Monday Bolts – 7.19.10
Team USA training camp starts today and pretty much the entire Thunder roster is there. Well, not really. But Jeff Green, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant are all involved. Some of the camp will be televised, and then the first exhibition is August 15 against France. I’ve got to say, I’m pretty pumped about this.
A Q&A with Jerry Colangelo from NBA.com: “NBA.com: Can Kevin Durant be a leader with this group? Colangelo: He’s one of the outstanding players in the game today, without question. I’ve been saying that he’s the whole package and I believe he is. Some people lead verbally, some people lead by just a presence, others by performance. And he’s evolving. He’s still developing as a young man. He’s 21 years old. Chauncey Billups gives you veteran backcourt leadership for certain. When you look at some of the headliners, with Amar’e [Stoudemire], Lamar Odom, Chauncey and Durant to begin with, and then you add someone like Rondo, who had an outstanding year and playoff performances, that’s just giving you a few names. We’re going to see it unfold very shortly, and that anticipation and excitement is what gets our juices going too.”
Jenni Carlson writes the Thunder’s better off waiting on Jeff Green’s extension: “The best thing the Thunder can do now is nothing — and that includes not signing Jeff Green. The Thunder could offer him a contract extension this summer just like it did with Durant. Green is going into his fourth season, and before becoming a restricted free agent next summer, the Thunder has the option to do a deal with him. Without a contract extension, Green will be able to field offers from other teams next summer. Then, the Thunder will have a decision — match the highest offer or say goodbye.”
Some Thunder fans in Alaska have created “The Durantula” meal. I believe it’s bacon, hot dog, hamburger, cheese and comes with a side of heart atttack. (You can’t see it all that well in this picture, but on the back it has a big “35”.)
Chris Mannix of SI on Russ’s looming extension: “Count Russell Westbrook among those happy to see Kevin Durant sign an extension with the Thunder. “I think it’s good for him, for his family and for our organization,” Westbrook said. But Westbrook, who is eligible for an extension after next season, wouldn’t say if he was ready to make the same commitment to Oklahoma City. “I’m not worried about it too much,” he said. “Right now, all I’m thinking is about next year and trying to get better. I love Oklahoma City. I love the fans. I love what they have brought to us and we have brought to them.”
On Thunderground Radio this week, the guys discuss Cole Aldrich, KD’s Twitter habits, Al Jefferson’s move to Utah and other stuff.
Daily Thunder officially endorses The Lost Ogle for the Oklahoma Gazette’s Best Website vote. Go vote for them now. NOW I SAID.
If you’re a writer or an aspiring writer, JG has an incredibly interesting post on his blog about character development and writer inspiration. It’s good stuff.