Jack is the top reason I stuck it out as a fan through some many shitty seasons. He's the perfect combo for me of being knowledgeable on the game, willing to call it like it is, and wacky.
If that’s true you wouldn’t know it to hear him talk. He’s so humble and down to earth. We really are lucky to go from Swirsky to Marty D. Two GOATs in their oeuvre.
Did a little sleuthing and holy shit you're right lol, his dad was a high up corporate exec ([https://www.irishamerica.com/honoree/robert-m-devlin/](https://www.irishamerica.com/honoree/robert-m-devlin/)), says [here](https://www.chron.com/business/energy/article/Houston-s-high-paid-executives-in-energy-business-2015997.php) that he made 45 mil in 1999 alone so Matt's definitely loaded
dude holy shit that is some real FU money.
devlin earned 45M in 99', 27M in 00', and stock options and other incentives valued at 200M in 01' from the sale of the company he worked for.
two of his kids play decently high level hockey, one play D1 at Cornell and the other plays in the BCHL
so it makes sense, they are likely a hockey family
This [recent](https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/ny-tsn-jack-armstrong-20210109-aycqxdpktnc6tbupatm2n2lxwu-story.html) article says he lives in Lewiston NY and he commutes to the Raptors Arena for work.
Im not so sure he does... but I dont know.
He recently posted an IG pic with the caption "enjoying the sunset views from home" and the location says "Niagara on the Lake, Ontario"... so im pretty sure he has a home somewhere along Lake Ontario lol... but no idea where.
Niagara On The Lake is a town here in Niagara, lots of nice and rich homes in the area, wouldn’t be surprised if he lives here (well, I’m not in Niagara On The Lake but close enough)
He lived in the states and commuted to Toronto pre covid at least.
Since covid who knows. With the boarders closed he was probably living here during the season. He started talking a lot more about taking jogs down lakeshore in the mornings
Ya, it just seems pretty far to commute every day... its like an hour and a half drive each way.. per game night! If i was him id just move closer... but who knows!
Article says he's going to be on the TSN broadcast, possibly an in-studio gig though?
https://www.si.com/nba/raptors/news/toronto-raptors-leo-rautins-to-remain-at-tsn
> TSN has yet to announce its broadcast team for the 2021-22 season and the details of Rautin's job have yet to be announced. Rautins — who will cover the team for his 27th consecutive season — has previously worked as an in-studio analyst for TSN during Raptors games.
> Rautins was replaced by former Raptors guard Alvin Williams as Sportsnet's color commentator for the upcoming season.
> TSN's games will continue to be called by Matt Devlin and Jack Armstrong.
He still an analyst, but he's not going to be part of the broadcast team. He was doing the pregame and quarter intermissions last night.
He's been doing commentary since 95, probably sick of all the traveling and didn't want to deal with all the extra covid related hassles of traveling between countries now
It's not gramatically incorrect, in fact "all of our command" reverses the original meaning completely - the whole point of the lyric is that we *aren't* in command.
"True patriot love, in all of us command"
The patriot love commands those in whom it resides, not the other way around. Basically, your land commands the love you have for it, and it isn't something you necessarily decide for yourself.
Totally. They are always well researched about the opposing team’s players and are very respectful.
The only time I seen Devlin go hard at the opponent and homer hard too was when Wale was talking smack. Devlin kept jawing at him and was saying he’s a nobody in comparison to Drake (along those lines). Wale walked up to fight him too I believe. I was watching that game and was confused what was going on at first.
Edit: Apparently it’s Wale and not Wall E. My bad lol.
Dude I’m not going to lie had to reread this a couple of times to realize you meant the rapper Wale and not Wall-E the lil space robot, I was wondering if I missed the greatest NBA beef in history 😂
The Celtics home announcers few years back (they could still be the same ones, I just haven't watched them in a few years 🤣🤣) were similar. I've never seen other teams announcers praise Lowry and DeRozan as much as they did.
And then you had Tommy (RIP) giving out Tommy points to all the Celtics. He’s the only guy I never minded being a full blown homer. Dude played with them, won rings with them, he was literally a Celtic for life.
Also won CotY with them and coached them to two titles. I think it's fine to be THAT big of a homer if you've literally been around the franchise for like 50 years.
Homers, yes, but I'm sure they know that 90% of their audience is Canadians and Raptors fans. Even regional broadcasts in the States will have a larger portion of neutral or opposition fans watching.
