Winding Down

It occurred to me today, really for the first time, that this journey is coming to an end. Next Tuesday, I’ll roll into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, turn this fabulous RV back into the folks at Camping World, and then get ready to go back to work. NBA training camps start in less than two weeks, the Pacers have a pre-season game three weeks from Saturday, and we’ll soon start the long journey that always defines an NBA season.

It’s been more than five months since the Pacers last played, and I’m ready to get back at it. 22 seasons in, I enjoy the work as much as I always have, and while I always look forward to the start of a new season on a general level, there are always a few people, places, and things that I especially look forward to seeing.

Specifically, and in no particular order:

Joe Tait. The Cavaliers legendary play-by-play man is calling quits after this season. Joe is a class act and admired by all of us in the play-by-play community.

The press room hot dogs in Cleveland and New Jersey. The Nets are moving out of the swamp and into Newark this season. Hope they remember to bring the dogs.

The Riverwalk in San Antonio.

Mascots. Most of them are pretty good, but Boomer (Indiana), The Coyote (San Antonio), and Benny the Bull (Chicago) sit at the top of my list.

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Always breathtaking, no matter how many times you see it.

Dick Bavetta. He may not be the most popular official at NBA HQ, but I’ve always enjoyed his enthusiasm. And, despite what Pacer fans might think – Dick the Knick? – he’s one of the better NBA officials.

Dick O’Dow’s in Birmingham, Michigan. Best bar in the NBA.

Dan Gilbert’s team getting pounded in Cleveland. He fired Mike Brown, who I really like, and behaved like a spoiled two year old when his star player left via free agency. Say it with me…0-82…0-82…0-82.

The Rocky Mountains in Denver and the Wasatch Mountains in Salt Lake City.

Larry Brown. I’ve liked all but one of the coaches I’ve worked with in Indiana, but Larry’s always been my favorite.

Cities where cigar smoking is allowed. The list is dwindling, but there are still a few holdouts. Stanza Dei Sigari on Hanover Street in Boston and the hotel bar at The Brown Palace in Denver are two of my favorite stops.

Ron Artest. Just because.

Minneapolis. I grew up there, and any time I can get home on somebody else’s dime, I feel like I’ve pulled a fast one.

Lawrence Tanter in Los Angeles and Mason in Detroit. It seems a prerequisite these days for NBA PA types to scream like nut jobs let loose from the asylum, but Lawrence uses a classy, soothiong baritone to inform Laker fans. Though Mason is loud and considered by some to be obnoxious, he’s funny and creative, and that gets a thumbs up in my world.

The Linclon Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington.

The fans in Conseco Fieldhouse. I hope.

Friday’s Journey: Lafayette to Colfax

Mileage: 21.2. Longest remaining leg on the trip.

On the iPod: PTI, The Four Tops Still Waters Run Deep CD, The Dan LeBatard Show