Summertime is always a great time for sports fans, with the world’s best athletes competing in major tournaments. Here are some of the most exciting sporting events coming up this summer:
The women’s World Cup is taking place in https://www.koobit.com/lions-v-bears-e7990 France from June 7th to July 7th. This tournament is always highly competitive, and with teams like the United States, England, and Germany competing, there should be plenty of exciting matches.
From June 21st to July 2nd, the Wimbledon tennis tournament will be taking place in London. This event is always one of the most popular on the tennis calendar, and with stars like Roger Federer and Serena Williams competing, it is sure to be exciting.
The Tour de France cycling race begins on July 6th and runs for three weeks.
Final Thoughts On The NBA Finals, What’s Ahead For The Raptors In Ye Olde Mailbag
Another good week here at Ye Olde Mailbag and I can’t wait for next week and all the “how in the world did they take this Barnes kid of Suggs” questions.
Oh, wait. That was a year ago.
Well, we’ll see what’s up this week but until then, enjoy this.
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Q: Dear DougAs one of your regular irregulars, just wondering why you found the finals so boring?
I know you wrote about it – but I’m not understanding what’s upsetting you. Each game separated by ten points or more? Still can be exciting, especially if a come from behind team takes it. On the other hand I enjoyed it and I don’t mind saying that my prediction was GS in 7, with Boston having to win their last game in Boston for that to work. I came up short.
But I was still thrilled, especially at the game 1 performance of Boston. I really think they shook GS back into marching order – my view- no need to agree etc.
My main question is this, Boston took it’s chances on Kyrie, then Kemba, didn’t work. Who would you put in to get this team over the hump?Question 2: Raptors – as is (and I know you’re asked this all the time, sorry, but you’re way closer to it all then the rest of us) or major changes coming at any position that you are aware of? Any trade buzz for the off season?Keep doing what you are doing – keep getting on that barstoolIna G
A: It’s not that the NBA Finals weren’t good, there was some unbelievable moments and play and each game had big swings and runs, as almost every NBA game has. But each game also ended with one team dribbling out the clock and the last minute was boring and that lack of drama is the difference between a good series and a great one or a great one and an epic one.
I can’t give you a name because there are too many factors involved but the Celtics need to find the right point guard fit they haven’t yet.
All’s quiet with the Raptors, as it generally is every year at this time. I don’t suspect anything of significance will happen before the first week of July and even that’s unlikely.
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Q: I liked your rumination on the playoffs as a whole and agree they certainly could have been more compelling. The best series I saw was Grizzlies and Wolves. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the finals and loved seeing Wiggins win; there aren’t many more attractive narratives than a redemption story and I think he qualifies.
While I’m at it, that was a pretty good prediction on your part, Mr. Blogger, almost as though it wasn’t your first rodeo. Thanks for all your efforts this season and congratulations on your impending senior citizenship.
James A., Victoria
A: I’m going to ride out the next 340 days or so before I give in to senior citizenship but then I’m going to reap as many benefits as I can, believe you me.
Wiggins absolutely does qualify as a great redemption story but I also don’t plan on writing about him for some time.
But …
Redemption?
Don’t mind if we listen to this, right?
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Q: Hello Doug,Apologies for this coming so extremely late — the week really slippedaway quickly and I’m easily distracted nowadays! Totally get it if theboat has sailed for this week.I’m sure you’ll be swamped by finals questions/comments, and am hoping my mundane inquiries aren’t too dull.
It’s thrilling to hear the buzz about Scottie Barnes and talk of him possibly heading for the All-Star level next season. Do you think this is realistic? Given his extraordinary gifts, his drive and focus, plus the Raps’ top-quality development and coaching staff and great teammates/mentors, it seems achievable to me, but maybe this is wishfulthinking!If you do think it’s possible, what would you give as your reasons why, and what does he need to address in order to get there?Also, a Khem Birch question. I’m a big fan: nothing flashy, just solid dedication, great teammate, and a total willingness to do whatever the team needs him to do. (Was also to be honest quite touched to see how happy and thankful he was to be home, and playing for the Raps).
It kind of breaks my heart that he had such rotten luck with his health last season, but given how well he did *before* all that trouble, do you think a healthy Birch will be back, or do you expect he might be traded?If back, do you see him getting much in the way of minutes?Thanks for everything, and hoping all’s well at Casa Doug!KM
A: Oh, I think Barnes absolutely has all-star potential; he’s go that noticeable kind of varied skillset that voters and coaches notice. The East is loaded with great wings so it won’t be easy in the next year or two but I fully expect him to play in a few games before he’s done.
