Monday Bolts – 6.23.14
Ben Golliver of SI.com on Thunder draft needs: “The Thunder face the possible departure of Thabo Sefolosha this summer and also must plan further into the future, as Kendrick Perkins finally comes off the books after next season and 33-year-old Nick Collison gets closer to winding down a stellar career. Perhaps even more pressing, Reggie Jackson’s impending free agency will force the Thunder’s hand and could wind up costing a pretty penny if they want to keep their talented sixth man. The good news: Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka are so good that the Thunder should be a strong championship contender even as the cast around them does some rotation. That’s especially true because Oklahoma City looks to have nailed their 2013 first-round pick by snagging Steven Adams, who looks like he will be occupying a starting job sooner rather than later.”
Anthony Slater on Andre Roberson: “Depends on his development and who the Thunder bring in this offseason, but I think it’ll be expanded some. There’s even a small chance, with Thabo Sefolosha expected to be gone, that Roberson starts. Scott Brooks likes defensive-minded players surrounding his stars at tip-off. But his future in the league as a rotation player depends on that shot. It’s gotta at least get to the point where teams aren’t completely backing off, begging him to take it.”
Dario Saric is going to stay in Europe for two years.
Matt Moore of CBSSports.com on draft options: “Adreian Payne could fall here. There are concerns about how he adapts to a new system. He would be a pretty great pick up, even if they have Serge Ibaka. Payne could help balance their scoring off the bench. Michigan center Mitch McGary has gained a lot of momentum the past few weeks precisely because of the lack of options. He hasn’t worked out for teams and has a back issue. But he also has the best skill set of any big here. Patric Young is a major reach, but he’s also got more polish and has been part of a winning environment. He’s a hard worker who’s matured through the same time span he’s fallen from a lottery pick to a likely second rounder.”
Per Marc Stein: “Hearing: Knicks have explored possibility of swapping Iman Shumpert for late first-round pick heading into Thursday’s draft.”
Austin Ainge: “I personally was not working here. But I was in college and I was in the draft room, and they would have taken Durant. I did have some inside information there.”
I need someone to convince me that the 2-2 draw isn’t the worst thing that’s ever happened in the world. Because it still feels that way to me.
