Zulfi Sheikh
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Zulfi Sheikh
@zulfisheikh.bsky.social
94 followers 110 following 120 posts
Multimedia Journalist | 🇵🇰🇨🇦 | Sportsnet, Raptors Republic, CEBL
IG: @zulfi_sheikh | JW🥇| He/Him
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zulfisheikh.bsky.social
The Raptors are currently trudging through the mush that is being a middling team.

But is being in the mushy middle all that bad? That may just be a matter of perspective. A lesson I learned thanks to my mom’s cooking. ⬇️
www.raptorsrepublic.com/2025/12/24/r...
Raptors’ Wish List: Embrace mushy middle, eat some peas - Raptors Republic
I'm here to make the case that it's time for the Toronto Raptors and their fan base to embrace the mushy middle and see the value in eating some peas.
www.raptorsrepublic.com
December 24, 2025 at 4:39 PM
zulfisheikh.bsky.social
Whenever I get to share stories of meaningful connections, I'm always extra proud of what I get to call "work."

My latest for @Sportsnet on a couple of Raptors "serving" youth at Covenant House on their off-day and embodying the holiday spirit.
www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...
Raptors step away from basketball to connect with, 'serve' community
The holiday season is a time that can be as difficult for some as it is rewarding for others. So the Toronto Raptors spent time at the Covenant House, using their off-day to give back to the community...
www.sportsnet.ca
December 20, 2025 at 4:00 PM
zulfisheikh.bsky.social
Last night the Knicks lifted a trophy for the first time in over 50 years. Doing it with trademark physicality while proving themselves as both a "battle-tested" winner and contender.

My takeaways on the NBA Cup Final ⤵️
www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...
NBA Cup Final Takeaways: Knicks' physicality reigns supreme vs. Spurs
Leaning on their trademark uber-physical style, the Knicks proved that they are a legitimate contender with Tuesday's NBA Cup-clinching win over the Spurs.
www.sportsnet.ca
December 17, 2025 at 6:02 PM
zulfisheikh.bsky.social
ICYMI — NBA trade season has (un)officially begun!

In anticipation of what's to come, I broke down the most interesting contract on all 30 teams. Some big, some small, all notable. My latest for Sportsnet ⤵️
www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...
The most interesting contract on every NBA team
Trade season has unofficially arrived in the NBA, so Sportsnet's Zulfi Sheikh breaks down the most interesting contracts on every team around the league.
www.sportsnet.ca
December 15, 2025 at 9:32 PM
zulfisheikh.bsky.social
Raptors 905 have won 10 straight games, and while each has been unique, one thing has remained constant.

My latest for @raptorsrepublic.bsky.social on how a G League record-tying win came together thanks to "we over me."

(I even got in a Survivor reference)
www.raptorsrepublic.com/2025/12/06/r...
Raptors 905 lean on ‘we over me’ in record-tying win against Go-Go - Raptors Republic
Through 10 straight wins, each a little different, one thing has remained constant for the Raptors 905: "We over me."
www.raptorsrepublic.com
December 6, 2025 at 4:46 PM
zulfisheikh.bsky.social
ICYMI — the Raptors lost their fourth game in five outings last night.

Now they'll have no choice but to focus on learning from the "work." The one thing the team can control, according to head coach Darko Rajakovic.

My latest for Sportsnet ⤵️
www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...
Raptors must control 'the work' as struggles continue in loss to Hornets
Despite Friday's loss to the Hornets and their recent struggles, the Raptors remain committed to controlling their "work."
www.sportsnet.ca
December 6, 2025 at 3:57 PM
zulfisheikh.bsky.social
The Raptors' win streak came to an end, and in a fashion that highlighted an offense that's looked far more one-note and far less efficient as of late.

My takeaways on the collapse, the impact of Barrett's absence and (of course) some 905 content. ⤵️
www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...
Raptors Takeaways: Offensive concerns, Barrett's absence peak in streak-busting loss
It had all the makings of a streak-extending, wire-to-wire win for the Raptors... until it didn't. Zulfi Sheikh dives into what led to the OT loss to the Hornets, and if there are any reasons for con...
www.sportsnet.ca
November 30, 2025 at 5:06 AM
Reposted by Zulfi Sheikh
woodleysean.bsky.social
New @lockedonraptors.bsky.social where I'm joined by @zulfisheikh.bsky.social to draft our favourite things from the first month of Raptors hoops.

There's a lot of really good things to choose from!

youtu.be/uJnwQEdqawY
Drafting the BEST THINGS from the Toronto Raptors INCREDIBLE first month of basketball
YouTube video by Locked On Raptors
youtu.be
November 26, 2025 at 5:07 PM
zulfisheikh.bsky.social
While teams across the NBA have tried to get better at playing fast, the Raptors have done the opposite.

On how the Raptors have found value in slowing down, the same way I did many years ago. For @raptorsrepublic.bsky.social ⤵️
www.raptorsrepublic.com/2025/11/26/r...
Raptors finding value in slowing down, navigating speed paradox - Raptors Republic
Going fast is fun but it comes with risks. A lesson the Raptors have already learned.
www.raptorsrepublic.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:19 PM
zulfisheikh.bsky.social
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 forging rookie Collin Murray-Boyles through fire - Raptors Republic
Is the rookie rising through the ashes or still learning to navigate between the smoke?
www.raptorsrepublic.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:53 PM
zulfisheikh.bsky.social
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 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.
www.raptorsrepublic.com
November 8, 2025 at 4:49 PM
zulfisheikh.bsky.social
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 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...
www.sportsnet.ca
November 7, 2025 at 4:49 PM
zulfisheikh.bsky.social
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...
Raptors, Mamukelashvili ready to control their luck this year - Raptors Republic
One bargain-bin contract that's hoping to change two fortunes.
www.raptorsrepublic.com
October 21, 2025 at 2:03 PM
zulfisheikh.bsky.social
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/...
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 ...
www.sportsnet.ca
October 19, 2025 at 3:36 PM
zulfisheikh.bsky.social
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/...
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.
www.sportsnet.ca
October 16, 2025 at 6:07 PM
zulfisheikh.bsky.social
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/...
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.
www.sportsnet.ca
October 16, 2025 at 6:04 PM
zulfisheikh.bsky.social
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...
Raptors 2020 NBA Draft haunted by ‘what if’ - Raptors Republic
Taking a look back at Toronto's 2020 draft with hindsight in mind.
www.raptorsrepublic.com
September 4, 2025 at 4:16 PM
zulfisheikh.bsky.social
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...
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...
www.sportsnet.ca
August 14, 2025 at 4:59 AM
zulfisheikh.bsky.social
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...
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...
www.sportsnet.ca
August 13, 2025 at 12:02 AM
zulfisheikh.bsky.social
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...
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.
www.sportsnet.ca
August 6, 2025 at 1:55 PM
zulfisheikh.bsky.social
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...
Overreactions from the Raptors’ Summer League experience - Raptors Republic
What could happen if just about everything went right for Toronto next season?
www.raptorsrepublic.com
July 25, 2025 at 2:34 PM
zulfisheikh.bsky.social
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/...
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.
www.sportsnet.ca
June 30, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Reposted by Zulfi Sheikh
docnaismith.bsky.social
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
June 30, 2025 at 1:48 PM
zulfisheikh.bsky.social
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/...
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.
www.sportsnet.ca
June 26, 2025 at 2:44 PM
zulfisheikh.bsky.social
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/...
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 ...
www.sportsnet.ca
June 14, 2025 at 5:34 PM