Senior NBA Columnist at @HeavyOnSports Covering Celtics/NBA since 1985. APSE national top 10 honors: columnist, beat writer, features. nbawriter@gmail.com
Boston, MA
Joined March 2012
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Many years after passing on the opportunity to play for a team here in my ancestral homeland of Greece (did I mention I'm an idiot?), finally made it to Athens for the European Masters tournament.
A few from our Boston-based team stopped by the Acropolis. (I'm on the right.)
RIP Dennis Haskins. Known mainly for his role as Mr. Belding on Saved by the Bell, he also had ties to rock and roll as a promoter. (Great stories.) ... Got to know him on the benefit golf circuit. Just a great dude. Example ⬇️
This is crazy 3 of these posts in 2 days. Man, this is sad. Growing up, I watched Dennis Haskins on TV and never imagined that one day I’d get to call him my friend.
When I finally met him, he was even better in person. He had this infectious laugh, and no matter when I saw him, he brought so much warmth and positivity with him. Dennis had this way of making you feel so special when you were around him.
It’s hard to believe I won’t hear that laugh again. I’ll miss the friend I got to know, and I’ll always be grateful that someone who was part of my childhood became part of my life.
Rest in peace, Dennis.
Joe Mazzulla opens his Media Day session by showing respect to Jaylen Brown's contributions on and off the court...
Transitions into talking about new Celtics players, cracking about Mitchell Robinson, "Upset we're not going to be able to foul him anymore."
Wish you could have been in The Forum to not only hear his announcements, but FEEL the vibrato. His voice was as much a part of the Laker experience as Magic and Kareem.
Getting to talk jazz with him in the press room (he DJ'd at local stations) was icing on the LA cake.
Never forget a great dinner with Barry and player-turned-ref Paul Stewart, teammates in the WHA. Stewie had a picture of his lady in his locker; he said Barry, who grew up in rural Saskatchewan, had a picture of his tractor in his.
Awesome night of stories.
Barry was my best friend at ESPN. A big brother figure of rock solid values. I am shook to my core. Barry gave his life to hockey and some of his ESPN family, like me, learned of his shocking death today while at a hockey rink in Las Vegas preparing for the upcoming season. Chilling and fitting--the rink was Barry's home. A more beloved ESPN institution there has not been. We love you, Barry. Forever.
Nah... Feel like an interview would be an imposition and detract from the time hanging out. Some hoop talk and politics, and laughs about Celtic road trip dinners with Gil Santos and others.
Bob said he reads a book a week, and I gave him one on Frank Sinatra I'd just finished.
Spent time this afternoon chatting about current events and reminiscing with Bob Cousy at his home. At one point, he says, "I'm the luckiest son-of-a-b who ever lived."
Don't mean to argue, but that title belongs to anyone who has the privilege of knowing you, Cooz.
Been overseas and in Vegas the last three weeks. Return to find the Red Sox on a serious roll... What, did they rehire Walpole Joe Morgan as manager or something?
#MorganMagic1988
Hugo Gonzalez sitting out Celtics' summer league game today. Was told he'll likely play Wednesday.
"You look like you don't think that's a good idea."
"No, I think it's fine," I replied, "...if you make him wear bubble wrap."
Summer league can be really sloppy, and you'll forget many of the names as soon as you step out into the 110° Vegas heat.
But it's fun as hell to watch hoops where every possession is played at max intensity. Livelihoods are on the line, and scouts from every team are watching.
Evolution of pro sports in Vegas through yearly trips to NBA Summer League (shot from rental cars and hotel rooms):
Raiders stadium under construction and finished, Athletics new digs rising at the corner of Tropicana and The Strip, and Golden Knights arena that preceded both.
Was playing in the European Masters in Athens a week ago. Now in Vegas for NBA summer league. ... Feeling even more knuckleheaded than usual. #intercontinentalwhiplash
Big draw for the 6 pm PT summer league game between No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa and No. 2 Darryn Peterson. ... Also known marginally as Washington vs. Utah.
Fifty years ago, we played against each other in the final of the National Hellenic Invitational in Chicago... This week, we played against each other in the first round of the European Masters in Athens.
The ties that bind. 🇬🇷
(With Kirk Vidas (c), and Christos Tsiotos.)
Steve Bulpett retweeted
Immensely gratifying that an honoree appreciates those of family and heritage that helped shape him. Steve joins journalists and broadcasters in this Hellenic Athletic HOF such as Bob Costas, Steve Lappas, Spiro Dedes, and athletes such as Alex Karras, Milt Pappas, Pete Sampras.
Truly honored to be among the five in this year's Hellenic Hall of Fame class -- but fully aware this says more about my family, church, and Greek community 🇬🇷, as well as friends, teammates, coaches, teachers and readers.
It's only in all their names that this can be accepted. nitter.cf/SteveBHoop/status/2069…