Baltch
@baltch.bsky.social
I love people, working, reading, working out and watching the Toronto Raptors! I try to lovingly mock most things, with myself being the first target.
So what's all your takeaways from that big victory over the league's best team? How is the BlueSky community feeling about this team close to trade deadline?
Please reply, quote post to get the conversation started!
Please reply, quote post to get the conversation started!
January 26, 2026 at 2:45 AM
So what's all your takeaways from that big victory over the league's best team? How is the BlueSky community feeling about this team close to trade deadline?
Please reply, quote post to get the conversation started!
Please reply, quote post to get the conversation started!
Great game Raptors! Feel bad for the nonsense that OKC will have to deal with tomorrow from media who don't realise the Raptors with 4 of their normal starters playing are above average and a really good team.
January 26, 2026 at 2:36 AM
Great game Raptors! Feel bad for the nonsense that OKC will have to deal with tomorrow from media who don't realise the Raptors with 4 of their normal starters playing are above average and a really good team.
Reposted by Baltch
Announcement: Noor Zainab and I will be co-hosting a weekly show called "North of the Arc" where we talk Raptors basketball and the NBA as a whole with guests.
Episode 1 is out. Subscribe. Like. Leave a comment. Help the show out. We appreciate you.
www.youtube.com/@NorthOfTheArc
Episode 1 is out. Subscribe. Like. Leave a comment. Help the show out. We appreciate you.
www.youtube.com/@NorthOfTheArc
North Of The Arc
A Toronto Raptors focused show with a mix of NBA banter hosted by Noor Zainab along with co-host Chris Walder and various Raptors plus NBA-centric guests. The show features basketball insights and deb...
www.youtube.com
January 26, 2026 at 2:22 AM
Announcement: Noor Zainab and I will be co-hosting a weekly show called "North of the Arc" where we talk Raptors basketball and the NBA as a whole with guests.
Episode 1 is out. Subscribe. Like. Leave a comment. Help the show out. We appreciate you.
www.youtube.com/@NorthOfTheArc
Episode 1 is out. Subscribe. Like. Leave a comment. Help the show out. We appreciate you.
www.youtube.com/@NorthOfTheArc
#Snowblower
If anyone on this site has or has tried the new Benchmark 30" track snowblower from Home Hardware, please let me know your thoughts on it. I have a sloped driveway which can fit about 9 cars, so I need tracks and something that can go. I have a 3x 30" tracked Cub Cadet currently.
If anyone on this site has or has tried the new Benchmark 30" track snowblower from Home Hardware, please let me know your thoughts on it. I have a sloped driveway which can fit about 9 cars, so I need tracks and something that can go. I have a 3x 30" tracked Cub Cadet currently.
January 26, 2026 at 2:22 AM
#Snowblower
If anyone on this site has or has tried the new Benchmark 30" track snowblower from Home Hardware, please let me know your thoughts on it. I have a sloped driveway which can fit about 9 cars, so I need tracks and something that can go. I have a 3x 30" tracked Cub Cadet currently.
If anyone on this site has or has tried the new Benchmark 30" track snowblower from Home Hardware, please let me know your thoughts on it. I have a sloped driveway which can fit about 9 cars, so I need tracks and something that can go. I have a 3x 30" tracked Cub Cadet currently.
@jodystevens.bsky.social JODY, what's your thoughts on trading RJ?
January 26, 2026 at 2:16 AM
@jodystevens.bsky.social JODY, what's your thoughts on trading RJ?
Case in point, you want to open up space, you need a bull dog who's a threat at the perimeter, in the post and any open lanes. RJ is a major catalyst for this team and not easy to replicate. He can't be traded, and should be part of the next 3 to 4 years building wise. #Raptors
Has taken Barrett some time to get loose in each of his 2 games back, but even in shorter shifts and (presumably) at less than 100%, his knack for attacking the rim adds another dynamic to the Raptors O. They really missed it. 11 points in 13 minutes. All but 1 of his shots have come at the rim.
