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Zulfi Sheikh

@zulfisheikh.bsky.social

Multimedia Journalist | 🇵🇰🇨🇦 | Sportsnet, Raptors Republic, CEBL IG: @zulfi_sheikh | JW🥇| He/Him

167 Posts115 Follower114 Folgt
Zulfi Sheikh@zulfisheikh.bsky.social · 2d ago

Kawhi Leonard's pre-season debut with the Raptors left everyone mesmerized. Words on No. 2's reintroduction from Scottie Barnes, Collin-Murray Boyles, and Darko Rajakovic challenging one of my questions, but in a way I genuinely appreciated! ⤵️ raptorsrepublic.com/2026/10/14/r...

Raptors in ‘awe’ after Kawhi Leonard’s strong pre-season debut - Raptors Republic

Kawhi Leonard is a Raptor once more and everyone is thrilled about it.

raptorsrepublic.com

Zulfi Sheikh@zulfisheikh.bsky.social · 5d ago

Fittingly, one of my most unorthodox pieces is about two equally confounding stars in their own domains: Kawhi Leonard and Tony Vlachos. They say the NBA is among the greatest reality shows, and I tested that theory with this Survivor comparison. raptorsrepublic.com/2026/10/12/c...

Can Kawhi Leonard achieve Raptors greatness the Tony Vlachos way? - Raptors Republic

The NBA has been called great reality T.V. and Kawhi Leonard may know that better than most.

raptorsrepublic.com

Zulfi Sheikh@zulfisheikh.bsky.social · 4w ago

At Kyle Lowry's Block Party Saturday in Toronto, it didn't take long to realize why he has been near-unanimously deemed the "greatest Raptor of all time." I spoke to fans, players and the GROAT himself as his retirement celebrations continued on Saturday morning. www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

Fans, players show out to celebrate Kyle Lowry as 'greatest' Raptor

At Kyle Lowry's Block Party Saturday in Toronto, it didn't take long to realize why he has been near-unanimously deemed the "greatest Raptor of all time" by both the fans and his peers. Zulfi Sheikh ...

sportsnet.ca

Zulfi Sheikh@zulfisheikh.bsky.social · 4w ago

With the Tempo back in action on Friday and just four games left in their inaugural season, there’s more to watch for than one might expect. My preview on closing stretch: Thoughts on Kiki Rice’s All-Roo(Ki)e case, looking at reverse standings and more. www.sportsnet.ca/wnba/article...

What to watch from Tempo after World Cup break

As the Toronto Tempo return to action on Friday after the World Cup break, Zulfi Sheikh highlights what to watch from Canada's lone WNBA team to close out its inaugural season.

sportsnet.ca

Zulfi Sheikh@zulfisheikh.bsky.social · last mo.

Ironic that for a player with a jumper as consistent as Jamison Battle's, his NBA opportunity has been anything but. He's got an inside track to a real role for the Raptors, so could this be the year the sharpshooter puts it all together? My season preview ⤵️ raptorsrepublic.com/2026/09/05/c...

Can Jamison Battle find consistency with new-look Raptors? - Raptors Republic

The sharpshooter might just be Toronto's secret weapon this season.

raptorsrepublic.com

Zulfi Sheikh@zulfisheikh.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Laura Juskaite has been figuring out life in the WNBA in part thanks to the unique 'lens' she's been navigating it through. Ahead of World Photography Day, I sat down with the Toronto Tempo rookie to understand a hobby that turned into much more. ⤵️ raptorsrepublic.com/2026/08/19/t...

