Interviews, Hollywood style; and some Hall of Fame connections

Ha, ha. You thought I might be early again? Silly you.

Nothing on today until a noonish tour of the new digs at the Air Canada Centre so there’ll be no 7 a.m. postings today.

But this, my friends, was worth the wait.

Seriously.

-

Here’s the thing that strikes me most about Steve Nash right about now.

He’s ready to go on to real life.

AP FILE PHOTO

Steve Nash is a leader of the pack both on and off the court.

With his varied off-court pursuits, as he mentioned yesterday he’s positioning himself perfectly for the difficult transition from player to regular guy and that’s one of the more admirable parts of his personality.

And, maybe, he’s on the cutting edge of what the future looks like for pro athletes.

I don’t know if it’s the emergence of the social media, or the continued cross-pollination of sports and society, but it seems to me that more and more athletes are more and more engaged on different levels.

Nash, of course, is a leader of that pack, has been for years and will continue to be, I think.

But others are following. Look at Chris Bosh and his music, Dwight Howard and his desire to become more active in acting and the like, Baron Davis and his music, Shaq and his TV shows, LeBron and his desire to be something like the King of the World.

I think because of guys like Steve, other athletes are discovering passions away from the game, things that will allow them to contribute to society, and fill that drive they all have, when the careers are over.

I’m sure we’ll still hear a story or two about ex-players down on their luck and unable to find anything that truly motivates them once the lights are out but I think that number will diminish as time progresses.

And guys like Captain Canada are at the forefront.

-

John McLendon.

He’s the other Hall of Famer I was looking for in the long and laborious process yesterday. (And they were honest mistakes, I wasn’t trying to artificially beef up the hit count, although that s was a nice byproduct).

Legendary kindly gentleman who worked with Isiah in the Raptors infancy, one of the nicest fellows you’d ever want to meet.

Had such an impact in such a short time that the team named an award after him, The Coach Mac Award, given annually to the gal or guy for overall contribution to life and the game around these parts.

-

I’m ready to do the Nash interview yesterday at a nice downtown hotel (I presume the TIFF toshes got all the sweet rooms up in Yorkville) and it strikes me that this must be what it’s like to be an entertainment writer.

You show up at the appointed time, a gaggle of handlers finds you and ushers you into a suite where more handlers are hanging around.

At the right moment, one of ‘em comes and gets you, walks you into an adjacent suite where the interview subject is settled in, chatting with another inquisitive type.

You’re told you’ve got 10 minutes and that some guy is going to come in and discreetly catch your eye when there’s a minute or so left.

Do the interview, see the minder to tell you time’s up, say goodbye and walk out to see a group of three or four other reporters waiting for their 10-minute audiences.

Kind of weird, actually; and not nearly as cool as the relaxed, story-filled, casual lunch a couple of hours later where half a dozen or so sports types sitting around with Steve simply catching up and chatting.

-

So, who do you like in Poland?

They're down to the rounds that really count; a second round-robin involving two six team pools with the top eight moving to the quarter-finals.

You’ve got Greece, France, Croatia, Germany, Russia, Macedonia in one group and Turkey, Slovenia, Spain, Serbia, Poland and Lithuania in the other.

One first blush, I think it’s easy to say Poland and Lithuania aren’t likely to come out of that second group; even though Spain has struggled, I fully expect them to be major players by the time this thing’s over.

In the first group? Well, I’d say Macedonia goes home and the other may come down to Russia or Germany. Neither has been on form and Germany only scraped through on points differential. So, I’ll suggest their run comes to a screeching halt after three more games.

The interesting thing will be to see how the quarter-finals shake out. The top six teams qualify for the worlds next year but if Turkey is one of them, the seventh place team goes because Turkey’s in as hosts.

If I had to guess right now, I’ll send Greece, France, Croatia, Slovenia, Spain, and Serbia joining Turkey as the European reps next year.

-

Back to Nash for one minute.

