Monday Bolts – 7.11.11
Jenni Carlson says Yao opened China up for KD: “And that’s good news for Thunder fans. Durant can grow his brand while playing here in Oklahoma City. Granted, being a big brand isn’t the be all, end all for players — being able to contend for championships is a big deal, too — but it’s one thing that Oklahoma City doesn’t have to worry about when it comes to the face of the franchise. He doesn’t have to be in one of those major cities to be known all across the globe. Durant has Yao to thank for that. OKC has the big man to thank for that, too.”
Kendrick Perkins returned to his hometown Beaumont with a big smile: “He was at the park to greet kids who were signing up for his basketball camp that will be held next month at Ozen. “I’m goofy all the time,” Perkins said. “My wife calls me a big teddy bear.” One thing Perkins guarantees is that he isn’t headed to Turkey, or anywhere outside of the United States, for that matter.”
KD is apparently popular in China too.
A Wizards fan looking for a Thunder path for his team, but an interesting note on Sam Presti: “I will translate: he didn’t invent analytics, he successfully applied them to pull NBA Finals MVP Tony Parker out of the ether. When you think about the dominance of the Spurs and the reputation of their scouting department, Presti’s legacy gets that much more impressive. Maybe Westbrook’s success shouldn’t really have surprised anyone.”
On the Drew League, where James Harden’s been playing lately.
NBPA vice president Mo Evans: “I personally don’t believe the numbers. The NBPA, we don’t believe the numbers. They haven’t been open with us in opening up their books. For example, the Pistons were just sold and … the NBPA doesn’t have the opportunity to review the sale and see what the player costs are, just see the numbers so that we can try to remedy the situation.”
What does the USA’s fifth place finish in the FIBA under-19 games mean?
Bill Simmons’ outstanding lockout column: “Of course, that doesn’t mean the owners should drop a nuclear bomb, either. But the league needs to decide — fundamentally, right now, this month — where it’s going these next 10 years before figuring out anything else. Mention contraction to any league official and they shudder. We can’t do that, we can’t lose those jobs. BUT YOU CAN CANCEL A SEASON??? What???? How does that make sense? You don’t think we’re going to lose jobs during a one-year lockout … not to mention fan interest and TV ratings? How dense can you be?”