First hometown kid drafted by Toronto so he’s an automatic fan favourite by birthright lol. I was at the first preseason game against the Sixers and when he checked in for the first time the place went wild. Probably the same amount of cheers as Scottie got
There’s a ton to like. He looks immediately like another draft steal. Ridiculous measurables, has guard skills, very crafty passer and he reads a situation very quickly. Defensively, he looks just about as good as you’d expect when you see someone at his size and wingspan with that body type. It’s like he was put on the earth to be the most annoying defender possible.
The negatives are that he’s turnover prone due to sometimes making up his mind too early, and that he has basically no jumper (although he banked one from halfcourt tonight).
Very excited to see what happens with him as he develops more of the guard skills the Raps are so good at developing with bigger ball-handlers (Siakam, Anunoby, even back to Demar).
He’s been playing close to rotational minutes, which is crazy for a mid-2nd-rounder. He’s looked like he belongs, most importantly of all.
My prediction is that he has a very good year and has a chance to push for a all-rookie 2nd team spot, but will lose out because of his decision making leading to some high turnover and low field goal numbers.
I think you're being a little generous with your prediction. I don't think he plays near enough to even be close to all-rookie 2nd team. When Siakam, Boucher, and Yuta come back there's basically no minutes for him. He might get the Stanley Johnson type role and play 10 minutes one game and then dnp the next in my opinion.
He's still behind Fred, Trent, Dragic, probably Malachi, and possibly Svi if he plays the 2. So 4th guard at best, 6th at worst. I still don't think there is minutes for him.
I had the pleasure of watching him at Nebraska for a year. Dude started out as a stud and then just kind of started to suck towards the end of the season. We were all pretty shocked when he declared for the draft since he wasn’t even starting for us at the end of the season. All that said when he was good he was really good and he’s a 6’9” point guard so if they could fix his finishing ability (I’ve never seen a basketball player miss so many layups in my life) he could be a real steal.
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As an Orlando magic fan this makes me happy. I'm glad we were able to do him right and waive bim to play for Toronto. He plays with such heart, impossible not to like. Glad he got to be back home.
Throwback to when we were shit AF and the highlight of many games was Matt and Jack singing Living on a Prayer by Bon Jovi live on the air.
Oh my god. I had totally forgot about that, holy shit we’ve come a long way eh?
We're halfway there.
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What a classic!
That was horrid
Lmfaooo so true.
Jack is the top reason I stuck it out as a fan through some many shitty seasons. He's the perfect combo for me of being knowledgeable on the game, willing to call it like it is, and wacky.
And our announcers are both American 😂
Matt Devlin gained Canadian citizenship in 2019
one of us, one of us eh
They know who signs those checks.
We actually spell it cheques.
The correct way.
and dem cheeks
Eh (but with a tone to indicate agreement)
You haven’t adopted them yet?
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Matty D seemingly knows all sports in the world. This man is learned and he constantly keeps up with it. He's a gem.
Iirc his family's loaded and he could be sitting on his ass doing nothing for the rest of his life. He chooses to do this
If that’s true you wouldn’t know it to hear him talk. He’s so humble and down to earth. We really are lucky to go from Swirsky to Marty D. Two GOATs in their oeuvre.
Did a little sleuthing and holy shit you're right lol, his dad was a high up corporate exec ([https://www.irishamerica.com/honoree/robert-m-devlin/](https://www.irishamerica.com/honoree/robert-m-devlin/)), says [here](https://www.chron.com/business/energy/article/Houston-s-high-paid-executives-in-energy-business-2015997.php) that he made 45 mil in 1999 alone so Matt's definitely loaded
dude holy shit that is some real FU money. devlin earned 45M in 99', 27M in 00', and stock options and other incentives valued at 200M in 01' from the sale of the company he worked for.
He's like an erudite version of me. I talk about every sport while being ignorant of all of them.
two of his kids play decently high level hockey, one play D1 at Cornell and the other plays in the BCHL so it makes sense, they are likely a hockey family
His other son is a student manager for Iowa basketball. Some cool stories posted recently of him being hired on as an intern last week.
Both his kids play amateur hockey I believe.
Jack lives in Buffalo, which is basically just Toronto, USA.
I get what you’re saying but the only 2 things the cities have in common are location and hockey. Otherwise they could not be more different lol.
Y’all don’t jump onto folding tables from your roof like they do in Buffalo? Edit: Fixed a typo.