One thing you have to admire about him is that he goes about his business because it’s his business and his passions.

He’s an understated role model more concerned with making sure his life is fulfilled rather than preaching to others.

“I would never want to be on a soapbox but if athletes can realize their potential to learn and educate themselves and to be productive outside their careers, if I can have an impact on that, that’s fine.”

That seems to be kind of subliminal role-modelling if you ask me.

-

We can be bit parochial around these parts so let’s go through a favourite Toronto connection with each of the Hall of Famers.

Michael Jordan

Where to start?

That game at the Dome when the Raptors beat him and the Bulls in their 72-win season?

The ridiculous “will Vince give up his all-star starting role for him” non-story?

Seeing him start his Washington return in a pre-season game here?

Me? I probably pick that Dome game.

(Oh yeah, do you think that wink we talked about – to someone none of you has ever heard of, actually, so stop guessing – had something to do with acknowledging a previous meeting? We do).

David Robinson

My mind’s a bit cluttered, but I do believe he is the only member of another NBA team honoured by the Raptors, who have him some kind of sculpture, if memory serves, when he was here for his last regular season game.

John Stockton.

Oft-told story but there was a kid who had looked good at Jazz camp the year Stockton was drafted while Stockton was holding out looking for a better deal. The Jazz hierarchy starts praising the kid and, boom, all of sudden Stockton signs, the kid’s cut and the Hall of Fame career begins.

The kid? Jay Triano.

Jerry Sloan

A toughie. You know about the press room dinners and the Araujo line and the fact I consider him one of the greatest coaches of all time. He’s a guy who always has time for a conversation after a pre-game or post-shootaround scrum breaks up.

But a direct connection to Toronto or the Raptors?

Well, I can’t be certain but since their playing careers overlapped by four or five years, I can be pretty sure he would have run into more than a few brick wall screens set by Wayne Embry. I can be pretty sure he tried to run right through them, too.

C. Vivian Stringer

I don’t know her at all but certainly know of her and her greatest contribution and connection to the game here is that she helped create the skills in one of Canada’s best-ever women players – Toronto’s Tammy Sutton-Brown when she was a collegiate at Rutgers.

Not bad, eh? A little touch of Toronto for all of ‘em.

-

Oh yeah, weekend mail bag’s a tad sickly, let’s get to work, folks.

Comments

[Sam]

Happy Friday Doug: How do you see Raps roster this year? Are they good enough at SF & SG? Also whatever happened to Pape Sow, and the ex-rap from Slovenia (he was with us for 1 season or so and that was it. He played only a few minutes).

Blogger's note: Well, they're better and deeper at those two spots. How good? No one knows. Pape was in Italy, I believe, last year. Not sure where he is this season

[Mark]

Hi Doug:

I think the Raptors also honoured Reggie Miller before he retired

[Darko]

As bad as Spain played, they'll probably still win the Euros,
unless Pau Gasol curse bites them again, they have yet to win
any title with him playing the championship game.
Finally got a chance to see Dragic kid from Slovenija, loved his
game, reminds me so much of great Lithuanian player
Sarunas Marchulonias.
Slovenija should win a medal of some sort, maybe even all of it.

Sam: that is Gangster you are asking about, Primoz Brezec,
back with Sixers this year.
Doug loves him so much he wouldn't want to ruin his day
by having to type his name first thing in the morning.
Imagine the theatrics Gangster will put on if Slovenija
wins Euros.

[Pat]

Wait, so are u telling me that if it weren't for Stockton, Jay would have been signed by the Jazz, and he would have taken Stockton's place in history?

Blogger's note: If that's what you got out of that story, good on ya'

[montreal raptors fan]

For Sam ,

The slovenian you are thinking about is Primoz Brezec , the gangster, who played in Italy last year and has signed a contract
with Philadelfia this year. Another slovenian that has played one
season with Toronto is Uros Slokar . Both these players are currently with their national team at the european championships.

