Wednesday Bolts – 7.30.14
Ken Berger of CBSSports.com on Durant: “Now, James has gone home and opened up a whole new avenue for stars to follow. Durant’s commitment to Oklahoma City is about to enter a two-year window that will test all the boundaries. Durant has felt the love in OKC, and OKC has received plenty in return. How long that can last is the great unknown as the NBA’s free-agent merry-go-round approaches the next stop.”
Ben Golliver of SI.com: “Put all of those elements together — his personality, his sterling track record, his devotion, his skill, his desire to win and the Thunder’s bottom-line decisions — and it’s clear that there will be no possible justification for begrudging Durant should he decide to leave Oklahoma City. Like James and Carmelo Anthony, who explored his options this summer before re-signing with the Knicks, Durant seems keen on the flexibility that free agency will afford him. On Monday, and then again Tuesday, Durant refused to commit himself to the Thunder past his current deal, even if doing so — even indirectly or through a bit of lip service — would alleviate some of the questions that he is already facing about his future.”
Serge Ibaka says he’s not 100 percent yet.
Zach Harper of CBSSports.com on Ibaka: “I have no idea how long it’s supposed to take to recover from a complete rupture in your calf but that sounds incredibly painful. If he’s not 100 percent for the international tournament action in September, I can’t imagine the Thunder would let him play in those games. There’s no upside for them and they’ll want him to be 100 percent for training camp at the end of September. Ibaka has been so important for this team’s growth. His development into one of the best defensive big men after mostly being a wild shot blocker has been the difference between the Thunder being a really good team and the Thunder being able to still contend for titles after trading away James Harden. He’s also become a very solid safety valve scoring option for Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook to pass off to.”
Durant on Derrick Rose: “Different guys lead different ways,” Durant said. “Derrick is not like a ‘rah-rah’ type of player, screaming in guys’ faces (or) yelling. But he leads by example by how hard he plays, how much he cares. He’ll be vocal here and there but you could tell when it’s time to go he’s going to be ready. It’s great to play alongside him.”
