Monday Bolts – 7.2.12

Berry Tramel says Harden isn’t a sure thing to go to London: “If our projection is accurate, it will mark the first time that three sets of teammates — Westbrook and Durant, Paul and Griffin and Anthony and Chandler — have competed on the same summer Olympic team. We’ll find out the actual roster during a selection show Saturday at 6 p.m. on NBA TV. When the names are unveiled, don’t expect to hear Harden’s until 2016.”

A massive 2011 Perry Jones III feature from the New York Times: “There is a circularity to this, a kind of senselessness in which recruiting becomes a game within a game, divorced from the traditional goals associated with a team. Perry Jones III will most likely lead to some version of Perry Jones IV, Perry Jones V and so on — big-time prospects will be drawn to Baylor because it’s a basketball program that signs big-time prospects. Baylor made Jones a better player this season, but he is unlikely to ever become a mature college player, one who develops over time and grows alongside teammates. If he decides to leave Baylor after one season, some N.B.A. team will make him a high pick and an instant millionaire based solely on his potential. His first pro coaches, though, are likely to wish he had gained more experience in college. Tough enough for the Big 12 is not tough enough for professional basketball.”

That one painted Thunder car is for sale.

Berry Tramel on Ibaka/Harden: “I think it’s quite possible that Ibaka will give the Thunder a hometown discount. But I don’t see how it’s going to be enough of a discount for the Thunder to keep Ibaka and also avoid payroll cap hell. As for the idea that the Nick Collisons of the NBA will be bumped down to minimum pay, I think that’s quite likely. I think that’s where teams will try to save money. Pay its top talent whatever it takes, then just fill out the roster with whoever’s available at virtually-minimum wage, including key role players like Collison.”

Kevin Durant won Sportsman of the Year at the BET Awards.

Jeff Green is close to re-signing with the Celtics.

KD, hanging in DC, via the Bog: “Since Oklahoma City lost to LeBron and the Heat in the NBA Finals, plenty of D.C. folks have been playing the always-popular “Spot Kevin Durant” game. DC Fab had him at Cafe Asia last weekend. Reliable Source had him at Eden Lounge early Tuesday morning, drinking Champagne and cognac sans sparklers. Heck, people are even posting photos of Durant outside Smithsonian museums. Early Sunday morning, we had another Durant sighting, this time at Chi-Cha Lounge on U Street.”