1. Are the Celtics capable of repeating next year and of becoming the next NBA dynasty?
John Letasky: With that nucleus and team camaraderie, a repeat isn’t out of the question. If Boston can stay healthy and keep its core together, I could see the Celtics adding a few more banners.
Lindsay Rossmiller: You’re the winner until you’re not, so sure it’s possible, but a lot of things can happen that could also derail it. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Jeff Welsch: With interest flagging, the NBA needs a resurrection of the Celtics-Lakers showdowns — or to sign Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese to contracts. So, yes.
Daniel Shepard: With how soft the NBA is these days, anything is possible. MJ could come back right now and average 40. I think he’s having too much fun in NASCAR, though.
People are also reading…
Gavin Derkatch: I think the Celtics should definitely be the title favorite entering next season as it looks like they’ll return most, if not all, of their core.
2. Which is the best big four professional sports town in the United States?
John Letasky: Even though I’m definitely not a Red Sox fan, you’ve got to say Boston. New York has to be right up there, too.
Lindsay Rossmiller: I’m more interested in places adding teams and growing new fan cultures at the moment, especially those building outside of the traditional big four leagues.
Jeff Welsch: No sports fans are more passionate than the long-suffering diehards in Detroit. If the Lions win the Super Bowl there’ll be a frenzy akin to Bolivia winning the World Cup.
Daniel Shepard: Right now? Probably Boston. Chicago has to be up there, too. Those ivy-covered walls are special.
Gavin Derkatch: It hurts me to say as a New Yorker, but in terms of winning, no city has done better than Boston in the past two decades.
3. When someone says “rodeo,” which Montana summer rodeo comes to mind?
John Letasky: The Red Lodge Home of Champions Rodeo and then with it being held in Billings, the MontanaFair rodeo.
Lindsay Rossmiller: Augusta hands down.
Jeff Welsch: You can’t top the historic one-day affair in Augusta, complete with beer and cornhole at the Buckhorn, though the more traditional Livingston rodeo is right up there.
Daniel Shepard: By proximity, the East Helena rodeo. I just hope it doesn’t come with a lightning storm this year.
Gavin Derkatch: I’ve yet to attend a rodeo but am hoping to make it happen this summer, so I’ll circle back to this question then.
4. Are you going to be following two-time CNFR bareback champion Weston Timberman of Columbus as he makes an NFR push?
John Letasky: Keeping tabs on Timberman and Sam Petersen of Helena trying to qualify for the NFR in bareback is going to be fun.
Lindsay Rossmiller: I’m a bit preoccupied with Olympic Trials at the moment. I’ll check back in later as the standings firm up.
Jeff Welsch: Always good for business when our cowboys and cowgirls shine on the national stage.
Daniel Shepard: Only thing I’m following this summer is the shade. It’s gonna be hot this weekend. Good luck Weston!
Gavin Derkatch: I hadn’t been following until I read John’s follow-up, and now I certainly will be.
5. What is one local summer event that is on your calendar?
John Letasky: MontanaFair is on the calendar every year, but I’m going to start looking at some local and state events to attend or travel to and have some fun at soon.
Lindsay Rossmiller: Vacation is what’s on my calendar.
Jeff Welsch: Whether a fifth-generation or first-generation Montanan, everyone should experience Crow Fair at least once for an appreciation of 500th-generation Americans.
Daniel Shepard: I always enjoy the Keith Sell Tournament (Legion baseball) every year. Can’t beat summertime baseball. Oh, and the BBQ is pretty good, too.
Gavin Derkatch: The Montana Folk Festival in Butte is such an amazing weekend with stages setup throughout Uptown.