January 26, 2026 at 1:47 AM
Case in point, you want to open up space, you need a bull dog who's a threat at the perimeter, in the post and any open lanes. RJ is a major catalyst for this team and not easy to replicate. He can't be traded, and should be part of the next 3 to 4 years building wise. #Raptors
Reposted by Baltch
Why? IQ's value couldn't be lower, but his contract will age better. The recent stretch without RJ has shown how well IQ responds to playing next to Shead.
I'm not as desperate to rid the cap sheet of IQ's contract. Including RJ should reduce the outgoing draft equity
I am a YES on this
I'm not as desperate to rid the cap sheet of IQ's contract. Including RJ should reduce the outgoing draft equity
I am a YES on this
January 26, 2026 at 12:11 AM
Why? IQ's value couldn't be lower, but his contract will age better. The recent stretch without RJ has shown how well IQ responds to playing next to Shead.
I'm not as desperate to rid the cap sheet of IQ's contract. Including RJ should reduce the outgoing draft equity
I am a YES on this
I'm not as desperate to rid the cap sheet of IQ's contract. Including RJ should reduce the outgoing draft equity
I am a YES on this
Reposted by Baltch
Taken together, I really like this move for the Raptors.
I would try to make the deal around Jakob+IQ. However, SAC might insist on RJ. Ultimately, I think I can live with that, and I say that as a HUGE RJ supporter.
I would try to make the deal around Jakob+IQ. However, SAC might insist on RJ. Ultimately, I think I can live with that, and I say that as a HUGE RJ supporter.
January 26, 2026 at 12:11 AM
Taken together, I really like this move for the Raptors.
I would try to make the deal around Jakob+IQ. However, SAC might insist on RJ. Ultimately, I think I can live with that, and I say that as a HUGE RJ supporter.
I would try to make the deal around Jakob+IQ. However, SAC might insist on RJ. Ultimately, I think I can live with that, and I say that as a HUGE RJ supporter.
Reposted by Baltch
Lastly, while this represents trading Jakob at his lowest value, I am not optimistic that his value is going to change anytime soon. SAC can afford to rest him until next year, and if healthy, they could recoup real value in future trade.
January 26, 2026 at 12:11 AM
Lastly, while this represents trading Jakob at his lowest value, I am not optimistic that his value is going to change anytime soon. SAC can afford to rest him until next year, and if healthy, they could recoup real value in future trade.
Reposted by Baltch
2 This is an area of weakness for the Raptors, and one which Sabonis represents a major upgrade on Jakob.
Adding Sabonis should make the Raptors one of the best rebounding teams in the league (currently 21st)
Adding Sabonis should make the Raptors one of the best rebounding teams in the league (currently 21st)
January 26, 2026 at 12:11 AM
2 This is an area of weakness for the Raptors, and one which Sabonis represents a major upgrade on Jakob.
Adding Sabonis should make the Raptors one of the best rebounding teams in the league (currently 21st)
Adding Sabonis should make the Raptors one of the best rebounding teams in the league (currently 21st)
Reposted by Baltch
1 This is an underrated part of good defense; When the defense forces the miss, it is imperative to finish the possession by retaining that rebound.
Sabonis led the league in rebounding in each of the past three seasons. I think his addition would be massively important in this regard
Sabonis led the league in rebounding in each of the past three seasons. I think his addition would be massively important in this regard
January 26, 2026 at 12:11 AM
1 This is an underrated part of good defense; When the defense forces the miss, it is imperative to finish the possession by retaining that rebound.
Sabonis led the league in rebounding in each of the past three seasons. I think his addition would be massively important in this regard
Sabonis led the league in rebounding in each of the past three seasons. I think his addition would be massively important in this regard
Reposted by Baltch
Defensively, he won't protect the interior as well as Jakob, but one thing he will do that the Raptors REALLY need is rebounding. Two important notes on this...
January 26, 2026 at 12:11 AM
Defensively, he won't protect the interior as well as Jakob, but one thing he will do that the Raptors REALLY need is rebounding. Two important notes on this...
Reposted by Baltch
He would nominally be replacing Jakob in the Raptors' scheme. Offensively, that is a huge upgrade, as Sabonis does everything better than Jakob.
Specifically, he scores better, stretches the floor, passes well, and rebounds. All of that should look great in Darko's system.
Specifically, he scores better, stretches the floor, passes well, and rebounds. All of that should look great in Darko's system.
