Monday Bolts – 7.11.16

Anthony Slater: “What about Lance Stephenson? He may be a bit too unpredictable for

the Thunder to invest the required money. Gerald Green? He might be a decent stopgap later in the process, infusing some needed shooting. But those guys have to want to come to OKC, a market that has had trouble luring free agents even when Durant was there. So how about a trade? Rudy Gay is reportedly on the block. He’s making $13.3 million next season and has a player option for $14.2 million the year after. He has severe flaws, but fills OKC’s biggest need: some size and scoring at the small forward position. If the Kings just want to dump him, OKC could renounce Waiters and absorb him into its cap space. But the Waiters decision may be forced first, before Presti even wants to set his organization out in its next direction. He could sign elsewhere at any moment, setting the deadline to match at three days.”

Chris Cillizza of the WaPo on the Players Tribune: “That Durant chose to make his decision known on The Players Tribune — and that something like it even exists — speaks to the changing face of breaking news and news more generally. From time immemorial until about ten (or so) years ago, if a politician, athlete or celebrity needed to say something that they wanted everyone (or at least most everyone) to hear, they had to go through a mainstream media outlet. That could be print, digital or, usually, TV.”

Shouts to Tim Duncan. The definition of legacy.

Lee Jenkins of SI.com: “There was euphoria in Golden State and agony in Oklahoma City, same as six weeks before, in the wake of the West finals. But the pain was more acute this time and will take longer to subside. Before every game last season, Thunder head coach Billy Donovan slipped into Durant’s locker a hand-written note. Sometimes it was about leadership. Sometimes it was about defense. Sometimes it was just about the upcoming matchup. It was a simple gesture, one of many, underlining OKC’s dedication to Durant. Yes, Westbrook pounds the ball more than Curry, but Westbrook is still one of the three best point guards alive. Yes, Golden State’s attack is more fluid than Oklahoma City’s, but the Thunder still put up the second highest offensive rating of any team in the past five years. If they cannot retain a marquee free agent, after coming up five minutes short of the Finals, what small market can?”

This 7th grader just roasted Russ.

Thunder fan Brooks Walker in a letter to KD: “I think that’s what makes it so shocking. A lot of people felt like he became an Oklahoman. We heard him preach loyalty and embrace “Oklahoma values.” In a way, I think the people feel betrayed. For me, I just don’t really understand it. This roster was set to be the best OKC has had, and we were 5 minutes away from the Finals. Ultimately, I wish him the best, but it hurts that he left what he built. I think this was more than just a ‘basketball decision.'”

Enes Kanter taking jabs at KD.

Anthony Slater: “Payne delivered exactly what you’d expect out of a lottery pick in his second summer: consistent standout play. His was the high scorer among all those in Orlando at 18.8 points per game. His week started with a game-winner, a wing 3 with under two seconds left and OKC down two. Then he tossed up 25 points the next night, which including 14 made free throws on 14 attempts. Payne said he’s added eight pounds since the season ended. He doesn’t look much bigger. But he played a bit sturdier, inviting contact more. He even drove and dunked once. “Normally I’d shoot the floater,” he said. Payne is a major part of the Thunder’s future. Summer league only helped solidify that.”

Berry Tramel: “I suppose we here in Oklahoma hadn’t really noticed, but Durant’s brand had slumped. The injury-plagued 2014-15 season dropped Durant in the public marketplace. His previous two Nike shoes had not sold well. The NBA jersey sales released a few days ago showed Durant No. 8 in the league, which is tall cotton for most but a big drop from the player who once rivaled LeBron and Kobe as the world’s most popular player. Durant needed a jolt on the commercial side of the NBA. His business people knew that, nothing personal against Oklahoma City, but staying put never moves the needle. There’s a bias for action. Doing something would jump-start Durant’s profile. Going to the Warriors would make the biggest splash, so that was encouraged, I’m sure, but going anywhere was the general plan.”

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