Tuesday Bolts – 9.10.13
Kelly Dwyer of BDL: “‘Dependable’ might be a curious choice of words for a player that missed out on the last nine games of his team’s 2013 playoff run, someone that is coming off of a significant meniscus tear (a scary injury that sees you back on the court quicker than ACL tear sufferers, but one that leaves you far more prone to reoccurring knee wear and tear). We use the word not because, prior to Patrick Beverley’s feint, Westbrook had not missed a single game due to injury dating back to his high school years, but because (more than ever) his Oklahoma City Thunder will be relying on Westbrook’s All-NBA-level production to chase after that elusive NBA championship. They’re going to badly depend on it, as the West gets deeper and tougher. It’s a strange word to use for someone that is known as much for his 4-15 nights from the field as he is all-around brilliance, but this is where the Thunder are at now. James Harden and Kevin Martin are gone, with only increased usage from Westbrook and Kevin Durant to take their place (unless you think second year guard Jeremy Lamb is ready for his close up), and Oklahoma City’s chances rest on Westbrook returning to becoming a high-efficiency, high-scoring, high-energy playmaker. Coming off the first real (and major) injury of his playing career, can Westbrook handle it? Depends.”
KD took some heat for the way his Redskins performed last night. First, Russell Westbrook, then KD responded, then Serge Ibaka, and then the capper with LeBron: “Can somebody please check on @KDTrey5. He may be heading to the ledge! Hahahaha.”
Chad Ford’s ridiculously early mock: “Oklahoma City is the rare team loaded with both veteran talent and interesting young players at virtually every position. They don’t really need anything right now, making Micic an attractive option. Micic was terrific in the U-19s this summer and proved he could hang with some of the top collegians on Team USA. He might be the headiest point guard in the draft and could be a nice long-term fit in OKC.”
KD and Seymour Hoffman star in a weird YouTube video.
Nets Daily is already off and running with KD’s 2016 free agency: “Could the Nets owner be talking about KD? Again, do the Nets play in Brooklyn? Of course, he is. Note as well the Prokhorov said “two years from now,” as in 2015, not 2016. If all goes well, the Nets should be under the luxury tax threshold and be able to complete sign-and-trades, as well as sign players to the MLE and BAE. They will have flexibility. Anyone think stars don’t notice what the Nets have done this summer, showing a willingness to spend, spend, spend? Pundits may shake their heads, but fans and players notice, particularly when their own billionaire owner is trying to do all he can to avoid the luxury tax.”