I’m a Birch fan, too, and he certainly went through a rough year from start to finish. That would certainly work against teams looking to acquire him because his recent track record is incomplete.
But, and this is not insignificant, his contract – two years and about $13 million left – would be an attractive add as salary cap ballast in a bigger trade. I don’t expect that to happen but it is something to think about.
If he stays, and depending on how the Raptors address their needs in free agency, I’d see him as the third “centre” behind Achiuwa and Boucher so there will be limited minutes available.
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Q: Hi Doug,It’s great to see the Blue Jays playing solid baseball again this year. I’m expecting an exciting push to the playoffs, as long as the boys can stay healthy and keep out of any prolonged slumps. One thing I’ve noticed over the decades watching the game is that the umpires don’t take much guff. If players or managers argue just a bit too much, they are quickly ejected from the game. Can you talk to the powers that be and have the same rule apply in basketball? As a fan, I think the constant arguing with refs and the demonstrative body language toward officials is ruining the game. And it seems to feed into the “Ref U suck” and “eff U” chants that are a daily scourge during the course of regular season games. (Never mind the post-season). I would love to watch a basketball game where no one complains. Non-calls or dubious calls are just accepted and play continues normally. What do you think? Can we, once and for all, put a full-stop on the whining?Richard
A: I agree there’s too much whiny in basketball and I wish there was a way to limit it but I don’t think calling a dozen technical fouls each night is the answer. And maybe it does provoke fans but fans are also over-the-top bad with the repugnant Eff You chants.
Baseball umpires? They provoke far, far, far too many arguments and have forever.
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Q: Hi Doug,
Hope you are in car-washing and lawn-mowing shape for the start of summer!
Also gives you a few weeks to practice your 3’s so Masai can sign you as an undrafted player!
A few questions for you:
1) Not sure if Warriors actually won, or more like Boston lost (collapsed). Raptors fans have seen the dreaded scoring drought rear its ugly head too. Do they signal a personnel problem (“we need a scorer”) or a mental /coaching problem (bad shot selection, call a time-out)? …If you know the answer, please tell Nick Nurse!
2) Very excited about the draft next week! Whichever way the OG drama (or lack of) concludes, it will definitely send a few messages to the team. Last year, I thought the choice of Barnes vs Suggs spoke volumes; one of the messages was to Malachi (“you are second to Fred, back-up PG”). Your two cents on Draft implications…
3) Haven’t thought much about it, but I assume the NBA Champs have resumed White House visits since You-know-who got evicted . Just checking…
4) Off topic, wasn’t the Freeland speech from the Empire Club one of the most tone-deaf brain farts (Dictionary…See “irony” ) a politician can make? Seems like someone shoulda been fired for booking that one 🙂
Looking forward to the off-season (Summer league!), enjoy!
Bernie M
A: As a wise man said, basketball is a game of runs, the NBA Finals were, basically every regular season game is. Scoring droughts happen because sometime shots just go in, sometimes teams take their foot off the gas, sometimes defences figure out what they were doing wrong.
Don’t think there will be any impact on the playing rotation with this draft. Whoever they add as a free agent will fit into the 10 or 11 man regular season group; I suspect No. 33 will be lucky enough to get to spend at least some time in Mississauga.
I do presume the Warriors will go to the White House, other teams have since the change in occupants and I did not see or hear Freeland so have no comment.
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Q: Hey Doug, kudos to you and your basketball savvy for predicting the Warriors win. I really thought the Celtics had a chance but the team couldn’t seem to keep their best players playing at there very best consistently.
Was kinda hoping that Al Horford would be part of a championship team before he retired. Maybe he has another year left in him.
Steph Curry deserves all the accolades coming his way, and happy he won the MVP trophy.
I often recall the Raptors championship parade of 2019 and the mobs of people congregated together. With COVID as a part of our lives now and in the future we will likely never get to experience something like that again, at least in Canada.
Now that the NBA playoffs are finished, I might have to resort to watching hockey, with doses of the Blue Jays.
I guess the next events to ponder are who the Raptors will pick in the draft but not very exciting, and whatever roster moves are made over the summer.
Thanks for your reporting. As always, I enjoy your insightful comments and observations.
Take care and stay cool.
Raven
A: Thanks, I appreciate the kind words.
We will never, ever see an event like the Raptors parade in our lives. But the pucks are also end soon so I think all we’ll have is the baseball for most of the summer. There will be some international basketball to watch and I’d recommend that.
I think a lot of people were cheering for Al Horford but I also fear that was maybe his one, best shot at a ring.
