Monday Bolts – 10.7.13
Brett Pollakoff of PBT previewing the Thunder: “This could be the year that Kevin Durant unseats LeBron James as league MVP, for a variety of reasons. First and foremost on the list could be voter fatigue — we all know that James is considered to be the game’s best player, but if the Heat coast a little during the regular season and Durant is forced to put up ridiculous numbers to keep his team in the hunt while Westbrook is out, it would be easy to see him quickly becoming the favorite to take home the award if those making the call are looking to give it to someone besides James. Durant is capable of dominating offensively, and will be expected to do so with his All-Star teammate sidelined. He could take on an even bigger role as the season progresses depending on Westbrook’s recovery and whether or not he gets much help from his teammates. If he puts up MVP-caliber numbers, there’s no reason the Thunder can’t be right where they need to be by the time the season concludes, despite all of the apparent challenges.”
Darnell Mayberry on Daniel Orton: “His movements were fluid. His explosions were powerful. His touch was feathery. It was a performance that led some Thunder fans to believe Orton is unquestionably the best center on the roster. But the reality is Orton might be fourth string. After serving as the third center behind Perkins and Hasheem Thabeet last season, Orton now has to battle 12th overall pick Steven Adams for time. With the Thunder using a high lottery pick and thus a guaranteed contract on Adams, the odds are stacked against Orton. Additionally, making anybody’s team as a fourth center in today’s small-ball craze is a challenge within itself. Orton has seven exhibition games to prove he belongs.”
Jeff Caplan of NBA.com on Reggie Jackson: “He is a sneaky, instinctual defender, tremendously quick off the dribble, much like Westbrook, with excellent bounce to get to the rim or dish it off as he soars through the lane. That speed and inexperience proved a toxic mix twice in crunch time in the Grizzlies series, resulting in out-of-control, momentum-swinging charge calls. Those costly turnovers, born of youth and inexperience, proved invaluable teaching tools.”
Serge Ibaka and Thabo Sefolosha in the kits of Manchester.
Mayberry’s thoughts on the preseason opener: “How quickly the narrative has changed. A year ago he was widely considered the steal of the 2012 draft. Today, his time appears to be running out. Jones didn’t even get on the floor in the first half, and when he did in the final 24 minutes he did little to show he belongs there. He finished with two points, three rebounds, one assist, two fouls and one turnover in 18 minutes. It was by far the most disappointing performance.”
Amin Elhassan of ESPN Insider on 3-and-D wings: “Merely two seasons ago, Sefolosha would not have made this list; he’s always been a good defender, but his perimeter offense left a lot to be desired. Indeed, he broke into the league as more of a combo guard who could handle the ball and distribute. But to Sefolosha’s credit, he has worked hard at improving his 3-point shot, and as such has improved to a 40-plus percent shooter from beyond the arc, and made more 3s last season than he did in the previous three campaigns combined. This improvement has made him a far more effective complement to the Thunder’s stars, as defenders who used to help off Sefolosha can’t continue to do so without a real threat of being burned.”
