Monday Bolts – 4.27.15

Chad Ford of ESPN Insider’s last mock: “The future in OKC has never been more clouded. They have two superstars in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, but the long-term future of both players has never been in more doubt. The team could lose both to free agency in the next few summers. But for now their best chance to keep them around is to give them one more shot a title next year. Assuming the Thunder find a way to re-sign Enes Kanter this summer, their biggest need is at the 2, where the combination of Dion Waiters, Anthony Morrow, Jeremy Lamb and Andre Roberson has played to decidedly mixed reviews. I think a player such as Hunter could thrive in OKC. Despite his shooting slump this season, he’s an elite shooter, with crazy range, who can handle the ball and defend. He’s a potential upgrade over all four perimeter players mentioned above.”

Darnell Mayberry on the next coach’s fit: “Sixty-four players have put on the Oklahoma City Thunder uniform over the past seven seasons. Each has given us an intimate understanding of exactly what the Thunder looks for in a player. There are the athletic requirements that OKC prioritizes, such as length, athleticism and versatility. And then there is the character component, a player being willing to accept his role, someone who will be a hard worker and a team player and someone who will commit to making the Oklahoma City community better. Now we’re about to find out what the Thunder looks for in a coach.”

The NewsOK coaching bracket has some weird names.

Mark Rodgers for City Sentinel: “If you need a reason for the cumulative effect that occurred in 2015 here they are. Team chemistry was shattered by bad actor Reggie Jackson early in the season. Players coaches should be able to remedy such situations. In a loss at New Jersey, Jackson was frozen out for allegedly not suiting up in the prior game based on his contract situation. Straight circus. A loss to the woeful Knicks and a blowout in Sacramento with a full roster cost the franchise millions in playoff revenue. That’s 2015. Persistent long term issues were poor defensive fundamentals, extremely poor shot selection and inexplicably poor execution in late game situations that made one wonder why Brooks owned a clipboard. All enough to change direction on the bench.”

These type of completely uneducated, misinformed takes are really annoying.

Tom Thibodeau on his future: “It’s all noise. That’s why it’s so important, I think, to establish a routine. You stick to it no matter what. You do it each and every day, nothing should ever change. Put everything you have into getting ready to play and understanding what goes into winning. All that stuff’s a bunch of nonsense.”

Billy Donovan is staying silent.

Florida beat writer Edgar Thompson of the Orlando Sentinel: “Donovan weathered the Gators’ struggles last season much better, a quality he will need during the emotional rollercoaster an of 82-game NBA season. Donovan also runs an NBA-friendly offense, featuring excellent spacing and the ability to get his players open shots. He also knows how to get his players to accept their roles and thrive in them, a key in a star-driven league like the NBA. Donovan has produced his share of NBA talent at Florida. The playoffs opened with 10 Gators still playing, more than any other college program. Add it all up and Donovan has the tools and track record to succeed at the next level.”