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Q: Hi Doug,Let’s talk draft.Interesting that Tolzman suggested the 33rd pick is expected to be on the roster.Does that mean a project-type is off the board?Am thinking they go an athletic 2 guard who can shoot and with decent size to backup Trent. Although Masai said he’ll take 15 6-10 guys, think the undrafted market is where they go.Curious to know what you think the direction the Raps go.There seems to be a lot of smoke around an OG trade…..Very unlike Raps MO most trades you hear nothing until it’s done.Always a pleasureEnioRichmond Hill
A: No. 33 and “project type” are basically synonymous. A guy can certainly be on a roster and in a development phase of his career, which is exactly what I expect will happen.
And at 33, you take the best athlete and figure out in a couple of years where he might fit.
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Q: Thx for your work,
The trading of Tellez and Grichuk was a little irritating for me. The Jay’s lineup looked weak at first. Four decent hitters and several no name substitutes.
The lineup has looked better recently in that perhaps it resembles the strength of last year’s lineup. Tough top to bottom. The injured have returned.
Anyway, after Guerrero was hit on the hand, and Jansen hurt, I’m wondering if the Jay’s depth could be an issue?
Also, they’ve been forewarned by the Leafs, who have traded away young talent and dealt picks. Would like to see them give their young guys a legit opportunity before giving them away. Otherwise, how do they know? Tellez had 21 home runs one year.
Also, I really like watching Biggio hit. I like his OBP. If you’re Biggio, do you accept your role, or do you look for a team where you can be an everyday player? In other words, would the money be better if he’s an everyday player? I want to see what he can do as an everyday player. I would also like to see him in lead off or number two, if base stealing was a thing. Wouldn’t it be a good thing to have pitchers work harder with someone at the top of the order who may also walk more? Move Bichette down a spot? Wondering how pitchers would pitch Biggio if he were to be before or after Springer? Would Springer have more RBI opportunities?
Thx,
John
A: Um, okay. I’d rather have Guerrero at first six days a week and Springer in the outfield all the time but that’s just me.
I will also say for the zillionth time that nothing in sports is linear when it comes to moves made and not made and to try and make it so is a waste of time.
Who does Biggio play ahead of every day? Espinal? Bichette? Chapman? Tapia? Guerrero?
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Q: Hi Doug;
First, you don’t have to apply for Old Age or Pension if you don’t want it right now, I’m waiting till 70.
Can you tell me if there is any truth to the rumors I read this weekend that many of the Raptors are unhappy with their situations here? (Yahoo sports) And are any of the ridiculous trade scenarios involving OG realistic? Do the sports writers in other cities think Masai and Bobby are incompetent? Latest one from a “league Exec” yesterday has OG going to the Heat for Herro and someone named Yurtseven. In your mind is there any way OG gets traded this summer?
Paul Martin Figueroa
A: You read wrong this week, is all I’ll say.
I do not expect major moves this summer and I do not expect Pat Riley to trade the Sixth Man of the Year and a promising young big man unless he loses his capacity for rational thought.
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NBC SPORTS 2022 U.S. OPEN MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEThursday, June 9th, 2022
Thursday, June 9, 2022
Tommy Roy
Dan Hicks
Paul Azinger
Justin Leonard
Notah Begay III
THE MODERATOR: Good afternoon, everybody. Welcome to the NBC Sports U.S. Open media conference call. In a moment, we’ll be joined by members of our broadcast team, including producer Tommy Roy, Dan Hicks, Paul Azinger, Justin Leonard, and Notah Begay III.
NBC Sports is going to present more than 100 hours of the U.S. Open from The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, across NBC, USA Network, and Peacock comprised of championship coverage, featured groups and featured holes and 40-plus hours of studio coverage with Golf Central Live From the U.S. Open on Golf Channel, starting on Monday, June 13.
We’ll begin with opening remarks from each of our speakers, a number of interesting connections to Brookline, as you all know. We’ll start with our producer Tommy Roy.
TOMMY ROY: Thanks, Jamie. Appreciate it. It’s a real honor to televise the U.S. Open and to do it with our great team. My goal is to give the viewers the best seat in the house as if they were right there on the tees, the fairways, and the greens themselves, experiencing the pressure of this cauldron and the ultimate reward for one player at the end.
To do this, we’ll do it through a robust technical facility setup, but never losing sight of the fact that this golf event more than any other requires story-telling. As it is an Open with many unknown qualifiers in the field and each having their own special story.
I still believe that every player who has earned the right to play in this field deserves the right to be shown on TV. So we’ll do our very best to get all 156 players in the field on the air, and yes, that includes the LIV players.
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