January 26, 2026 at 12:11 AM
He would nominally be replacing Jakob in the Raptors' scheme. Offensively, that is a huge upgrade, as Sabonis does everything better than Jakob.
Specifically, he scores better, stretches the floor, passes well, and rebounds. All of that should look great in Darko's system.
Specifically, he scores better, stretches the floor, passes well, and rebounds. All of that should look great in Darko's system.
Reposted by Baltch
However, as I thought about it more, I have come around on this. Importantly, he will not be TOR's best player.
His weaknesses, particularly on defense, will not be as problematic next to Scottie.
His weaknesses, particularly on defense, will not be as problematic next to Scottie.
January 26, 2026 at 12:11 AM
However, as I thought about it more, I have come around on this. Importantly, he will not be TOR's best player.
His weaknesses, particularly on defense, will not be as problematic next to Scottie.
His weaknesses, particularly on defense, will not be as problematic next to Scottie.
Reposted by Baltch
My initial thought on Sabonis was not great: Like most, I thought of him as capping the ceiling of the team, as he did in Sacramento.
If he is a team's best player, that team isn't going far.
If he is a team's best player, that team isn't going far.
January 26, 2026 at 12:11 AM
My initial thought on Sabonis was not great: Like most, I thought of him as capping the ceiling of the team, as he did in Sacramento.
If he is a team's best player, that team isn't going far.
If he is a team's best player, that team isn't going far.
Reposted by Baltch
While Sabonis is not an alpha-superstar, I am not sure that kind of player is becoming available.
Unless Steph Curry decides he wants a trade someplace to contend (and I think TOR would be a logical landing spot if that happened), I think the 'stars' available now are closer to Sabonis' level.
Unless Steph Curry decides he wants a trade someplace to contend (and I think TOR would be a logical landing spot if that happened), I think the 'stars' available now are closer to Sabonis' level.
January 26, 2026 at 12:11 AM
While Sabonis is not an alpha-superstar, I am not sure that kind of player is becoming available.
Unless Steph Curry decides he wants a trade someplace to contend (and I think TOR would be a logical landing spot if that happened), I think the 'stars' available now are closer to Sabonis' level.
Unless Steph Curry decides he wants a trade someplace to contend (and I think TOR would be a logical landing spot if that happened), I think the 'stars' available now are closer to Sabonis' level.
Reposted by Baltch
I have been meaning to write fairly extensively about the Raptors approach to the upcoming trade deadline.
Baltch asked me about Sabonis, and there is SO much smoke around this that it seems like there must be something to it.
My basic thoughts:
@notthattonya.bsky.social
@baltch.bsky.social
Baltch asked me about Sabonis, and there is SO much smoke around this that it seems like there must be something to it.
My basic thoughts:
@notthattonya.bsky.social
@baltch.bsky.social
@notthattonya.bsky.social , @raptorsscotland.bsky.social , @palaeohammer.bsky.social and anyone in #Raptors BlueSky, what are your thoughts on potentially trading RJ Barrett for a center like Sabonis etc?
Would love to hear your thoughts on the matter whether you're for it or against it and why?
Would love to hear your thoughts on the matter whether you're for it or against it and why?
January 26, 2026 at 12:11 AM
I have been meaning to write fairly extensively about the Raptors approach to the upcoming trade deadline.
Baltch asked me about Sabonis, and there is SO much smoke around this that it seems like there must be something to it.
My basic thoughts:
@notthattonya.bsky.social
@baltch.bsky.social
Baltch asked me about Sabonis, and there is SO much smoke around this that it seems like there must be something to it.
My basic thoughts:
@notthattonya.bsky.social
@baltch.bsky.social
@notthattonya.bsky.social , @raptorsscotland.bsky.social , @palaeohammer.bsky.social and anyone in #Raptors BlueSky, what are your thoughts on potentially trading RJ Barrett for a center like Sabonis etc?
Would love to hear your thoughts on the matter whether you're for it or against it and why?
Would love to hear your thoughts on the matter whether you're for it or against it and why?
January 25, 2026 at 2:32 AM
@notthattonya.bsky.social , @raptorsscotland.bsky.social , @palaeohammer.bsky.social and anyone in #Raptors BlueSky, what are your thoughts on potentially trading RJ Barrett for a center like Sabonis etc?
