That’s A Rap #116: Discussing the shortest NBA off-season ever

Unlike the U.S. presidential election, the NBA is making a quick decision to kick-start next season. The difference between the NBA’s proposed start date (Dec. 22) and the NBPA’s (Jan. 18) is apparently $500 million — thanks mainly to revenue generated from Christmas Day games. The free agency and trade rumours are about to blow up your timelines for the next couple weeks.

Outside of that, the coaching and executive carousels have turned, the Raptors are dealing with a very serious player issue, and team merchandisers are being given a bit too much freedom in their work. It’s an action-packed episode of That’s A Rap. Enjoy!

In This Episode:

2:30 — Early Christmas gift

After going four months without basketball, we’re closing in on having two NBA seasons within a two-month span! The league is finalizing details with the NBPA to start a 72-game season on December 22. With the draft occurring in less than two weeks, plus free agency starting and the trade moratorium being lifted in that same week, team executives will be working longer hours than election vote counters!

11:55 — The Toronto Raptors of Newark, New Jersey

The abbreviated off-season also likely means the Toronto Raptors will need to find a U.S. home. There are still travel restrictions between Canada and the U.S., including a 14-day quarantine upon arrival, that simply makes NBA games at Scotiabank Arena unfeasible. A few cities have sprung up as possible temporary homes, such as Louisville, Kansas City, and, Newark. Where would you like to see the Raptors play their home games?

22:30 — The coaching/executive carousel

Nate Bjorkgren is headed to Indiana. Daryl Morey is the new President of the 76ers. Mike D’Antoni is gone from coaching Steve Nash to being his Assistant Coach in Brooklyn. Rex Kalamanian is taking his Assistant Coaching talents to Northern California (Kings). Stephen Silas follows in his father’s footsteps and landed a head coaching position in Houston. Which of these moves will have the greatest impact?

29:45 — Terence Davis’ fate

Terence Davis is currently facing seven charges for assaulting his girlfriend. The Raptors have previously dealt with player issues in varying, yet instructive ways. Jonas Valanciunas (DUI 2014) and Adrian Griffin (domestic abuse 2020) were both kept on the team while investigations occurred. Kay Felder (domestic abuse 2018) was cut immediately after being arrested. This past Summer, Davis has already been caught with a hole in his mask and spreading Coronavirus conspiracy theories on Instagram. Isn’t this arrest already a third strike?

44:35 — Jersey leaks

No off-season would be complete without jersey leaks! As more and more jerseys see the light of day Twitter, it’s becoming more apparent that Designers are running low on inspiration. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but even the least critical will want to un-see some of these monstrosities. Chime in with your thoughts below.