Matt Bonner is back in Toronto. Yes, that Matt Bonner, the beloved ex-Raptor, is ready to shake things up once again. Not on the court this time, but as co-host of “The Raptors Show” on Sportsnet The Fan 590. Fans from the 2000s remember Bonner for his humility, sharp shooting, and his public transit adventures. Now, he’s ready to get candid with Raptors fans like never before, especially with discussions about key moments like Vince Carter’s Number Retirement, a highly anticipated event that still has the city buzzing.
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For someone who rode the TTC to games, Bonner’s humility remains unwavering. “I’d take the subway home with fans after games,” he recalls, noting the days before smartphones turned every commute into a paparazzi moment. He didn’t just play for Toronto—he lived Toronto. And now, 20 years later, Bonner is back to bring that down-to-earth perspective into the broadcast booth.
On the hot topic of Vince Carter potentially having his number retired, Bonner didn’t mince words. Despite the rollercoaster relationship between Carter and the city, Bonner believes, “He deserves it.” After all, Carter did more than just dunk his way into highlight reels—he helped put Toronto basketball on the map. But let’s not pretend this opinion isn’t going to stir up some serious debates among long-time Raptors fans.
Ask any Raptors fan about Bonner’s defining moment, and they’ll likely mention his run-in with Kevin Garnett. But Bonner’s personal highlight? Playing his first NBA game after barely making the team. The image of his father, a mailman from New Hampshire, crying as he watched his son hit the court for the first time is the real story. It’s moments like these that make Bonner the relatable, down-to-earth guy Raptors fans have always adored.
Transitioning from player to broadcaster, Bonner is eager to analyze Toronto’s current roster. With lowered expectations after last season’s disappointments, he believes fans should focus on the team’s development. “It’s a process. You can’t skip steps,” he says, channeling his former coach Gregg Popovich’s famous mantra, “Pound the Rock.” In a league that demands instant success, Bonner’s advice is clear: let’s watch for who will step up, surprise, and maybe—just maybe—take the bull by the horns.
Bonner’s back, but don’t expect him to sugarcoat the team’s prospects. With new head coach Darko Rajaković drawing inspiration from Popovich’s Spurs, Bonner knows how challenging it will be for the Raptors to adopt this fast-paced, ball-sharing style. “You need everyone to buy in,” Bonner warns. If even one player doesn’t, the system falls apart. As a fan, watching this unfold promises to be a nail-biting experience. Will the Raptors rise to the occasion, or will this be another season of what-ifs?
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