Tempo rookie Laura Juskaite navigating WNBA through unique lens - Raptors Republic

How a rookie is finding her way in Toronto by looking at things a little differently.

raptorsrepublic.com

Zulfi Sheikh@zulfisheikh.bsky.social · 2mo ago

There's time until class is back in session for the NBA, but it's not too early to hand out some grades. Dove into the East and handed out marks for all 15 teams based on their off-season moves. Haven't done one of these bigger articles in a while! 😮‍💨 www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

NBA off-season grades: Eastern Conference

After plenty of superstar movement in the NBA's Eastern Conference, the action seems to have settled down. Sportsnet's Zulfi Sheikh grades each team's off-season.

sportsnet.ca

Zulfi Sheikh@zulfisheikh.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Las Vegas Summer League may be over, but why not embrace the spirit of the strip a bit longer? After seeing plenty from the Toronto Raptors, I've got some overreactions for your consideration. Year 2 of doing this! ⤵️ raptorsrepublic.com/2026/07/21/o...

Overreactions from Raptors’ 2026 Summer League run - Raptors Republic

The time of year when patience ought to reign supreme for teams like the Toronto Raptors, but where's the fun in that?

raptorsrepublic.com

Zulfi Sheikh@zulfisheikh.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Marina Mabrey's breakout always felt like a matter of when, not if. Turns out the timing of it all came together perfectly with the Toronto Tempo. Words on the first-time WNBA All-Star and how she's evolved as a player this season. ⤵️ raptorsrepublic.com/2026/07/10/t...

‘Timing’: How Marina Mabrey became an All-Star in Toronto - Raptors Republic

Toronto Tempo star Marina Mabrey has evolved her game, and it's led to her first-ever all-star selection. A nod that's come after a winding journey.

raptorsrepublic.com

Zulfi Sheikh@zulfisheikh.bsky.social · 3mo ago

I'd be lying if I said I didn't always feel pressure when writing. It's still different when it's about the Greatest Raptor of all time. But if Kyle Lowry's time in Toronto taught me anything, it's how belief can inspire a story. Welcome home, GROAT. ❤️ raptorsrepublic.com/2026/07/07/w...

Why Kyle Lowry is the Greatest Raptor of all time - Raptors Republic

From North Philly to your city, Kyle Lowry became the Toronto Raptors greatest player.

raptorsrepublic.com

Zulfi Sheikh@zulfisheikh.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Free agency may not be what it once was, but it's called the Never Boring Association for a reason. The landscape has shifted yet again, and it's time to navigate the new terrain. My big winners and losers of NBA free agency. ⤵️ www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

NBA free agency winners and losers: 76ers revamp, Pistons stagnate

With superstar swaps, picks passed around and free-agent signings, the landscape of the NBA has shifted yet again. Sportsnet's Zulfi Sheikh breaks down the winners and losers of the NBA off-season.

sportsnet.ca

Zulfi Sheikh@zulfisheikh.bsky.social · 4mo ago

Wanted to play a part in telling @leighellis.bsky.social’s story since I started my career. With him back in Toronto, the time finally came! Spoke with the travelling hooper about the story of Basketball Passport and what to expect at his Thursday pickup run. ⤵️ raptorsrepublic.com/2026/06/16/t...

Travelling hooper Leigh Ellis brings ‘Basketball Passport’ back to Toronto - Raptors Republic

On Thursday, the Aussie reconnects with the city where it all began.

raptorsrepublic.com

Zulfi Sheikh@zulfisheikh.bsky.social · 5mo ago

They say history often has a way of repeating itself. And now the Spurs and Knicks will put that theory to the test, one way or another. My preview of an NBA Finals rematch 27 years in the making. www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

NBA Finals preview: Knicks-Spurs rematch nearly 30 years in the making

History may not always repeat itself, but it often rhymes. This Knicks-Spurs matchup is an NBA Finals 27 years or six months in the making, but either way, storylines are ripe in what projects to be a...

sportsnet.ca

Zulfi Sheikh@zulfisheikh.bsky.social · 5mo ago

It'll be hard for this series to live up to Thunder-Spurs, but there is plenty of intrigue heading into Knicks-Cavaliers, with the end of the runway nearing for both teams. My preview on the Eastern Conference Finals and why it might be now or never. ⤵️ www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

