HoopsWorld talked with the Commissioner: “I love talking about the greatness of our youngsters. The continued 
greatness of the Shaqs, the Kobes, the Nashes, Duncans, Garnetts, combined with the fusion of these youngsters like Derrick Rose-who’s receiving his much-deserved Rookie of the Year award-Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, it’s just an incredible group. And they’re incredible on and off the court… I’m happy with the way it’s all come together, and I’m very proud of our players.”
The On Deck Circle’s top six guys to build a franchise around: “No. 6, Kevin Durant: watch out for this guy. If he puts on a little bit more muscle he will be one of the most serious threats in the NBA and his supporting cast in Oklahoma is getting better.”
Scott Howard-Cooper of SI on the MIP debate: “Most Improved Player is a great debate. Kevin Durant ordinarily shouldn’t be in contention — his strides came from the first season to second, when players should make their big move with the rookie learning curve complete. But Durant, who was drafted No. 2 overall in 2007 and projected for stardom, has exceeded the normal trajectory. It wasn’t hard to find a coach or executive who would knock him last season as a gunner more than a scorer without a clue about defense. This season, with much more discipline in his offense, Durant went from shooting 43 percent to 47.6, and from 20.3 points a game to 25.3, despite just 24 more attempts.” Keep Reading…
general manager of the Ford Center. “We’ll open back up in October.”Desjardins provided an update on the facility to members of the Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau on Thursday. He oversees the arena and exhibit halls at the Cox Business Services Convention Center. By the time the Thunder hits the court next season, there will be several changes made to the Ford Center. The publicly funded Ford Center was completed in 2002 at a cost of $89 million. In anticipation of luring an NBA team, Oklahoma City voters approved $120 million in improvements to the center in 2008. Some of that work has been completed, but a major project will include renovation of several areas of the center by October. Desjardins said when the center reopens there will be changes, some not noticeable at first glance. Other areas will not really be touched during renovations. “When you walk through the doors in the entry level, you won’t see a whole lot,” he said. “That’s probably the only level that’s not getting a huge makeover.”
points, right behind Brook Lopez. Derrick Rose, O.J. Mayo, Lopez and Westbrook were the only four players to received first place voted. Eric Gordon finished fifth.
Why Ben Gordon does not fit with the Thunder
Oklahoma City was one of the worst teams in the league – let me check that – the worst team in the league statistically at the shooting guard position this year. Starting Damien Wilkins there 14 times can do that to you. It’s a position Sam Presti is definitely looking to improve this offseason whether it be through the draft or the free agent market. And it seems like a lot of people are on the Ben Gordon bandwagon. For instance, Bill Simmons said in a recent column that the Thunder could “desperately use someone like him.”
Ben Gordon is a dynamic player. Heck, he’s probably bumped that offseason contract up a couple bills based on his outstanding play in the playoffs. He has been fantastic against the Celtics. A true offensive joy to watch. At 6-3, nobody that size gets a shot off in traffic like he does. He’s got a lightning quick release and seemingly can pull up from anywhere. He knocks down threes, has a terrific mid-range game, can get to the rim and gets to the line. He’s the total offensive package.
But he doesn’t fit the Thunder.
The reason? It’s simple: Gordon is a scorer. That’s what he does, that’s what he’s always going to do. Simmons put it extremely well:
But I don’t think Oklahoma City could use someone like him. He works with a team like Chicago where the scoring is distributed among a couple of players without one star scorer (unless you consider him to be the star scorer).
Don’t get me wrong, he’s a fantastic player. But the Thunder’s already got their stat stuffer scorer – to the tune of 25.3 ppg and rising. And around that, you need complementary scorers. Not guys that are going to be looking for their shot first and taking possessions away from your top gun. Kobe Bryant doesn’t have a guy he’s competing to get shots with. LeBron doesn’t. Dwyane Wade doesn’t. And Kevin Durant shouldn’t. They have guys like Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol, Mo Williams, Delonte West, Michael Beasley and Jermaine O’Neal to balance the scoring. Jeff Green is a perfect complementary player. Russell Westbrook can score, but he (supposedly) is a pass first guy. Thabo Sefolosha obviously isn’t a scoring-minded guard. Nenad Krstic just takes shots when he’s open or set up. This team is Durant’s and it should stay that way. Keep Reading…