Friday Bolts – 7.13.12

Hasheem Thabeet in a Q&A: “Everybody has different perspectives of the situation. I really don’t dwell on my past. This is a different situation. I’ve got to come in, establish my position and work hard. That’s the only thing I can control. I can’t control my past. I’ve just got to enjoy what I face right now.”

Ben Golliver of CBSSports.com on Team USA’s game: “Was this the beginning of a global revenge tour for the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar? Durant simply couldn’t miss on Thursday night, dropping in five of his six 3-point attempts, making the international 3-point line look like an effortless mid-range jumper time and again. Remember, Durant’s Thunder lost in the NBA Finals only weeks before USA camp opened, so the loss is obviously still lingering. He simply looked like a man on a mission from the moment he stepped onto the court, shooting without a second thought and making a number of nifty moves to send the Dominican defenders reeling. While starting designation really doesn’t mean all that much in this setting, Durant really should be starting.”

Watch Russell Westbrook doink a dunk from last night.

Darnell Mayberry on Latavious Williams: “Taking the overseas route is the more lucrative option, and the one Williams on Thursday said he prefers over another stint in the D-League — where he could continue his development under close supervision while awaiting a potential call-up by the Thunder next season. But as the Thunder’s 15-man roster gets more difficult to crack, Williams has found it more difficult to not be frustrated. It’s been so tough for Williams to not be in the NBA that he said reporting to camp and getting cut doesn’t sound like such a bad idea.”

Thunder cookies.

Michael Lee of the Washington Post: “Kevin Durant, a small forward in the NBA, came off the bench to play center and scored a game-high 24 points after connecting on his first five attempts from beyond the international three-point line. Andre Iguodala, a wing player who can defend at least three positions, chipped in 18 points – including four-three-pointers – and two steals and was given player of the game honors afterward.”

Sekou Smith of NBA.com: “The size disadvantages the U.S. will face can be offset with a deep team filled with flashes, in addition to Durant coming off the bench they also had Westbrook, Williams (in the first half) and Harden playing off the bench. That sort of depth allows a team to play a riskier style and gamble on defense in ways that usually aren’t done. And that’s just the way Krzyzewski prefers it to be.”

Chad Ford of ESPN.com gives the Thunder a “B” for their offseason: “Because of the impending salary hit, the Thunder kept their spending down. They made a great pickup in the draft with Perry Jones, who slid from a potential lottery pick down into the late first round because of questions about his left knee and his motor. He’s looked very solid in the summer league, and with Durant as his mentor, he could be the star of the draft. Thabeet has been a bust, but he’s young, blocks shots and is on a cheap two-year deal. Thompson was one of my undrafted sleepers. He can really shoot the basketball and has good size and athletic ability at the 3. He’s a nice, cheap pick-up.”

J.A. Adande on Team USA: “Durant will wind up as the MVP of this squad — even if he continues to come off the bench — because of his shooting ability. When the Dominican zone defense had U.S. shooters clanking jump shots, Durant checked in and drained his first five 3-point shots.”

Kevin Arnovitz: “As if the game of basketball isn’t easy enough for Kevin Durant, Team USA’s 113-59 win over the Dominican Republic in a friendly exhibition was like a playpen for the NBA scoring leader. As the first American off the bench, Durant scored 24 points on 9-for-11 shooting from the field, and grabbed 10 rebounds. He was simply the perfect version of himself — all arms, legs and marksmanship. Want to bring a smile to Durant’s face? Just ask him about those extra 19 inches that turn a long NBA 2-pointer into a FIBA 3-pointer.”