Stars emerge and the lottery approaches

I (heart) Porter and since I’d rather take a skiff to Newark than Air Canada, I’m kind of glad this morning’s flight to the lottery is all set to go off the island.

But, before that …

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Oh yeah, we all knew that Taj Gibson and Chris Bosh would be the guys were remembered most from Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final, didn’t we?

But isn’t it always that way?

Some rather unheralded player – and Bosh may be heralded but he’s certainly not LeBron James or Dwyane Wade – comes out and puts his stamp on a game and we all go, ‘holy crap, where’d he come from?’

Well, with Bosh we know, he’s at least partially heralded.

The other guy?

Not so much but if there’ve been two more incredible dunks in the playoffs than the one on Wade and the putback in the final minute, I sure haven’t seen them.

And it underscores the one major advantage the Bulls have over the Heat and the one thing that could give them the series:

A much, much, much stronger bench.

In Game 1, it was as big a part about Chicago’s easy win as was the Bulls ability to defend Wade and James pretty much one-on-one all night and if the Bulls keep getting that kind of production, it might be the thing that tips the series.

The Heat are horribly thin, especially in the front court, and if they don’t find away to compete better on the boards, they’re toast.

I fully expect they will and this series is far from over but that was an emphatic beating administered by Chicago and it had to put some questions in the minds of the Miami players and coaches.

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I would hope that at some time in the future, news stories like this one about Phoenix president Rick Welts and the fact he’s gay wouldn’t cause such a ripple.

But they do, and that stinks.

I can’t pretend to know what went into the decision to make this public at this point in time and not a decade ago but I’m glad he did and glad he felt comfortable enough that he could.

Gays in male pro sports – on courts, rinks, diamonds, in front offices – is still something of a taboo topic and the more we realize it’s part of life, the better we’ll be as a society of sports fans.

The level of tolerance still isn’t there, and I don’t know it’ll ever get to where it should be, but the more people understand there are those among us who chose to live a different lifestyle and the quicker we accept them, the better off we’ll be a whole.

In the decade and a half that I’ve been covering the NBA, I am sure I’ve deal with all kinds of athletes, executives, scouts, whatever, who are gay and haven’t felt comfortable enough to live and open lifestyle.

Too bad.

Not that it would have caused me, or any of my right-minded colleagues, to act any differently but if it would have helped one kid struggling with sexual identity to feel more comfortable, it would be a good thing.

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So, off to the lottery I go.

And that means by this time Wednesday morning we’ll know who is picking where and who’s all in the NBA draft and it’ll be ‘whoop-dee-doo, who are they going to pick’ time all over the world.

Can’t wait.

But here’s the thing: I think, so far, the top three in the draft have been clearly identified – Duke guard Kyrie Irving, Arizona small forward Derrick Wiilliams and Enes Kanter, the Turkish big man who sat out the last NCAA season because of eligibility issues.

Hmm.

A guard, a wing and a big on a team that could use a wing, a centre and a guard.

Let the debate rage.

Can’t wait.

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My man KC says “the Thibodeau brainwash is in full effect” after the Bulls were talking about cleaning up some mistakes and that they could play better after the Game 1 clinic.

Don’t you love it when a coach gets so far in the heads of his players that even when they do exactly that he wants, they think they can be better?

And maybe that’s why Derrick Rose, who usually leads that chorus, is really the MVP of the league.

It’s always tough for a first year coach – especially a true rookie head coach who isn’t a former player and who doesn’t have the most magnetic of personalities – to get his team to buy into his theories, especially the best player on that team, and that Rose has do so willingly has given every reason for his teammates to follow him and made the Bulls what they are.

Maybe that’s why he’s the most valuable player in the league.

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So, people far smarter than I remind me that the doofuses up in Ottawa (and I use that term in the most complimentary of ways) wants to know all about us, and how many of us there are.

I reminded a few of you of the importance of voting and how it was a responsibility you shouldn’t shirk so here’s a mention of the census and you should fill it out.

I think maybe the deadline’s past but if you fill it out, send it off and blame the delay on Canada Post, that’s an entirely plausible explanation.

Do it today, if you haven’t already.

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How sick is Jose Bautista?

Really.

What’d he have? Four homers in five at-bats?

Yikes.

Makes one proud to cheer for the TOD. Almost time to drag the sorry carcass down to the ball yard and see what the fuss is all about.

Now, as long as they don’t go into Detroit and lay an egg, we’ll be quite happy.

I presume there aren’t a lot of fine dining joints to spend a Monday night at in Secaucus, N.J., but there has to be a sports bar with a satellite and a corner TV to get the Jays, right?

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By the way, rib steaks on the Napolean work quite well, too. I’ve stored the rib recipes and tips for later, with stuff to write about the West and the IGBT to do, Sunday kind of got away from me.

Next time. Promise.

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You’ve all seen the Dallas in six prediction, haven’t you, (it’s here) but I do expect the Western Conference final to be at least as compelling as the East.

It may not have the overall star power – Kevin Durant and Dirk Nowitzki are one thing; James, Wade and Rose are quite another – but for evenly matched? This one should be good.