[TMF]

One of Carter's best ever dunks was a baseline crossover resulting in a ridiculous cram over David Robinson. There's your HOF connection.

[RK]

@Sam: You're probably referring to Uros Slokar. He's at the Euros with our national team at the moment, but has been experiencing some back spasm problems, so he hasn't been playing much. He's still without a team for the next season though, which is a shame, since he's a hard worker and a quick learner.

On a side note: hey Doug, did you see The Gangster hitting two 3s during Slovenia vs. Serbia in the first round? It was hilarious:)

[Peter]

Good Morning Doug,

Just wondering if you can comment either in response, or perhaps in an upcoming blog post, on the situation with the Ref's and their contracts. If they get replacement refs, where would they be coming from? Do you think it will come to that?

Blogger's note: I'm checking into that kind of stuff and will deal with it more next week but the D League's a good place to find replacements

[David Sidhu]

About that wink. Were you implying that she isn't employed here anymore because of that wink?

Blogger's note: No

[doug]

Yes nash always seemed to be involved in numerous projects, also he is doing that Terry Fox film project, good for him..

as far as the direction of your blog goes i like when you branch out as b-ball is b-ball and to be a just a Raptors blog is like writing with the blinders on...as there are developments that affect the Raptors outside of this bubble that is the raptors....like the officials maybe being locked out for the start of the season, although that may be a good thing:)...and also your following of the FIBA scene is important it directly affects NBA, Rpators, Canadian ball etc....so yes it is a Raptors blog but to concentrate solely on them would be a great disservice in that you are supplying a conduit in which to educate, pass on and receive information and talk b-ball, a rare occurence here in hockey mad Canada

[David Sidhu]

What was the Araujo comment?

Blogger's note: Check the blog a day or so earlier; story's in there. I don't have it right at my disposal

[Kevin]

Any mention of him playing for team Canada? Just for fun did anyone ask him if he ever had any serious conversations with the Raptors?

Blogger's note: No mention and given that he's only been a free agent once in his life and the Raptors were not a player back then, no, there've been no serious conversations.

[Jeff Steele]

Great article on Nash today, you are a lucky man to get to chill with a guy like that. As a Victoria BC native I have followed Nash's career very closely, and the more I learn about him the more I want to be like him. He is probably one of the best role models in professional sports these days, based on his selfless charity work and his drive to make the world a better place.

Next Friday Steve will be coming home to Victoria to receive a Honourary Doctorate of Law from the University of Victoria for his contributions off the court:

http://communications.uvic.ca/releases/release.php?display=release&id=1063

I happen to live right beside the campus so I'm hoping to catch a glimpse of him receiving the degree. So make sure to refer to him as Dr. Nash from now on when you get a chance to ask him a interview question :)

Also, here is a link to an interesting article which describes Steve's diet, and how Shaq, Grant Hill and others have decided to copy it:

http://www.nba.com/suns/news/feature_nashdiet_090709.html

Did Steve mention anything to you about a career in coaching down the road? I seem to recall Van Gundy and Marc Jackson (or maybe Doug Collins) describing him as an excellent candidate to be a head coach in the NBA someday...

[Simon S-G]

I remember the Raptors also honouring Reggie Miller when he made his final stop here.

[AJR]

Doug, the Bucks look like they're trying to find cap space to match Sessions' deal with Minnesota. They likely have to trade Ridnour's $6.5 Million (expiring)contract. Any chance we take on that $6.5 for one year in exchange for Marcus Banks' $9MM over 2 years? How close are we to the tax? Any other Banks deals on the radar?

Blogger's note: No. None. Even before Milwaukee didn't match, wasn't going to happen

[kevin]

Hi Doug, would you know who on the Raptors will be making an appearance at the MLSE season seat holders party down at the Polson Pier on Sunday?

Looks like you're getting comfortable using your new Mac.

Cheers.

Blogger's note: I don't, actually. But I know a bunch of 'em are in town, including DeRozan and that might be something they ask him to do. And I wouldn't be surprised if a coach or two weren't involved.

