Wednesday Bolts – 8.17.11

Zach Lowe of SI finishes his top 100 and ranks KD No. 8: “Durant sits at No. 8 because the players ahead of him are amazing, and because he still has work to do — and he knows it. His off-the-dribble game is shaky, meaning he often relies on his teammates to pass him the ball in the right place. The league’s elite wing defenders, especially physical guys like Tony Allen, can deny Durant the ball and bump him off his preferred path, mucking up entire possessions. This is one reason the Thunder’s late-game offense produced such cruddy shots in big moments.” Of note: The three in front of Durant on Lowe’s list: Deron Williams, Chris Paul and Kobe. I’ll let you guys yell about this for me.

Perk’s publicist to The Oklahoman, trying to clear his name: “Although these may be misdemeanors, it’s a big deal to Kendrick,” said Denise White. “He’s not happy about how things happened that evening and feels like the police were out of hand … He was not drinking alcohol, nor was he intoxicated. Not one drop of alcohol Friday night. We’re not sure why they said Kendrick was intoxicated. There are witnesses inside the club that will attest to Kendrick only drinking water that evening.”

A great feature on Michael Ray Richardson who is now living in Lawton coaching basketball.

James Harden isn’t the only guy tearing up the Drew League. Watch Kobe drill a game-winner there, right over Harden.

Shane Ryan of Grantland tries to help inform you on the art of seat-poaching: “The dreaded bathroom problem. At some point, you may have to leave your section to use the restroom, and you obviously don’t have the ticket to get back in. The best strategy here relates to no. 5 above. Ask the usher something on your way out. It’s crucial that they remember you, though, so try some sort of odd phrasing. Instead of asking for the bathroom or where you can get a beer, say, “Where would a gentleman find a working urinal?” or “Could you direct me to the safest saloon?” On your way back, say thank you, and they won’t ask to see your ticket.”

This video absolutely killed me. The Gammons and Kirkjian bits are priceless.

Here’s my guide from a while ago complete with an awkward Sam Presti story.

Ken Berger of CBSSports.com on players playing streetball: “Of course, it’s always about the money. Durant wasn’t paid a dime for his appearances at Rucker and Dyckman Parks. Potential deals with other NBA stars would vary depending on the player’s profile and what he’s trying to get out of it.”

Next bargaining session coming in September?

Jovan Buha of HP on lists and rankings: “Basketball is as intricate and detail-ortiented of a sport as they come, and those who follow the game analyze its every move in the same (outrageous) manner. In the coming weeks (as we near the top-10), I’ll grow apprehensive to check my Twitter page, fearful of the disproportional volatility these rankings will cause. But like any addict, I’ll be coming back for more. And more. That’s the beauty of this game and its patrons; the simple things. I can’t wait to see how Laker fans react when Kobe isn’t ranked #1.” So maybe you shouldn’t yell about KD then.

I was on a panel a few weeks ago to discuss the NBA lockout with Mark Rodgers, Berry Tramel and Myron Patton. It’s a bit dated now, but have a look if you want to watch me struggle to say “NHL” for reasons I can’t explain.

HoopsWorld with the West’s new power brokers: “This is no surprise. The Thunder are no sleeper team. After their breakthrough 50-win season in 2009/10, they followed their solid first-round exit to the Lakers with 55-win season and a trip to the Western Conference Finals. They have a legitimate superstar in Kevin Durant who is one of the most dangerous scorers in the league. Teammate Russell Westbrook is a monster athlete at the point. Durant draws so much attention and Westbrook penetrates so quickly to the basket, they’re a potent, potent duo. That’s not to say they’re perfect. Westbrook tends to call his own number too often in big situations. Durant can be taken out of games, albeit with multiple defenders tracking his every move. The Thunder need to find ways to better balance the Durant/Westbrook attack but this is a good problem.”