Friday Bolts – 5.24.13

Nike released this statement: “Nike will donate footwear and apparel valued at approximately $1 million to assist those communities most in need via Good360, a nonprofit organization that will distribute the product to prequalified charities. In partnership with Kevin Durant, we will also donate all profits from the sale of his signature shoe, the KD V Elite, sold on nike.com (gonike.me/OKC ) between May 23 and June 15 in equal amounts to Kaboom, a national non-profit that rebuilds playgrounds, and the Moore Public School Foundation, an Oklahoma organization that supports the Moore Public School District.”

Darnell Mayberry: “For the first time in his career, Durant didn’t, taking a step back this season. The Thunder was eliminated in the second round, as a knee injury to Russell Westbrook derailed what potentially could have been a championship season. Most would agree that the 24-year-old Durant has plenty of time to cement his place among the all-time greats with a championship. But the fact remains that, regardless of the reasons, this is the third straight season that a championship-caliber Thunder team has fallen short. In no way is that an indictment on the franchise or the strides that have been made. But rather it’s an acknowledgment of just how difficult it is to reach the pinnacle of success, which raises the question of how repeated shortcomings might fuel Durant this summer.”

The Thunder are Sports Business Journal’s team of the year: “In five years, the Thunder has become a small-market sensation, known as much for its community involvement as its on-court success. A powerhouse at the turnstile, the Thunder rank among the top teams in the NBA in attendance and season-ticket renewals, despite its small market. The team boasts an aggressive use of social media and leads the league in local television ratings. It has become the gold standard for team business practices, whether it’s innovative approaches to sponsorship or fan engagement strategies.”

Berry Tramel: “Oklahoma cheers on the Thunder. Now the Thunder is cheering on Oklahoma. Oh, cheer’s not the right word. Cheering up is more like it. When Kevin Durant walked through neighborhoods with the American Red Cross, and Presti, Thabo Sefolosha, Scotty Brooks, Daniel Orton, Hasheem Thabeet and Russell Westbrook, crutches and all, toured the ravaged areas, I’d say it was the best moment of Oklahoma City’s seven NBA seasons. Affinity for the Thunder is indisputable. Thunder gear made up maybe 10 percent of the wardrobe I saw worn by the displaced people milling around what once was their homes.”

Our friends at The Lost Ogle are organizing some tornado benefit things, like a concert on Saturday. Check it out.

Cool piece by Matt Norlander of CBSSports.com on what players each team drafts: “The Thunder’s 11 foreign draft picks are bested only by two other teams. Oklahoma City is one of four teams to allot 35 percent or more of its draft picks to one group. You can also see the local love for Big 12.”

David Ramsey of Reggie Jackson’s hometown paper: “When Grantz first saw Jackson, he sensed Reggie could become the best high school player in the Springs. He did not see a journey to the NBA. Jackson transformed himself through tireless labor. During the school year, he followed a ruthless routine, arising at 5 a.m. for an hour of lifting at the downtown YMCA, followed by 500 jump shots in the Palmer gym. He finished this routine before his first class. He enjoyed the benefit of blossoming late. He didn’t start as a sophomore at Palmer, and college coaches failed to chase him until the summer after his junior year. He finally became a teen celebrity during his senior season. Jackson averaged 29.6 points and carried the Terrors to 24 wins in 27 games.”

Wayne Coyne writing for the Daily Beast: “I think the people of Oklahoma City are resilient, but I think it always happens in communities—people have the desire to help. They have a sense that even though you may not know each other, we’re all one. I saw this happen in Boston, too, because I have friends there. If you’re even a person sitting at home, you’re compelled to do something. People forget that you could donate $10 to the Red Cross, and that’s all you need to do. If you could do that, that’s a beautiful way to help. But we can always help each other, and it shouldn’t always take a tragedy to make us realize this. If you can’t help the people of Moore, see how the people on your street are doing.”