Friday Bolts – 11.14.14
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports on Reggie Jackson: “For Jackson, 24, the transformation from sixth man to an impact starter is validating everything that NBA executives and coaches suspected: He could be a star. Jackson turned down a lucrative, rookie contract extension in October, and he’s determined to be a starter in the NBA. He’s generating a market value that’ll test the Thunder’s resolve in restricted free agency this summer. Every night, executives examine Jackson, and his offer sheet possibilities are climbing into the $13 million to $14 million range. As one Eastern Conference executive told Yahoo Sports: ‘He’s a bigger Eric Bledsoe – and probably better.'”
Darnell Mayberry on Lance Thomas: “That every-possession-every-night effort has become invaluable as the Thunder navigates a series of injuries that have reduced its healthy roster to as little as seven players. Thomas, a natural power forward who can swing to small forward, has had to fill in for injured wing players Kevin Durant, Perry Jones and Andre Roberson. For a time, before Jeremy Lamb and Anthony Morrow returned from their respective injuries, Thomas was the only healthy non-point guard the Thunder had on the wing. It resulted in Thomas at times drawing the unenviable assignment of defending perimeter scorers such as Vince Carter, Rudy Gay and Jabari Parker as opposed to battling opposing big men. But Thomas’ ability to be successful against those players has allowed the Thunder to not have to rely solely on a zone defense.”
Who’s the third best player in the NBA?
Anthony Slater on Semaj Christon: “At 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, Christon is bigger than your average point guard. And he’s super athletic, too. That’s what has long made him an intriguing prospect. ESPN’s scouting report lists his strengths as follows: Long, super athletic. Flies up and down the floor. Excellent ballhandler. But his shot is inconsistent and he has had some turnover issues. And that’s what reportedly scared teams away on draft night.”
Westbrook dunking left-handed.
Paul Flannery of SB Nation: “Every win feels significant for the Thunder right now because it is. There is still time to get this right before Durant and Westbrook return, and with players like Jackson, Morrow and Lamb returning to the lineup, there’s enough talent to keep their heads above water. But winning games is particularly important because they play in the Western Conference, where 45 wins gets you an early vacation and even 50 doesn’t make you feel safe.”
Can I just point out how much I loathe these kinds of stories? It’s a “report” that the Raptors will be a contender for Kevin Durant in 2016. But if you read the actual content, and the origin of said “report,” you see it’s Woj talking on Toronto radio saying he “wouldn’t be shocked” if the Raptors went hard after Durant. First, he’s not reporting anything. Second, you know what would shock me? If the Raptors didn’t go hard after Kevin Durant, like basically 29 teams will do. But pass it around everyone, post it on Facebook and tell your friends. The Raptors are going to get Kevin Durant!
