Monday Bolts – 9.14.09

Zach Harper of Hardwood Paroxysm on Russell Westbrook with a few contributions from a really smart person: “Watching him play is like watching the future unfold in front of your eyes. We’ve been moving this way for a while with basketball players. Extra athletic players that aren’t exactly reliable in shooting the ball but also, not really a liability either in that department. And after seeing what Westbrook was able to do as a rookie with next to zero experience, it’s kind of scary to see him make the leap into next season. He reminds me of Allen Iverson in many ways without having any semblance of the same skill game as A.I. did as a young’n.”

HoopsWorld has questions for the Northwest Division: “Thunder – Are Veterans Necessary? The Thunder has three players with more than five years of NBA experience: Etan Thomas, Nick Collison, and Kevin Ollie. Outside of Collison it’s doubtful either of the other two really gets too much run on the floor, but how much of an impact are the veterans really? Thomas and Ollie are definitely good locker room guys and will help guide the growth of the fantastic young talent the Thunder has put together, but does the veteran need to play as well?”

A good reminder of how Kevin Durant is still just a kid. He basically live blogged last night’s VMA’s (They still do those? Is Room Raiders still on too?). Some highlights: “Time for the VMA’S!!!!!! … Lady GaGa is trippin lol…i jus threw up n my mouth … wow taylor swift won over beyonce and lady gaga???? congrats to her!! buuuuut kanye trippinnnnnnn, that was disrespectful … Can i have Megan fox for dinner tonight?”

Speaking of Kevin Durant and Twitter… FIRESTORM CONTROVERSY FIRESTORM CONTROVERSY: “Headed to the gym for these workouts…Why does it have to rain everyday in Oklahoma!” Did we not learn anything from Nick Collison?

A look at OKC by the numbers.

Darnell Mayberry writes how the Thunder could be in for a tough year. One of his major points? Because of Allen Iverson: “For the Western Conference, though, Iverson’s signing serves as the latest move that should keep it perched safely as the league’s supreme conference. And that doesn’t bode well for the Thunder.” I realize that the Thunder didn’t go out and sign big name people but that doesn’t mean they won’t be able to at least compete with the West. Some teams sign free agents and blow cap room. The Thunder plans for the long-term and rely on young studs that are very talented and poised to win some games. I don’t think A.I. signing in Memphis means the Thunder’s headed for a 20-win season. But that’s just me.

Oklahoma City’s MAPS 3 proposal should be out in two weeks. I’m actually pretty excited. I remember back when I was like in third grade how many people were opposed to MAPS. Now look at us. I’m thinking it was a good call.

Nenad Krstic continues to play well in Europe. He had 18 and eight against Poland leading Serbia to a big 77-72 win over Poland. 

Why this is worthy of posting, I have no idea. But The Sports Culture has some completely innocent picture of James Harden sitting on some people. Ooooooohhhh goodness! Scandal!!!

Quick interview with Scott Brooks: “We’re very happy with Serge and Byron. In the short time that we’ve had them, we already see improvement. It remains to be seen what they do come the season as far as playing time. That’s why we have October and the month-long training camp to really evaluate how our players have gotten better, how they’re going to work together and who is going to help us win games. And I think those young, big guys are obviously a big part of our development and our future. That’s not to say that they’re not going to play now. I can’t say who’s going to play and who’s not going to play. But with Byron and Serge I like what they’re doing.”