Wednesday Bolts – 7.29.15

Jenni Carlson on the orange unis: “Certainly feels that way around here now, but because we were a college-only-sports state for so long and so passionately, it took our brains a bit to re-calibrate. That’s why the Thunder didn’t roll out an orange jersey right away. That’s why it waited seven years. Every fan doesn’t love the orange alternate uniforms. That much is clear. But Bedlam allegiances are no longer all things to all people all the time.  Paradise lost? Not even close.”

Dion Waiters answered questions last night, and I found it interesting that he said “disagree” when asked about winning Sixth Man of the Year. Disagree because he won’t win it, or because he won’t be eligible, i.e., because he’ll be starting?

This box score cracked me up. It’s from the Thunder’s preseason game against Fener a few years ago, where apparently Derek Fisher is the only guy that played.

Kevin Durant watched DeAndre Jordan get heckled.

Cam Payne goes No. 4 in a re-done draft based on nicknames.

Kevin Pelton of ESPN Insider with under the radar 2016 free agents: “Having lost four starters over the offseason, the Blazers have more minutes and larger roles to offer their young players. Crabbe and Leonard, along with fellow impending free agent Maurice Harkless, could be beneficiaries. Crabbe averaged 15.5 points during an impressive run in the NBA summer league in Las Vegas, and he figures to earn extended playing time as Portland’s best shooter on the wing. Leonard, the only NBA player to post a 50/40/90 season in 2014-15, will also provide much-needed floor spacing for the Blazers’ traditional pick-and-roll big men, Ed Davis and Mason Plumlee. He has a good shot at doubling last year’s 847 minutes played after emerging as Portland’s best partner for departed LaMarcus Aldridge during the playoffs.”

Matt Barnes talked more trash about Serge Ibaka.

Zach Harper of CBSSports.com on if KD is still the second best player: “Unequivocally yes. I think the majority of basketball fans can on some level see or even admit that LeBron James is the top player in the world. Some people outside of that will have an inkling to go with the new shiny object in Anthony Davis. And Anthony Davis will be that guy some day. It may even be some day soon. You could go with MVP Stephen Curry or runner-up MVP James Harden or try to come up with another player who may deserve consideration if we play the “What if” game through enough rounds. But the answer is still hands down Kevin Durant. He didn’t go away. He didn’t lose his talents. He isn’t a broken man. At least, we hope not. He’s still the Slim Reaper or the Durantula or just that lanky 6’11” guy pretending to be a shorter height in an effort to make his insane game on the court make a lot more sense. He’s the best scorer in basketball. He’s one of the best scorers of all time. He has a complete game, and when he steps back on the court this coming season, we’ll remember exactly what we were missing for 55 games and the playoffs in 2014-15. It’s Durant and it shouldn’t be close … at least not yet.”