Monday Bolts – 12.12.11

Kendrick Perkins’ summer charges for a bar fight were dropped: “The hardest thing about it is I just wasn’t able to talk to the Thunder organization because of the lockout. So I wasn’t able to explain my side. But at the end of the day, it’s no use of explaining it. The charges got dismissed. I’m happy that happened. I’m trying to just move forward … “I’d really just like to apologize to the Thunder just for having the bad press. Because that’s not what I wanted to bring to this situation.”

Perk dropped 30 pounds in the offseason. John Rohde on the new Perk: “Perkins could be walking a fine line here, however. Thunder general manager Sam Presti traded for a brawny Perkins, not a budding Nutrisystems spokesperson. Though he has lost some weight, Perkins evidently has not lost his nasty disposition on the court. “He’s still mean,” Brooks deadpanned. “He’s still pushing people, and he’s grumpy. We need grumpy Perk. He’s ready.”

Darnell Mayberry on Thabo as an offensive weapon: “Sefolosha has had plenty of chances in a Thunder uniform, and I’m not here to say he deserves more or even the same. But perhaps a part of the answer to the riddle that is Sefolosha’s offense lies in allowing him to drive. He’s been turnover prone in the past. But nobody’s asking him to make plays. Only to attack the defense. It’s a simple fix while we continue waiting on his shooting to sharpen.”

Perk tweet: “by the way im giving away two game tickets every home game sooo be ready.”

Via the AP: “Three of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s players have been slowed by injuries in the early days of training camp. Coach Scott Brooks said Sunday that guards James Harden and Reggie Jackson were both dealing with groin injuries and Nazr Mohammed had a sore lower back. Brooks says all three are considered day-to-day and that they will “be back soon.” All three were at the team’s practice on Sunday.”

The Clippers are apparently close to signing Chris Paul. Neat.

Jason Fleming of HoopsWorld says Russell Westbrook should be a lock for an extension: “Provided the Thunder don’t mess around with numbers, Westbrook should be a slam dunk extension, too. Considering he also could qualify for the 30% (as did teammate Kevin Durant), doesn’t that kind of production demand a max offer?”