Monday Bolts: 8.28.17

KD says the Pacers “gave away” Paul George: “Paul George is so good. A lot of people disrespect him. Because I play against him and I respect my position. So that was shocking because Indiana just gave him away. And I ain’t think OKC would even think about giving up anything to trade for him. I didn’t think they would do it.”

Russell Westbrook’s former college coach says Russ can average a triple-double again: “Ben Howland, who coached Westbrook at UCLA from 2006 to 2008, disagrees. To Howland, another triple-double season is very much possible — even with more help around and less pressure on the NBA’s reigning MVP. “The best indicator of the future is what’s happened in the past,” Howland said. “The fact that he did it last year, absolutely he can do it again.”

Billy Donovan is in New Zealand bonding with Steven Adams: “Somewhere off the coast of Wellington, New Zealand on Saturday – it still was Friday back in Oklahoma City – Thunder center Steven Adams and his coach, Billy Donovan, had other priorities. As part of a party on a fishing boat, they watched as lines were cast and divers dove, producing lobster and blue cod and sea urchin that the passengers ate fresh out of the water. “I got skunked” as a fisherman, Donovan said in a Saturday phone interview with The Oklahoman from Wellington. “I sat there and watched. But I ate a lot of what was on the boat, I’ll tell you that.”

Paul George was at the Mayweather/McGregor fight with Draymond Green: “The Warriors’ Draymond Green and the Thunder’s Paul George are together in Las Vegas to check out the Conor McGregor-Floyd Mayweather weigh-in and fight. The two NBA All-Stars excitedly made an appearance on Showtime‘s Instagram Story, and they talked about why they’re pulling for Mayweather on SportsCenter.”

Paul George on the Lakers: “He said that transaction was difficult because he “really loves Indiana.” “I grew up there, I became a man there, a lot of obstacles I’ve overcame there, and they had my back,” George said. “We’ll see,” he continued, addressing the idea of joining the Lakers next season. “I’m a Thunder, and my job is to give them the best I have this year and see what happens after that.”

Doug McDermott is eligible for a contract extension until October 16: “Sharpshooter Doug McDermott also has until Oct. 16 to extend. He’s the only Thunder player eligible to sign a “rookie-scale extension.” But that contract may never actually come. The Thunder employed three players eligible for such contracts heading into last season. They ended up signing center Steven Adams and shooting guard Victor Oladipo to four-year deals. They were unable to work an agreement with defensive stopper Andre Roberson.”

Steven Adams on playing for the New Zealand national team: “Adams was pressed whether the Olympics presented the best chance of him featuring. “If the time is right I’ll help out, but they can’t solely rely on one player. Our system has got to be good. If I didn’t exist, there would still be a problem.”

The Oklahoma State men’s basketball team will wear custom Nike PG1’s next season

A list of ways you can assist the victims of Hurricane Harvey: “Southeastern Texas has been pummeled with unprecedented flooding this weekend after the arrival of Hurricane Harvey, leaving thousands of residents stranded and in need of help. Here are some ways that you can assist victims of the storm.”