Rachel: Kiki Rice dropped twenty-eight in the final game of a brutal season. Ten teammates were out. And yet, the Toronto Tempo’s future is being decided right now. Welcome to today’s Beatline Podcast Network mailbag.
Dave: We are back with the facts. No fluff. Just what happened when the Sun beat the Tempo ninety-five to eighty-one on September twenty-fourth, and what it means for an eleven-win team looking at a completely different landscape in two thousand twenty-seven.
Rachel: That’s right. Today we’re answering your questions about the core trio of Rice, Allemand, and Harrison, the massive injury list that decimated this roster, and where JuJu Watkins might land in next year’s draft lottery. Let’s get into it.
Dave: I’m Dave, and I’ve got the tactical breakdown ready. Rachel, you know I love a good mystery, but this one has ten missing pieces.
Rachel: And I’m Rachel. We’re going to look at the standings—fourth in the Eastern Conference Division—and try to make sense of how an eleven-win team builds toward twenty-two wins next season. Let’s start with Segment One.
Rachel: First question comes from Marcus in Chicago. He asks: 'With the season over and the Sun beating the Tempo ninety-five to eighty-one, does the Tempo even have a chance to compete next year with so many holes?' Great question, Marcus.
Dave: It’s a fair concern. But remember, the record was eleven and thirty-one. The issue wasn’t just losing; it was availability. Ten players were out for that final game alone. Rayah Marshall, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Saniya Rivers, Brittney Griner... the list goes on.
Rachel: Right. And we talked about this yesterday. If the Tempo can keep Kiki Rice, Julie Allemand, and Isabelle Harrison healthy, they project for twenty-two wins. That’s not playoff territory, but it’s a foundation.
Dave: Exactly. You don’t build a contender on a foundation of injuries. You build it on the backs of your stars. Rice scored twenty-eight points in that finale against Connecticut. Allemand had five assists. Harrison grabbed ten rebounds. They showed up.
Rachel: Next up, @RaptorsFan416 asks: 'Why is everyone talking about JuJu Watkins when the Tempo isn’t even close to having the worst record?' Good point. The headline says Watkins is expected to be the number one pick, but the lottery hasn’t been held yet.
Dave: Because talent is rare. ESPN’s mock draft puts her ahead of Madison Booker and Hannah Hidalgo. For the Tempo, if they are in position to pick high, she changes everything. But right now, they’re fourth in the division. Their fate depends on other teams’ struggles.
Rachel: So it’s less about what the Tempo did wrong, and more about who else failed. The Sun moved to Houston after this loss, which shakes up the league dynamics. It’s a transitional year for everyone.
Dave: Transitional doesn’t mean hopeless. It means you have to be smart about the cap and the draft. You don’t panic. You retain the core.
Rachel: One more from Sarah in Rochester: 'Did the Tempo learn anything from the Sky game? They lost ninety-seven to eighty-five there too.' Yes, they did. Gabriela Jaquez and Sydney Taylor scored eighteen each for Chicago. The Tempo couldn’t stop the perimeter.
Dave: Defensive rotations were non-existent because half the roster wasn’t there. When you’re missing Kamilla Cardoso’s competition level, you have to scheme differently. Next segment, let’s talk about who actually stays.
Rachel: Segment Two. Roster battles. This is where it gets real. Tom in Dallas asks: 'Who gets cut? There are so many names on that injury list. Is anyone coming back?' Tough one, Tom.
Dave: The injury list includes Kennedy Burke, Nyara Sabally, Kamila Borkowska, Maria Gakdeng, Maria Conde, and Temi Fagbenle. That’s twelve players listed as out or impacted. The front office has to decide who adds value versus who takes up space.
Rachel: But we know the core is safe. Rice, Allemand, Harrison. Those three are the anchors. Everything else is about finding complementary pieces. Versatile depth is key.
Dave: Agreed. You need players who can switch on defense and hit shots off the dribble. The pace of the game is speeding up. If you can’t guard the pick-and-roll, you’re done. Hailey Van Lith had eight assists and nine rebounds for the Sun. She controlled the tempo.
Rachel: @HoopsHustle99 asks: 'Can Isabelle Harrison anchor the paint if she stays healthy?' Absolutely. Ten rebounds in the finale shows her physical presence. She’s a rim protector when she’s on the floor.
Dave: But she needs help. You can’t box out alone against Ashlon Jackson, who led the Sun with eighteen points. The Tempo needs another big body who can fight through screens.
Rachel: Lisa in Toronto wonders: 'Is Julie Allemand the missing link? She only had five assists.' Five is decent, but she needs more playmaking distribution. The offense stagnated without secondary creators.
Dave: It’s spacing. When the lane is clogged, you force tough shots. The Tempo needs shooters on the wings to pull defenders out. Then Allemand can drive and kick. Simple basketball geometry.
Rachel: Before we move to our fun segment, I want to take a quick second. If you found this breakdown helpful, or if you learned something new about how these roster decisions shape the next season, consider supporting the show. Your contribution keeps us free and daily. Check the link in the episode description to chip in.
Rachel: Alright, Segment Three. Hypotheticals and lightning round. If the Tempo picks number one, do they take JuJu Watkins? Yes. Obviously. She’s the best player available.
Dave: She fits the timeline. Young, versatile, high ceiling. Pair her with Rice and you have a dynamic backcourt for years.
Rachel: Lightning round. First question: What was the biggest surprise of the season? Answer: The sheer volume of injuries. Ten players out in the final game is unsustainable.
Dave: Second question: Who was the brightest spot? Kiki Rice. Twenty-eight points in a loss is still a performance. She carried the load.
Rachel: Third question: Where does the Tempo go from here? Fourth place now, but aiming higher. Health is the variable. If they stay healthy, twenty-two wins is realistic.
Dave: Fourth question: Does the Sun move to Houston change anything? Not immediately for Toronto, but it shifts the Western Conference balance. The Tempo plays in the East, so their path is clearer.
Rachel: Final thought: The draft lottery is pending. But the work starts now. Retain the core. Fix the depth. Get healthy.
Dave: It’s a rebuild, but it’s a structured one. No panic. Just process.
Rachel: Thanks for listening to the Beatline Podcast Network. We covered the core trio, the injury crisis, and the draft implications. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen.
Dave: Share it with a friend who loves the Tempo. Help us grow the community.
Rachel: Until next time, keep your head up and your passes crisp. Go Tempo!