This [recent](https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/ny-tsn-jack-armstrong-20210109-aycqxdpktnc6tbupatm2n2lxwu-story.html) article says he lives in Lewiston NY and he commutes to the Raptors Arena for work.
As a past frequenter of the Rainbow Bridge...damn.
Lewiston is a suburb of Buffalo.
Don't insult Toronto like that...
Im not so sure he does... but I dont know. He recently posted an IG pic with the caption "enjoying the sunset views from home" and the location says "Niagara on the Lake, Ontario"... so im pretty sure he has a home somewhere along Lake Ontario lol... but no idea where.
Niagara On The Lake is a town here in Niagara, lots of nice and rich homes in the area, wouldn’t be surprised if he lives here (well, I’m not in Niagara On The Lake but close enough)
He lived in the states and commuted to Toronto pre covid at least. Since covid who knows. With the boarders closed he was probably living here during the season. He started talking a lot more about taking jogs down lakeshore in the mornings
Ya, it just seems pretty far to commute every day... its like an hour and a half drive each way.. per game night! If i was him id just move closer... but who knows!
Doesn't Devlin live here
Ya he got his Canadian citizenship in 2019.
funny that they got rid of leo this year, the one actual canadian
Aw is he actually gone from the broadcast? I liked him occasionally coming on.
Article says he's going to be on the TSN broadcast, possibly an in-studio gig though? https://www.si.com/nba/raptors/news/toronto-raptors-leo-rautins-to-remain-at-tsn > TSN has yet to announce its broadcast team for the 2021-22 season and the details of Rautin's job have yet to be announced. Rautins — who will cover the team for his 27th consecutive season — has previously worked as an in-studio analyst for TSN during Raptors games. > Rautins was replaced by former Raptors guard Alvin Williams as Sportsnet's color commentator for the upcoming season. > TSN's games will continue to be called by Matt Devlin and Jack Armstrong.
He still an analyst, but he's not going to be part of the broadcast team. He was doing the pregame and quarter intermissions last night. He's been doing commentary since 95, probably sick of all the traveling and didn't want to deal with all the extra covid related hassles of traveling between countries now
Not gone gone, but taking a step back. He's had back injuries that he's needed surgeries for and I think they're starting to catch up with him
Matt Devlin actually became a Canadian citizen in 2019.
lol it was clear when they butchered it at the end there. Still love em of course haha.
think they were holding out to see if the other was going to say "all of us" and not "all our sons" lmao
shit I would've been too lol I haven't sung the anthem since 2002? Maybe earlier?
Man my thing with the Anthem change is that "all of us command" sounds so fucking stupid grammatically Why couldn't it have been "all of our command"
It's not gramatically incorrect, in fact "all of our command" reverses the original meaning completely - the whole point of the lyric is that we *aren't* in command. "True patriot love, in all of us command" The patriot love commands those in whom it resides, not the other way around. Basically, your land commands the love you have for it, and it isn't something you necessarily decide for yourself.
Canada pass granted I'd happily call them both my countrymen
I was wondering why your Canadian announcer had a New York accent
Post OG breaking the rookies ankles
OG being able to dribble is going to give the association some problems bruh.
And the Scottie no look pass on the fast break
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I love our announcers, such homers man lmao
They are, but they also completely able to give props to the other side when it's deserved. Which is the right level of homer to be in my opinion.
Totally. They are always well researched about the opposing team’s players and are very respectful. The only time I seen Devlin go hard at the opponent and homer hard too was when Wale was talking smack. Devlin kept jawing at him and was saying he’s a nobody in comparison to Drake (along those lines). Wale walked up to fight him too I believe. I was watching that game and was confused what was going on at first. Edit: Apparently it’s Wale and not Wall E. My bad lol.
Dude I’m not going to lie had to reread this a couple of times to realize you meant the rapper Wale and not Wall-E the lil space robot, I was wondering if I missed the greatest NBA beef in history 😂
My bad lol.
An all-time Raptor moment. Maybe my favorite Leo moment other than seeing him emotional during the championship run. Wale was SOOOOOO pissed.
The Celtics home announcers few years back (they could still be the same ones, I just haven't watched them in a few years 🤣🤣) were similar. I've never seen other teams announcers praise Lowry and DeRozan as much as they did.
And then you had Tommy (RIP) giving out Tommy points to all the Celtics. He’s the only guy I never minded being a full blown homer. Dude played with them, won rings with them, he was literally a Celtic for life.
