Daily Thunder.com

Joe Kaiser of ESPN Insider on Kevin Martin: “In Martin’s case, his shooting appears to really be benefiting from having a point guard like Russell Westbrook who’s so good at penetrating the lane, drawing in defenders and kicking it out to the open guy. HoopData.com reveals that 91.2 percent of Martin’s 3s this season have been assisted, which is a bump up from the 80.8-to-86.4 range he’s averaged on a per-season basis over the previous six seasons with Sacramento and Houston.”

Jason Gallagher of Baller Ball on Oak City: “This one goes out to you, members of the broadcast media who insist on calling Oklahoma City — “Oak City.” I get it. I know it’s rough – 6 syllables is a lot – given that it’s your job to speak and all — but give it a rest. I lived right outside of Oklahoma City for a good 5 years and never once heard a native, visitor, or anyone in that prideful state, call it “Oak City.” In fact, it really annoys every single Oklahoman I know. Nobody calls Kansas City — “Kan City” so there is no point in trying to make “Oak City” happen because it won’t. Like an ex-girlfriend told me once “Stop it and leave it… or my cousin and his friends are going to jump you after school.” So minus the cousin thing… I think you are not only doing a disservice to the Oklahoma City community but to the fine people of the real Oak City — Oak City, Utah.” Keep Reading…

Terry Pluto of the Plain-Dealer speculating: “In the past, there has been a lot of trade talk about Varejao, but the Cavs never were real close to trading their 6-10 veteran. Their price has always been high — something like a lottery pick and perhaps other young players. The teams that treasure Varejao’s skills are contenders with low draft picks. That has not created suitable trading partners. It’s possible — with Varejao having a career season — that could change. Oklahoma City owns multiple picks, including a possible lottery pick that originally belonged to Toronto (protected for picks 1 to 3). You can imagine Varejao adding some lightning to the Thunder. But who knows if there will be a deal.”

Ian Levy of Hickory High looks at Westbrook’s post game: “He’s being smarter, using his physical attributes to his advantage better than he has in years past and making a conscious effort to take better shots. Fewer predetermined moves and more reading the defense. Fewer fade-aways, more going to the rim. He’s realized that his speed and quickness can be used to his advantage more when he faces his man up. He knows he can use his strength as more of a weapon when he’s trying to get to the rim and it becomes useless when he just fades away. His post game has been years in the making. It’s still in the making, frankly. He’s still shooting just 41.7%, so it’s not like he’s great yet. But he’s getting there, slowly but surely.” Keep Reading…