THE FRONT ROW with Mark Nelke, June 30, 2013

Since you asked - and even if you didn't ...

Q: Why is Hoopfest so wildly popular in Spokane, and why is Ironman such a good fit in Coeur d'Alene?

A: Spokane is a big enough city to have enough potential volunteers to pull off an event of this magnitude, and small enough where players and volunteers alike feel like they can take ownership in the event.

And it's obviously not just Spokane's event. Like Bloomsday, people from North Idaho flock to the Lilac City for Hoopfest.

As for Ironman - ditto, just on a smaller scale. Plus, you can't beat the scenery down by the lake, and the finish down Sherman Avenue is enough to turn spectators into potential Ironmen the following year.

And yes, we can already hear some of you gnashing your teeth over the inconvenience of getting around town on Ironman Sunday. However, it's better than it used to be - the bike course through Hayden was scenic and hilly, but the loop out and back affected quite a bit of traffic east of U.S. 95.

Q: What do you think of Kelly Olynyk going to the Celtics on draft night?

A: You mean what's left of the Celtics?

This is shaping up to be kinda like the 1994-95 season - the first year without any of the original Big 3 (Bird, McHale, Parrish).

That team finished 35-47. The team's leading scorer was 35-year-old Dominique Wilkins, whom I'd forgotten even played for the Celtics until I looked it up. The next four top scorers were Dino Radja, Dee Brown, Sherman Douglas and Eric Montross.

Other luminaries on that squad included Rick Fox, Xavier McDaniel, Blue Edwards, Pervis Ellison and Acie Earl.

So there could be a few lean years for Olynyk in Boston, just as there was two decades ago. But if he can score a little in the paint, and knock down the face-up jumper, he should get lots of playing time right off the bat to develop his game - in the event the Celtics are able to put another championship-level team together in a few years.

Q: What about the other local standouts who weren't drafted, like Elias Harris (Gonzaga), Kyle Barone (Idaho) and Brock Motum (Washington State)?

Remember three years ago, when there was talk about Harris turning pro after his freshman season? Those might have been unfair expectations, but he does have the game to challenge for the roster spot - he is reportedly set to play in the NBA summer league with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Considering where Barone was at the start of the season last fall - suspended, following a DUI arrest - the Vandal big man had a tremendous season. And he'll get his shot with Denver in the summer league.

Motum is a big man than can shoot from the outside. You would think the NBA would be interested in a player who can make baskets, no matter their size, so you would think he would get a look eventually.

Mark Nelke is sports editor of The Press. He can be reached at 664-8176, Ext. 2019, or via email at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at CdAPressSports.