NBA Eastern Conference Finals preview: Now or never for Knicks, Cavaliers

The Conference Finals always comes with heavy pressure, such is the nature of the beast. But there's an added element for the Cavaliers and Knicks, both of whom may be nearing the end of their runway ...

sportsnet.ca

Zulfi Sheikh@zulfisheikh.bsky.social · 6mo ago

The Raptors spent the season as a feel-good story, but have since earned the right to play for more than plaudits. The right to continue winning basketball games, like Game 7 against the Cavaliers. Some thoughts to preview the winner-take-all matchup ⤵️ www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

Five burning questions heading into Raptors-Cavaliers Game 7

The Raptors have earned the right to continue winning basketball games. To get you set for Sunday's winner-take-all Game 7 against the Cavaliers, Zulfi Sheikh provides five burning questions that co...

sportsnet.ca

Zulfi Sheikh@zulfisheikh.bsky.social · 6mo ago

With just one week until the Toronto Tempo's inaugural season begins, there's plenty of uncertainty but also much that has been learned. Words on some takeaways from training camp, media day and Wednesday's pre-season opener, for @torontoraptor.bsky.social ⤵️ raptorsrepublic.com/2026/05/01/t...

Tempo Takeaways: Identity shaping, fandom in full effect - Raptors Republic

With one week until Opening Night of the 2026 WNBA season, what can fans expect from the Toronto Tempo — Canada's first WNBA team?

raptorsrepublic.com

Zulfi Sheikh@zulfisheikh.bsky.social · 6mo ago

If nothing else, the Raptors have learned Collin Murray-Boyles belongs. Not just on the court but next to Scottie Barnes. Thoughts on the rookie's efforts, and why he could be the second load-bearing beam needed to prop up Toronto's identity. ⤵️ www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles cementing spot beside Raptors' best

Watch Collin Murray-Boyles play, and it's hard not to be reminded of a young Scottie Barnes. And after a Game 3 win, the rookie seems right at home among the Raptors' best, writes Sportsnet's Zulfi Sh...

sportsnet.ca

Zulfi Sheikh@zulfisheikh.bsky.social · 6mo ago

The Raptors are trying to overcome multiple problems vs. the Cavaliers. And while Collin Murray-Boyles has his own set of deficiencies, he also offers more solutions than others. My thoughts on why the rookie deserves to do more in Game 3 and beyond. ⤵️ raptorsrepublic.com/2026/04/22/n...

Raptors’ Murray-Boyles deserves lion’s share of minutes in Game 3 - Raptors Republic

The rookie has proven that on the court is where he belongs most during the playoffs.

raptorsrepublic.com

Zulfi Sheikh@zulfisheikh.bsky.social · 6mo ago

Chatted with Canada's Mandel Nallo ahead of his UFC debut on Saturday, even getting some insight from Tristar teammate Aiemann Zahabi. On Mandel's "odd" journey and a nickname as unconventional but interesting as his fight game. ⤵️ www.sportsnet.ca/ufc/article/...

Why Mandel Nallo embraced 'Rat Garbage' nickname on journey to UFC

Not often does a fighter embrace a nickname as unflattering as "Rat Garbage," but Mandel Nallo is as unconventional as they come. Zulfi Sheikh caught up with the Canadian ahead of his UFC debut in Wi...

sportsnet.ca

Zulfi Sheikh@zulfisheikh.bsky.social · 6mo ago

Not often does a fighter embrace a nickname as unflattering as "Rat Garbage," but Mandel Nallo is as unconventional as they come. I caught up with the Canadian ahead of his UFC debut in Winnipeg on Saturday. ⤵️ www.sportsnet.ca/ufc/article/...

Why Mandel Nallo embraced 'Rat Garbage' nickname on journey to UFC

Not often does a fighter embrace a nickname as unflattering as "Rat Garbage," but Mandel Nallo is as unconventional as they come. Zulfi Sheikh caught up with the Canadian ahead of his UFC debut in Wi...

sportsnet.ca