Louis Zatzman
@louiszatzman.bsky.social
Basketball writer, other stuff too
Pinned
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
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...
www.raptorsrepublic.com/2024/11/01/j...
Three post-ups, two blocks, one win.
On the Toronto Raptors' ugly, physical win over the Charlotte Hornets that perhaps paved a brick in the road of Toronto's new identity:
On the Toronto Raptors' ugly, physical win over the Charlotte Hornets that perhaps paved a brick in the road of Toronto's new identity:
Physicality proves to be Raptors’ advantage against Hornets - Raptors Republic
It was an ugly game, but a unique, identity-building win nonetheless.
www.raptorsrepublic.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:09 AM
Three post-ups, two blocks, one win.
On the Toronto Raptors' ugly, physical win over the Charlotte Hornets that perhaps paved a brick in the road of Toronto's new identity:
On the Toronto Raptors' ugly, physical win over the Charlotte Hornets that perhaps paved a brick in the road of Toronto's new identity:
Reposted by Louis Zatzman
Fun fact: So excited to say that I'm working with Taylor Rooks as her personal researcher for NBA on Prime broadcasts!
Incredibly grateful for the opportunity. It's been the most fun.
Incredibly grateful for the opportunity. It's been the most fun.
November 6, 2025 at 12:05 AM
Fun fact: So excited to say that I'm working with Taylor Rooks as her personal researcher for NBA on Prime broadcasts!
Incredibly grateful for the opportunity. It's been the most fun.
Incredibly grateful for the opportunity. It's been the most fun.
Reposted by Louis Zatzman
Love when Louis goes deep on a topic, but I'm always giddy to find out what obscure reference he makes as a lead. And folks...he has outdone himself.
I went deeeeeeeep on Scottie Barnes' offensive role so far this season
Scottie Barnes is finally being weaponized perfectly on the offensive end - Raptors Republic
Scottie Barnes has had a near-perfect season so far for the Raptors.
www.raptorsrepublic.com
November 5, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Love when Louis goes deep on a topic, but I'm always giddy to find out what obscure reference he makes as a lead. And folks...he has outdone himself.
I went deeeeeeeep on Scottie Barnes' offensive role so far this season
Scottie Barnes is finally being weaponized perfectly on the offensive end - Raptors Republic
Scottie Barnes has had a near-perfect season so far for the Raptors.
www.raptorsrepublic.com
November 5, 2025 at 6:00 PM
I went deeeeeeeep on Scottie Barnes' offensive role so far this season
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:
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
October 23, 2025 at 2:12 AM
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:
On the start of a new era, offensive success, and the defensive gamble that, so far, is paying off:
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
October 18, 2025 at 1:34 AM
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:
It's time to talk about Scottie Barnes.
3-of-13 against Boston, now 6-of-30 during preseason.
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
October 16, 2025 at 2:07 AM
It's time to talk about Scottie Barnes.
3-of-13 against Boston, now 6-of-30 during preseason.
3-of-13 against Boston, now 6-of-30 during preseason.
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:
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
October 13, 2025 at 2:07 PM
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:
On him solving his problems not be improving his abilities, but just by changing his habits:
Reposted by Louis Zatzman
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
Here's a sneak peek of what's coming. Full episode about random offense (with a bit of breaking news) drops tomorrow
August 4, 2025 at 7:55 PM
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
Here's a sneak peek of what's coming. Full episode about random offense (with a bit of breaking news) drops tomorrow
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
August 1, 2025 at 1:49 PM
I went deep on the bench to see if there's a steady contributor - or a hidden star - hiding in plain sight.
once in a bar I was at in montreal everyone went out to watch the bartender rip a kick flip
The whole bar just went out to smoke. Bartender too.
July 26, 2025 at 1:47 AM
once in a bar I was at in montreal everyone went out to watch the bartender rip a kick flip
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.
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
July 23, 2025 at 1:08 PM
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.
In many ways, that means the success of this team, and the future of this era, depends to a huge extent on Brandon Ingram.
Reposted by Louis Zatzman
"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...
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
July 21, 2025 at 8:09 PM
"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...
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...
The best thing I can say about CMB so far is that he FITS this identity
damn playing against these SL raptors looks miserable, the Bulls just look really unhappy rn
July 13, 2025 at 11:50 PM
The best thing I can say about CMB so far is that he FITS this identity
damn playing against these SL raptors looks miserable, the Bulls just look really unhappy rn
July 12, 2025 at 1:44 AM
damn playing against these SL raptors looks miserable, the Bulls just look really unhappy rn
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.
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
June 27, 2025 at 3:40 PM
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.
Now he's gone. Let's remember what he accomplished and where the Raptors stand now.
Eulogizing Ujiri's tenure with the Raptors.
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:
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
June 24, 2025 at 12:43 PM
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:
On how winning in the playoffs requires winning two different categories, and how the league is building towards the zeitgeist of the future:
Reposted by Louis Zatzman
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...
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
June 17, 2025 at 3:00 PM
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...
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...
Reposted by Louis Zatzman
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
June 13, 2025 at 4:55 PM
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.
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:
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
June 4, 2025 at 3:06 PM
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:
Also, on how much I love the Counting Crows:
Reposted by Louis Zatzman
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...
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
June 4, 2025 at 1:22 PM
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...
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...
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+
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
May 14, 2025 at 2:56 PM
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+
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+
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?
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
May 14, 2025 at 1:05 PM
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?
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?
no matter what else, I will always just absolutely love watching Donovan Mitchell play basketball. artist
May 14, 2025 at 1:26 AM
no matter what else, I will always just absolutely love watching Donovan Mitchell play basketball. artist
everyone who's mad about 1. dallas 2. san antonio 3. philly, rich get richer, etc., is a class-conscious revolutionary
May 12, 2025 at 11:43 PM
everyone who's mad about 1. dallas 2. san antonio 3. philly, rich get richer, etc., is a class-conscious revolutionary