Monday Bolts – 6.15.15

Anthony Slater: “But the other side of that situation, what Lee has morphed in to, is also something the Thunder should recognize, particularly Mitch McGary. McGary and Lee are at completely different stages of their careers. Lee is the veteran who got benched. McGary is the up-and-comer trying to snare minutes from established guys like Nick Collison. But Lee’s current role on this championship-level Warriors team could prove to be a mirror image of what McGary’s will become on a loaded Thunder team next season.”

Darnell Mayberry on Cameron Payne: “As for the Thunder and its potential promise to Payne, well, Saturday might have quashed that rumor. Payne was in town as part of a private team workout, one he wouldn’t have needed to participate in had the Thunder already promised to select him if he’s still available with the 14th pick. Here’s what we do know: Payne has quickly transformed from dominating at a mid-major program to arguably the most intriguing player in this year’s draft class.”

Russell Westbrook with a puppy on his back? Russell Westbrook with a puppy on his back.

Brad Doolittle for ESPN Insider: “A healthy Thunder roster is a title contender as is, complete with star power and complementary role players at every position. A veteran backup playmaker might help if he’s willing to sign for the minimum. Jameer Nelson comes to mind. But then someone else would have to go, and not only does OKC have a stocked roster, but they’ve got stash prospect Josh Huestis waiting in the wings and the last lottery pick in the draft. Sam Presti might want to package some of these young assets in an effort to bring in a veteran role player, but it’s hard to see the Thunder doing much in free agency.”

Here’s an important story about Mitch McGary watching a guy play golf.

Kelly Oubre is a confident youngster: “I’m gonna be one of the greatest to ever play the game.”

LeBron says Steph Curry is the best shooter in the league. He also made sure to call himself the best player in the world, too.

Sam Vecenie of CBSSports.com on OKC’s needs: “Grant wouldn’t help the Thunder’s spacing, but he’d be a potential backup for Westbrook that could also play with him due to his experience in two-point guard systems at Notre Dame with Demetrius Jackson. The two could take turns slashing and carving up the defense while looking for open shooters, or Grant could come in and take the reins on offense from him and play in what likely will be a pretty wide open offense. He’s older and might not have the upside of some of the other players in this draft, but he certainly profiles well as a playmaking backup.”