[Lawrs]

Hey Doug

Do you think Jerry Sloan will smile when hes inducted?

Blogger's note: Sheepishly, yeah

[kevin]

Can you comment on this article from the Sun?
Why does Steve leave this dangling in front of us, why does he not just give us simple yes or no answer? What's with the whole maybe he'll play if it includes a documentary? I know he wants life after B-ball but either play for your country or just say no thanks.
what are your thoughts?
Thanks.

NBA star Steve Nash made it clear again yesterday that the chances of his playing once more for Canada on the world stage are slim and none.

But here is a little advice to national team head coach Leo Rautins and Canada Basketball CEO Wayne Parrish.

If you want Nash to play for Canada at next year's world championship in Turkey, sell him on the idea that the tournament would make a great setting for a documentary -- with a possible angle of Raptors forward Hedo Turkoglu playing in front of his adoring fans and exotic Istanbul as the backdrop.

You want to talk Turkey with Nash? You gotta be creative.

The thing is, outside of basketball, the Victoria, B.C., native is all about film, now.

His reason for flying into Toronto yesterday was to talk about his being a judge for the LG FilmFest. Nash also was eager to discuss his film company, Meathawk Productions, and his dream project, a documentary on Canadian icon Terry Fox, which is slated to run on ESPN in April.

"Film was just something I really loved and gravitated towards, and at some point in the last few years, I've crossed that line from being a spectator to being a participant," the personable point guard said yesterday. "It's the right time for me to set up that transition for when my career does end. I'm motivated to do it. I'm excited about it and, while I still feel I want to play basketball at the same level I've played at for my entire career, I also want to be able to make that transition so I don't feel that slap in the face when the lights go out and there's no more basketball."

Nash has more on his plate than Santa Claus. When he isn't doing film stuff, he is travelling the world conducting basketball clinics, working on his various charities, buying pieces of pro sports franchises and spending time with his young family. Time is gold and that is why it is difficult for the Phoenix Suns star to commit to the national team.

"(Raptors GM and Canada Basketball board member) Bryan Colangelo texted me about that and I was like: 'How do I fit it in?'" Nash said.

Still, Nash, who played inspired basketball for Canada at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, didn't completely close the door on the idea, adding that he was "very, very proud" of the young national team that surprised almost everyone last week in Puerto Rico by qualifying for the 2010 world championships.

"I'm sure Leo will call me," he said. "In fact, I expect him to."

And Rautins most certainly will. However, what Rautins certainly will not do is put any pressure on the two-time NBA MVP. Rautins reiterated his point that the door is always open for Nash to return to the national team, but under no circumstances will he beg, cajole or whine.

"I honestly feel bad for Steve," Rautins said. "He has to hear that question all the time, and a lot of people have been very critical of him at times. I think it's unfair that there is any pressure at all on him to play. He has put in a lot of time with the national team. And he has a lot to think about -- his health, his commitment to the people (the Suns) paying him millions of dollars, his family. There's so much involved."

The one carrot Rautins offered up was the idea that, unlike years past, Nash wouldn't be expected to carry this team on his shoulders.

"This would probably be the best (national) team he ever played with," Rautins said.

Blogger's note: Comment? Um, it's an okay story with nothing new in it. And there's no indication of any change of heart by Steve, which is not unusual since there hasn't been for almost a decade.

[Andrew Gregg]

Hi Doug:

A friend of mine who knows Nash well always talks about what a class guy he is. I will always be fond of Nash because he did that video with Baron Davis:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7Od4H9uIJ8

"Get your hands off of my ass, Steve Nash!"

You mentioned Wayne Embry as a brick wall. Two seasons ago I was heading back to my seat at the ACC and I had to wait for a break in play, down one of the ramps to the court. I was right behind Embry and he lurched backwards and stepped on my toe. Holy crap that hurt...

AG, Toronto