Would love to hear your thoughts on the matter whether you're for it or against it and why?
Would love to hear your thoughts on the matter whether you're for it or against it and why?
I remember having the chance to see Sue the T-Rex at the Halifax Natural History Museum. It was incredible, I'm 6'3 and from around my knees to my head seemed like it could fit in its mouth. I just stood there in awe. If you get a chance to see any dinosaur skeleton, be like Clare and do it!
The new dinosaur exhibit is open at the @romtoronto.bsky.social and it's very cool! My friend saw this picture and asked if the dinosaur on the left was licking the one on the right, and while it's actually his tail, tbh I like the idea of defeating your enemy with the power of being super creepy
January 25, 2026 at 2:15 AM
I remember having the chance to see Sue the T-Rex at the Halifax Natural History Museum. It was incredible, I'm 6'3 and from around my knees to my head seemed like it could fit in its mouth. I just stood there in awe. If you get a chance to see any dinosaur skeleton, be like Clare and do it!
I liked Dylan Cardwell the other night. If the Kings were willing to part with him for some 2nd round picks and maybe AJ Lawson or some other 2 way player, would that make any sense? We keep faith with JP, find a proper young center with some potential who fits the time line? #Raptors
January 23, 2026 at 4:42 AM
I liked Dylan Cardwell the other night. If the Kings were willing to part with him for some 2nd round picks and maybe AJ Lawson or some other 2 way player, would that make any sense? We keep faith with JP, find a proper young center with some potential who fits the time line? #Raptors
Reposted by Baltch
Toronto Tempo's first game is scheduled for May 8 at Coca-Cola Coliseum at 7:30 p.m. Those interested for single-game tickets can sign up here
Single Game Tickets | Ticket Central | Toronto Tempo | WNBA
Be there when it works for you. Specific games? We’ve got you covered.
tempobasketball.com
January 21, 2026 at 8:46 PM
Toronto Tempo's first game is scheduled for May 8 at Coca-Cola Coliseum at 7:30 p.m. Those interested for single-game tickets can sign up here
Reposted by Baltch
so, re the Raptors' spacing right now, Shead-Quickley-Dick have played 43 minutes together before tonight and have won those minutes by a wild margin.
Only 8 of those minutes have come with Barnes-Ingram on the floor, but the Raps are cooking a little bit with small groups when opp lineups allow
Only 8 of those minutes have come with Barnes-Ingram on the floor, but the Raps are cooking a little bit with small groups when opp lineups allow
January 21, 2026 at 3:23 AM
so, re the Raptors' spacing right now, Shead-Quickley-Dick have played 43 minutes together before tonight and have won those minutes by a wild margin.
Only 8 of those minutes have come with Barnes-Ingram on the floor, but the Raps are cooking a little bit with small groups when opp lineups allow
Only 8 of those minutes have come with Barnes-Ingram on the floor, but the Raps are cooking a little bit with small groups when opp lineups allow
RJ Barrett is the second most important Raptor to winning, next only to Scottie. His fearlessness and willingness to go to the rim regardless of opposition, keeps defenses on their guard and opens up space. Expect their 3 made rate to go up when he's back. DON'T TRADE HIM!
January 21, 2026 at 3:21 AM
RJ Barrett is the second most important Raptor to winning, next only to Scottie. His fearlessness and willingness to go to the rim regardless of opposition, keeps defenses on their guard and opens up space. Expect their 3 made rate to go up when he's back. DON'T TRADE HIM!
I'm not going to say I'm going to cry myself to sleep tonight because @ekoreen.bsky.social didn't comment on my likely dumb but CBA compliant Giannis to Raptors trades, but I just put a big box of tissues next to my bed.
a cartoon character is standing in the rain holding a piece of paper
ALT: a cartoon character is standing in the rain holding a piece of paper
media.tenor.com
January 21, 2026 at 3:11 AM
I'm not going to say I'm going to cry myself to sleep tonight because @ekoreen.bsky.social didn't comment on my likely dumb but CBA compliant Giannis to Raptors trades, but I just put a big box of tissues next to my bed.