Luis Hermosillo Photography

Around the country, people have dismissed the NBA finals for being “too predictable.” In a lot of ways, they’re right. The Golden State Warriors have been there each of the last 5 years. When Lebron was in the Eastern Conference, he was competing in the last 8 Finals. Before LBJ, Kobe’s Lakers reigned. And he picked up the baton only after Jordan dropped it. You get the picture. The NBA is a game of dominance. Much like Game of Thrones, there is a consistent battle for the throne. Taking a sitting monarch off it is no easy task.

Sometimes though, among the dynasties, legends are made. Not the kind that are first-ballot Hall-Of-Famers, but the kind known for their timing. Not the kind that score 40 points in game 2, but the kind that hit the most important shot in game 7. Robert Horry averaged 7 points per game for his career, yet he has 7 championships and played pivotal roles in the most vital moments. He lives in Rockets, Lakers, and Spurs lore for roles he played in getting each franchise rings. Michael Jordan has 6 rings, we know this because Lebron haters can’t shut up about it. But two of those rings came by way of big shots by John Paxon and Steve Kerr. The Reinsdorfs’ are so grateful to Paxon for that one fateful moment that they’ve allowed him TO RUN THE FRANCHISE INTO THE GROUND FOR 16 YEARS…

Ok, almost got off track there. Point being, the finals where legends of all sorts are made. Not just the highest scorers. If the Raptors are to collect their first championship in franchise history, no doubt Kawhi Leonard would be the Michael, Kobe, or Lebron of the story. But the more compelling story, is the one of a kid from Rockford, Illinois. Whose dad woke him up at 5:30 every day for 6 am workouts. Hoping that he’d play varsity high-school basketball as a sophomore. So focused on the process of daily improvement, that it took him to the pinnacle of the game he loved. Fred VanVleet, through two games, has written a perfect first act to his “Finals Hero’s Journey.” He’s provided efficient offensive attack while tenaciously guarding his opponent’s best player. He’s been a rare consistent on a roster of streaky players. He struggled mightily leading up to this moment. While others shrink to the biggest moment, he has risen to it. A cornerstone of this type of hero.

Our area has been awestruck by his performance. Most I talk to can’t believe they once saw him playing in high-school gyms just 7 years ago. If you haven’t been watching, change that. Watch the affinity Toronto fans have for our hometown hero. There is a magnetism to him that reaches far beyond the 815 area code. His story transcends any geography. We should be Fred VanVleet fans wether he was from Poughkeepsie or Santa Ana. We’re just lucky enough to call him ours.

– Jake Logli, Sportsfan 1330

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