I do think the Mavs are too deep and too experienced and should prevail but I’m expecting a good one.

And because it’s all about me – as perhaps I’ve mentioned – having an NBA Finals where I can blow off a couple of off-day stories on Peja and Marion can’t hurt.

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Comments

[Lawrence]

Secaucus is like a ten minute, ten buck train ride from Manhattan and maybe the best selection of Monday night fine dining establishments on Earth.

[JHK]

Irving without a question if he is available and then ship Bayless.
Next is Kanter, throw him in the front court rotation with Bargs and Ed, it will become the best front court rotation since AD, Oak and Keon Clark.
D.Will seems to be a tweener but if we have to take him, we need to make a full time SF. If that is the case, BC needs to go out and get a three point shooter to back him up as well.
DD and D.Will on the wing will be a nightmare for opposing team.

Just gotta hope that the ping pong ball doesn't fall behind top 3!!!

[sb]

"..the more people understand there are those among us who chose to live a different lifestyle and the quicker we accept them, the better off we’ll be a whole."

Well said, as always, Mr. Smith. Kudos to you for putting this out there. We must accept - not just tolerate, but accept - each other for those things that make us different from one another. They make us unique but, at the end of the day, we still have one thing in common: We are all human.

Thanks for providing great words to read every morning.

[Lorie]

Good Morning!
The intensity of last night's Bulls-Heat game promises a terrific series. Can the OKC-Mavs series deliver the same?! Thank you, Doug, for featuring the link to, and write about, Rick Welts. There are many, many reasons, I've learned, for people to delay coming out as being gay: and the saddest is fear. Both for themselves and their loved ones. I have to believe that a level of tolerance that is not merely acceptable, but is also welcoming and loving, will be reached. Soon. Thank you for adding your voice in support of this. What Mr. Welts speaks of - the isolation, the compartmentalization (can any of us even begin to imagine not being able to openly grieve a partner's death?), the fear - are a sad reality of too many lives. Grant Hill did a PSA recently advocating tolerance for gay people. He posted on twitter last night a few of the angry, stupid, hate-filled responses to this PSA. He signed off by writing "As you can see from my retweets, the PSA was necessary." Cheers, Save Travels and Thank You.

[Lee Z]

Very, very well put about the whole "gays in sports" issue, Doug. Couldn't agree more. A quibble, if I may: "but the more people understand there are those among us who chose to live a different lifestyle and the quicker we accept them, the better off we’ll be a whole." As any gay person will tell you, it's not a choice, no more than heterosexuality is a choice for you and me.

Blogger's note: Yeah, poor choice of words

[Lake Simcoe]

Randoph flew high and somebody slipped in. Who got called? My old granny can tell without any replay! So what message did the Grizzlies got....KD, yes, the leading scorer, was wide open, drilled a three, dropped a two, etc., etc. I didn't watch the second half then.

Joel Anthony planted his feet, yet still got called....when I came back by the end of 4th quarter...just to verify....its a KO...no surprise!

Pretty much the same last year when Amir was called against......the aging Brad Miller....I knew Raps was over (and of course, I didn't watch the second half).

[Stephen]

Doug,

According to the Lottery Rules, what is the lowest possible spot that the Raptors can select? Usually a team sneaks into to top 5 and bumps someone out. I was thinking the lowest we could go is 6th, can you confirm?

Blogger's note: They could drop to six, no further

[Lee Z]

Speaking of Secaucus, John Sayles (Brother from another Planet, Eight Men Out -- a great movie about the Black Sox scandal --, and many, many other incredible indie films) wrote, directed and starred in Return of the Secaucus Seven, three years before Lawrence Kasdan ripped him off to make the (inferior) Big Chill.

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Good day! Nice to be home, in time to catch (most of) Round Three. OMG, how can Rogers Stadium have any empty seats these days? This TOD is about to light up some seriously serious numbers.
So Doug, in the past 10 days or so, have I missed one lick of Raptors news? Please tell me I have – and that it's big...
Cheers. Go TOD!

Blogger's note: I wish

[Shawn]

Doug... saw this poll question on the Star this morning.

Who's the best head coach in Toronto Raptors history?
(votes so far in brackets)

Sam Mitchell - 38%
Butch Carter - 26%
Lenny Wilkens - 16%
Jay Trianno - 13%
Brandan Malone - 4%
Kevin O'neill - 2%
Darrell Walker - 1%

5847 votes so far

I voted for Butch Carter, personally I think he was the best coach as far as the actual coaching aspect of it goes... unfortunate he felt the need to sue his players during a playoff series!

Who gets your vote?

Blogger's note: Not one of his players, we need to get that straight. I'd probably go with Butch and Brendan

[kelsey]

Hoping that OKC can take out Dallas, even thought Dallas looks strong this year, they are just one of teams Ive never ever liked or cheered for at any time.

Miami needs to be more organized, as the bulls are a well oiled machine... People joked when I said that I would rather have Noah than Bargnani, Yes Noah is not a offensive gem, but he hussles every play. Not a personal attack at Bargnani, but Noah plays with 10 times the amount of heart and effort. Defense wins championships!!!

