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Monday Bolts – 8.18.15

Monday Bolts – 8.18.15

Matt Moore of CBSSports.com on rebuilding: “If the Bucks suffered a similar drop-off like

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the Hornets did, all the optimism about what they’ve done is gone and they’re just another team with some good pieces but nothing they can really count on. The Thunder knew after drafting Kevin Durant that if he was healthy, they could be a contender. The Spurs knew it with Tim Duncan. Those transcendent players remain the difference between good teams and great teams. The key to all this is that you have to keep your options open.”

Mike Gallagher of Rotoworld: “Westbrook is now entering his prime at 26 years old, so are we still going to get the same KD? I think so. In fact, KD made 80.0 percent of his field goal attempts at the rim with Westy on the court and he was assisted on 61.0 percent of those (per NBA Wowy). Overall, Durant’s true shooting percentage was 1.7 points higher with Westy, and probably the most noteworthy split is KD taking and making more 3-pointers with Westy. For fantasy, we like open 3-pointers, especially from KD. Probably one of the craziest stats in this whole column is this one: KD made 55.6 percent of his “wide open” 3-point attempts last season. For reference, Stephen Curry made only 47.0 percent. KD is some kind of shooter. Heck, he even made 43.1 percent of his 3-point attempts with “tight” defense (defender 2-4 feet away).”

Greg Oden is signing in China.

Jordan White for Uproxx on Monty and Russ: “It… kind of sounds like Westbrook, Kevin Durant and Chris Paul are going at it with Monty, but they’re speaking so low, it’s honestly a toss up. Westbrook appears to be the most verbal, which is fairly typical for him, but it’s just not clear what he’s saying. Also, Kevin Durant seems to have some bizarre fascination and obsession with pulling up the legs of his shorts. Hopefully, this is the start of a great relationship between Westbrook, Durant and Williams. As coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, Monty was beloved by his players and lauded for his ability to connect with them. That and his experience as a head coach are two of the many reasons why Billy Donovan named him lead assistant.”

Steve Smith’s must-see games.

Fran Blinebury of NBA.com’s must-see games: “You better believe Kevin Durant has this one circled on his personal calendar. After all those games sidelined with injuries last season, it’s a shootout between he and Steph Curry, the last two MVPs. Bring extra batteries for the calculator.”

Chad Ford’s first big board.

J.A. Adande of ESPN.com on player to watch this season: “He’s the story of the season. He’s never been surrounded by this much uncertainty. How has he recovered from the right foot problems that wrecked last season? How did Russell Westbrook’s breakout year shift the dynamics of the Thunder? And ultimately, where will Durant sign next summer?”