Thursday Bolts – 10.24.13

Scoop Jackson of ESPN.com: “You would never ask Kevin Durant to be a facilitator, playmaker or make the shift to point guard. See, Durant is a shooting specialist. A rare instrument of skill and precision. Like the chef’s knife and the violin mentioned above, he was created by a higher power to serve a purpose far beyond that of just cutting food or making music. He shoots, he scores!’ He is the post-Kobe generation’s greatest scorer. On average over the past 6 years, only 3.3 players per season scored more than 26 points per game (4.2 over the past 10 seasons). Over his six-year career, which included three scoring titles, Durant’s scoring average is 26.6 points. His ability to execute that particular skill exceeds any perceived notion that anything different is for the betterment of either team or player. When Russell Westbrook did not fully recover from the meniscus tear that took him out of last season’s playoff run, the Oklahoma City Thunder came out with the plan that Durant would be more of a playmaker and takeover more point guard duties. Not many seemed to mind. I simply shook my head in disgust and bereavement.” I am shaking my head in disgust at that paragraph.

Henry Abbott of TrueHoop: “NBA officials have long cited research showing that the number of people playing hoops in their youth predicts well how many will watch it later in life. In other words, basketball is among the most likely sport children who won’t be allowed to play football will choose instead. Multiplied by millions, that has big implications. Meanwhile, the NBA has massive popularity in China, and a strong head start in India and Africa — where, Stern points out, a combined audience in the neighborhood of 3 billion people is at the ready. To Stern, that means more fans and more television deals.”

The NBA Finals are now 2-2-1-1-1.

KD on Rose: “There’s just certain players that have that ‘it.’ And he’s one of them. A guy that is not going to be denied no matter what injury, bad games, whatever, he’s just going to always bring it. So I knew [his comeback] would be like this.”

Andrew Wiggins doesn’t want to be compared to KD or LeBron.

Could Scott Brooks be on the hot seat this season?

SI.com doesn’t have Russell Westbrook on its preseason All-NBA teams: “Westbrook’s All-NBA candidacy is totally dependent upon when he returns to the court and when he’s able to recapture top form. Although he reportedly took part in a portion of Oklahoma City’s practice this week, Westbrook, 24, isn’t expected back until 4-to-6 weeks into the season, and there will likely be at least some adjustment period once he’s cleared. That’s a huge chunk of the year to lose given the fierce competition among a deep pool of quality guards, even if a fully healthy Westbrook would be a strong contender for his first career First Team selection. It would be a big mistake to totally write him off: Should he return on schedule, Westbrook would have a solid four-and-a-half months to make his case over the likes of Parker (who has been overlooked in the past), Wade (who has missed a chunk of each of the last two seasons) or Curry (who has yet to receive All-NBA recognition).”

BallerBall’s Northwest preview.

Derrick Rose to Russell Westbrook: “Take his time … He’s the only one who knows his body. There’s no need to force anything.”

A very big thank you to everyone that helped out with donations for that special ed teach. I hear she’s incredibly thankful.