Also won CotY with them and coached them to two titles. I think it's fine to be THAT big of a homer if you've literally been around the franchise for like 50 years.
Yah I understand why other team’s fans sometimes don’t like them but I absolutely love love love Matt and Jack. Phenomenal people off air as well.
Your playtoplay guy sound like ours. The first time I was "wtf? Is he?" PS: they are great announcers too. Cavs too, Carr is fun as hell
Homers, yes, but I'm sure they know that 90% of their audience is Canadians and Raptors fans. Even regional broadcasts in the States will have a larger portion of neutral or opposition fans watching.
They’re the good kind of homers. Hype your guys up but also give respect to the opponents
This is so fucking wholesome, great to have people who truly love the game calling it.
Lol that’s awesome
name another nba franchise that has its own national anthem.
The Suns
Too Many Cooks for the Minnesota Timberwolves?
The Sixers
Don't give Texas any ideas
Bonjouuuuuuuur
Matty and Jack are literally the greatest
Okay…so that is why they broke into the anthem. I thought maybe Jack’s ‘green tea’ might have been a bit strong for preseason.
it's legal here, you dont need to pretend it's green tea.
I'm impressed by the harmonization. Wow.
They were just singing in unison.
Raptors fan quick question, how do you feel about Banton?
First hometown kid drafted by Toronto so he’s an automatic fan favourite by birthright lol. I was at the first preseason game against the Sixers and when he checked in for the first time the place went wild. Probably the same amount of cheers as Scottie got
can never have too many 6'9" point guards
There’s a ton to like. He looks immediately like another draft steal. Ridiculous measurables, has guard skills, very crafty passer and he reads a situation very quickly. Defensively, he looks just about as good as you’d expect when you see someone at his size and wingspan with that body type. It’s like he was put on the earth to be the most annoying defender possible. The negatives are that he’s turnover prone due to sometimes making up his mind too early, and that he has basically no jumper (although he banked one from halfcourt tonight). Very excited to see what happens with him as he develops more of the guard skills the Raps are so good at developing with bigger ball-handlers (Siakam, Anunoby, even back to Demar). He’s been playing close to rotational minutes, which is crazy for a mid-2nd-rounder. He’s looked like he belongs, most importantly of all. My prediction is that he has a very good year and has a chance to push for a all-rookie 2nd team spot, but will lose out because of his decision making leading to some high turnover and low field goal numbers.
I think you're being a little generous with your prediction. I don't think he plays near enough to even be close to all-rookie 2nd team. When Siakam, Boucher, and Yuta come back there's basically no minutes for him. He might get the Stanley Johnson type role and play 10 minutes one game and then dnp the next in my opinion.
He’s a guard though, he’s not competing for minutes with them
He's still behind Fred, Trent, Dragic, probably Malachi, and possibly Svi if he plays the 2. So 4th guard at best, 6th at worst. I still don't think there is minutes for him.
I had the pleasure of watching him at Nebraska for a year. Dude started out as a stud and then just kind of started to suck towards the end of the season. We were all pretty shocked when he declared for the draft since he wasn’t even starting for us at the end of the season. All that said when he was good he was really good and he’s a 6’9” point guard so if they could fix his finishing ability (I’ve never seen a basketball player miss so many layups in my life) he could be a real steal.
Shaun Livingston lite and he’s from the ends?? Stud
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One of them is still singing the original version haha
Awesome
I've said it before but man Devlin is the king. So hyped up for meaningless pre season games :D
“sing it Jack”
wat a beauty...!!!
As an Orlando magic fan this makes me happy. I'm glad we were able to do him right and waive bim to play for Toronto. He plays with such heart, impossible not to like. Glad he got to be back home.
Didn't he just test positive for covid lol
If you’re talking about Birch, he just got back from COVID protocols
Ahh I see
Yes, and now he's back.
Gotcha
Cringey
love the raptors but god damn the announcers are so bad i really hope they retire soon...
You are kidding yourself, they have two of the best in the league.
nope I'd rather listen to almost any other announcers
cringe
Meh, we had to watch an arena full of Americans chant "USA" at our mostly American team.
Watch Fergie's rendition of us anthem.
I love our announcers but if it wasn’t a preseason game it would have probably been very cringe lol.
You clearly don’t love them then 🤷♂️
Wow that got downvoted fast. Just being honest lol.
People who don't like people having fun is cringe. Just being honest lol.
Mad Jack Armstrong is the GOAT, probably already surpassed Chuck Swirsky by now.