The homosexual thing is difficult for many in male sports, I commend those who do "come out". But the reason why it will be a issue especially for athlete's is that is that the locker room issue will always be a factor. Homosexual men are attracted to other men so its a big problem. Guys who are not homosexual that dont feel comfortable with men who could be openly looking at them will quickly become labled "homophobic" which is silly....Just because some doesnt agree or feel comfortable doesnt make them homophobic...

You would never have men and women in the same locker room (taking showers etc)for sexual reasons. This is why in my opinion it will be hard male players to be openly homosexual in the locker room...Upper management a bit different.

Yes we are all human it would be wonderful if we could all be equal and live as one under these skies!!

Blogger's note: Wow. Just ... wow.

[LX]

thank you for the excellent words concerning the Phoenix president.

[TJ]

re: Shawn's comment/reply

I thought I remember something about Butch taking legal action against Camby for Character Defamation.

Blogger's note: And Marcus was playing for the Knicks

[james]

Another thought-provoking entry: The best thing about this blog is it's never just about the basketball.
After watching Rose, Westbrook, and Mike Conley for that matter, my draft preference is a point guard. As for the playoffs, go Sonics!

[Richard]

"@richard was hammering a trade-the-pick-philosophy if something creative and smart appears on the trade front and i think i would also be okay with this if we were to get another first rounder back in the trade. obviously depending on where we land in the lottery. to have a three or four or five pick to me seems no different than having a ten or eleven or twelve pick. i wonder what that difference is worth(?)."

@p c:
I missed most of the comments from yesterday's mailbag so I'm a day late, but thanks for your support. The draft debates/questions are about to heat up and it gets awful lonely out here on this limb.

And, continuing on the topic of support, Doug, you should be applauded for the points you made in today's blog about Mr. Welts and the "ripple" effect his coming out caused in the media. The more matter-of-fact diversity becomes in this world the better off we will all be.

Enjoy Secaucus...

[gabe]

As a straight man I feel pretty good when a gay man thinks I'm attractive... Why not?

And nudity is not sexuality. Nude beaches exist around the world and people feel very comfortable on them and it's not because they can look at other people, it's because they're comfortable with their own bodies.

And if you feel uncomfortable about someone of the same sex looking at you sexually, you're the problem, not them. Do you feel awkward when a women looks at you?

wow. Just. wow, indeed.

[gabe]

**woman**, oops, spelling mistake.

[511]

For a while now, I’ve been trying to figure out what ‘TOD’ stands for, re the Jays. (?)
Also, “How sick is Jose Bautista?” Looks to me like he’s feeling quite fine. ; )

Blogger's note: Team Of Destiny

[Jonathan]

Google tells me that the Plank Road Inn in Secaucus (http://www.plankroadinn.com/) won for best sports bar in New Jersey last year, that they have 40 TVs with satellite and DirecTV, surprisingly good bar grub and Yuengling among their many adult beverages.

[Lorie]

Denying rights IS an act of homophobia. That's the definition of homophobia. "Irrational fear of, aversion to or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals." So, if our aspiration is to 'live as one under the skies', then on whose terms? And with which restrictions? Limitations? Free to be gay as long as it's not on my house league ball team? Not in my locker room? Not as my physician? Not as my blood or organ transplant donor? Not as my friend? Not as my child??? Oh, and there's this illusion that homosexuals have sex and heterosexuals fall in love; I know that's completely untrue: we all want to be loved.

[Kent]

A very bad habit came back last night for the Heat. One of James and Wade has the ball and the other is standing on the opposite side of the court at the 3-point line. When they do that, they just become Cleveland/Miami from last year and Thibodeau has shown that he knows how to handle them. It's got to be James/Wade and Wade/James in pick and rolls all the time, or at least whenever they need a score badly. It's their best play; it forces the two guys to work together and its more difficult for help defenders to diagnose where they should go. No more Isolation plays; they are a waste of time against Chicago.

[David Moon]

Doug - keep up the good work. I know you're busy - but is there any chance you could start a Blue Jays Blog? It's sad when I have to hope to find some commentary in your Raptors blog on something cool like Bautista's homer insanity - any chance you could do a soft/blog or fan blog for the Jays? Talk to the big bosses - it would be a massive, massive hit.

[tecfhnics]

@ SHAWN. The funny thing about the greatest Raptor coach discussion is the two coaches that had the most calls for their ousting are the best. something I said of both as they were here coaching. It also was calls for Oaks ousting too along with TJ. I find it funny those who may not be media freindly but are good for the team people want them removed. We will never know but I feel that each of those people would have played an even bigger role in each their teams success if give some more time. We realize after they are gone.

[Headshots Los Angeles]

I think the Heat are taking a break after beating the Celtics. They've underestimated the Bulls. Now they will find them selves in a real series.

[John]

Hey Lake Simcoe, I thought it was a rather dubious call as well but I read that the call was made cause his heel or heels were on the "charge circle" under the basket which makes it automatic. I haven't seen a replay so not 100% sure.
If not, the refs certainly made up for it allowing the Heat to play with 6 guys and not handing out a technical.