk back into bad habits from early in the year, and too many offensive possessions are just too easy.
November 9, 2025 at 1:53 AM
First half takeaways
Let's be clear: As usual, the offense is playing winning basketball.
After the first, I said the defense needed to improve. It got worse instead. They have sunk back into bad habits from early in the year, and too many offensive possessions are just too easy.
Let's be clear: As usual, the offense is playing winning basketball.
After the first, I said the defense needed to improve. It got worse instead. They have sunk back into bad habits from early in the year, and too many offensive possessions are just too easy.
Agreed on all points here.
Separate from Walter, it is curious that Battle is not getting more minutes. Dude is shooting 72%, including 71% from three. What more can he do to see the floor?
Keeping him tethered to the bench seems like an own-goal
Separate from Walter, it is curious that Battle is not getting more minutes. Dude is shooting 72%, including 71% from three. What more can he do to see the floor?
Keeping him tethered to the bench seems like an own-goal
I'm a big believer in Ja'Kobe Walter's talent, but it hasn't looked good so far. 28% shooting, 4-for-14 from 3, more turnovers than assists, and the Raptors have been outscored in his minutes in 5 of the 7 games he's played. Wonder if some of those minutes start going to Battle.
November 9, 2025 at 1:38 AM
Agreed on all points here.
Separate from Walter, it is curious that Battle is not getting more minutes. Dude is shooting 72%, including 71% from three. What more can he do to see the floor?
Keeping him tethered to the bench seems like an own-goal
Separate from Walter, it is curious that Battle is not getting more minutes. Dude is shooting 72%, including 71% from three. What more can he do to see the floor?
Keeping him tethered to the bench seems like an own-goal
2nd Quarter
Let me get this straight: Darko starts with Gradey on VJ??? Tells him to pressure him 94 feet??? And then yanks him after this???
Like, yeah, that's not good D, but asking Gradey to guard VJ - let alone with hot stove defense - was asking for failure.
Let me get this straight: Darko starts with Gradey on VJ??? Tells him to pressure him 94 feet??? And then yanks him after this???
Like, yeah, that's not good D, but asking Gradey to guard VJ - let alone with hot stove defense - was asking for failure.
November 9, 2025 at 1:19 AM
2nd Quarter
Let me get this straight: Darko starts with Gradey on VJ??? Tells him to pressure him 94 feet??? And then yanks him after this???
Like, yeah, that's not good D, but asking Gradey to guard VJ - let alone with hot stove defense - was asking for failure.
Let me get this straight: Darko starts with Gradey on VJ??? Tells him to pressure him 94 feet??? And then yanks him after this???
Like, yeah, that's not good D, but asking Gradey to guard VJ - let alone with hot stove defense - was asking for failure.
Raptors @ 76ers
Nov 8, 2025
No Jakob might be concerning, but he isn't a great Embiid matchup
I think Maxey is the bigger defensive concern. I would like to see the Raptors attack him again and again on offense, try to wear him down. Nurse has been riding him with huge minutes; test those limits
Nov 8, 2025
No Jakob might be concerning, but he isn't a great Embiid matchup
I think Maxey is the bigger defensive concern. I would like to see the Raptors attack him again and again on offense, try to wear him down. Nurse has been riding him with huge minutes; test those limits
November 9, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Raptors @ 76ers
Nov 8, 2025
No Jakob might be concerning, but he isn't a great Embiid matchup
I think Maxey is the bigger defensive concern. I would like to see the Raptors attack him again and again on offense, try to wear him down. Nurse has been riding him with huge minutes; test those limits
Nov 8, 2025
No Jakob might be concerning, but he isn't a great Embiid matchup
I think Maxey is the bigger defensive concern. I would like to see the Raptors attack him again and again on offense, try to wear him down. Nurse has been riding him with huge minutes; test those limits
That was an impressive finish they grinded out. Not a very impressive performance...but the fact that they found a way to win anyways is a testament to their resilience.
The team deserves some attention for their turnaround after a rough start.
And DARKO deserves credit for defensive adjustments!
The team deserves some attention for their turnaround after a rough start.
And DARKO deserves credit for defensive adjustments!
One of the indicators of a good team is that they find a way to win games that they should win even when they are not at their best
ATL has not played well; despite a lethargic showing, the Raptors are well positioned
Can they finish the job? A good team would, so this is a bit of a litmus test...
ATL has not played well; despite a lethargic showing, the Raptors are well positioned
Can they finish the job? A good team would, so this is a bit of a litmus test...
November 8, 2025 at 3:00 AM
That was an impressive finish they grinded out. Not a very impressive performance...but the fact that they found a way to win anyways is a testament to their resilience.
The team deserves some attention for their turnaround after a rough start.
And DARKO deserves credit for defensive adjustments!
The team deserves some attention for their turnaround after a rough start.
And DARKO deserves credit for defensive adjustments!
Battle just got a steal, but Jakob comes in with 3:56 left.
Feels like a mistake but I guess we shall see. He gets a bucket right away to put them up 7...
Feels like a mistake but I guess we shall see. He gets a bucket right away to put them up 7...
November 8, 2025 at 2:45 AM
Battle just got a steal, but Jakob comes in with 3:56 left.
Feels like a mistake but I guess we shall see. He gets a bucket right away to put them up 7...
Feels like a mistake but I guess we shall see. He gets a bucket right away to put them up 7...
One of the indicators of a good team is that they find a way to win games that they should win even when they are not at their best
ATL has not played well; despite a lethargic showing, the Raptors are well positioned
Can they finish the job? A good team would, so this is a bit of a litmus test...
ATL has not played well; despite a lethargic showing, the Raptors are well positioned
Can they finish the job? A good team would, so this is a bit of a litmus test...
November 8, 2025 at 2:34 AM
One of the indicators of a good team is that they find a way to win games that they should win even when they are not at their best
ATL has not played well; despite a lethargic showing, the Raptors are well positioned
Can they finish the job? A good team would, so this is a bit of a litmus test...
ATL has not played well; despite a lethargic showing, the Raptors are well positioned
Can they finish the job? A good team would, so this is a bit of a litmus test...