Monday Bolts – 7.13.09

John Denton, writing for ESPN, says the best player in Orlando was Russell Westbrook: “When Russell Westbrook was

in Orlando last summer, he was mostly an afterthought as scouts, coaches, media and even players clamored to see 2008’s top pick, Derrick Rose, square off against No. 2 pick Michael Beasley. This summer, however, Westbrook had the stage all to himself with Rose not playing summer ball and Miami not fielding a team. And Westbrook proved himself to be far and away the best player in Orlando.”

Henry Abbott with some Summer League thoughts: “Is two Summer League sessions one too many? The Thunder, the only team playing in both Summer Leagues, just came off five games in five days in Orlando, with most of their primary names logging big minutes. The team looked exhausted Sunday in its 86-57 loss to Memphis. The Thunder recorded 22 turnovers, but only 20 field goals.”

David Thorpe says James Harden can really (something) pass the ball.

Gary Washburn writing about the Thunder’s future, including a tidbit about James Harden’s likely role: “The graybeard in the OKC starting lineup is Krstic, who doesn’t turn 26 until July 25. The Thunder could start Russell Westbrook at point and Sefolosha at shooting guard with Durant and Green. Presti’s primary concern in the summer of 2010 is whether Durant will want to sign a five-year contract extension or three-year deal. If he chooses the latter option, Durant could be a 25-year-old unrestricted free agent in 2013 and perhaps a couple of All-Star appearances on his resume. It all depends on how much he likes Oklahoma City and how quickly the Thunder progresses into a contender. Presti said Harden is likely to come off the bench to begin his rookie season, and he astutely signed former No. 4 pick Shaun Livingston, who appears close to recovery from a devastating left knee injury that nearly cost him his career.”

A Celtics assistant coach had some nice words about Westbrook: “[Gabe Pruitt] shot well, he did a good job getting into the paint and taking care of the ball,” said Celtics assistant coach Mike Longabardi. “Russell Westbrook [of the Thunder] was definitely the best point guard here, but you can make an argument Gabe was the next guy. He’s just got to continue to work, continue to stay ready, and we’ll see what happens.”

Nick Collison, making me chuckle again via Twitter: “Back to seattle after the OKC/Des Moines/Paducah, KY tour. Who am I? Def Leapord?”

Sam Presti with Sam Amico: “It’s easy to think NBA summer league rosters are thrown together at the last minute. You take a couple of second-year players, a few draft picks, and a bunch of young guys who may or may not be playing in the NBA at some point. But believe it or not, a little more goes into it than that. “With the summer league, every team obviously puts a lot of focus on its own players,” Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti told PBN. “But you also need to fill out the roster and put a team on the floor that can function.”

Darnell Mayberry on Russell Westbrook: “When it’s all said and done, the 20-year-old point guard could return as the most improved Thunder player when the roster reconvenes in Oklahoma City in the fall. The writing is on the wall. Westbrook is largely more patient. He’s no longer forcing the issue as often as he did as a bright-eyed rookie last season. He’s now looking for options out of ball screens that don’t just end in a shot attempt by No. 0, or worse, a turnover.”

James Harden explains (or doesn’t) the hand kiss: “Q: Where did the hand kiss after 3-pointers come from? What does it mean? A: It doesn’t really have a background. I started doing it in high school with a few of my teammates.”

The Jazz are looking to match Portland’s offer to Millsap: “This is just my interpretation of what was said Saturday, but Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor made three comments that suggested the team was inclined to match the four-year, $32 million offer sheet Paul Millsap signed with Portland. O’Connor has vowed to match any offer to Millsap that isn’t in the realm of the “really outrageous.” His comments Saturday seemed to suggest that an $8 million a year offer by the Trail Blazers doesn’t fit that definition.”