Thursday Bolts – 2.26.15
Eric Freeman of BDL: “Whether these accomplishments add up to an MVP season depends on many factors, including OKC’s final record, Westbrook’s final stats, the effectiveness of Durant when he returns from injury, and the ongoing performances and finishes of Curry and Harden. For that matter, Westbrook hasn’t assuaged all concerns (misplaced or not) that he’s too volatile to succeed, because certain won’t be satisfied until he wins several championships, if even then. Nevertheless, this month has served as a convincing statement on his abilities. When called upon, Westbrook is perfectly capable of serving as the Thunder’s primary scorer and facilitator. He’s as essential to the franchise’s title hopes as is his co-star. Who knows, maybe Durant will be the one sneaking a peak at Westbrook’s hardware in a few months.”
Kelly Dwyer of BDL with wise thoughts on Michelle Roberts’ media blast: “Just because some reporters don’t ask “a [bleeping] question,” it doesn’t mean they’re not working – it’s usually because the needed amount of bland pablum the athlete just provided for a column was already worked over by the initial three or four questions, and there’s no real need to dive in to secure yet another round of athlete autospeak. NBA fans can catch up on this when the league starts televising its postgame podium conferences during the playoffs – maybe one in five media attendees will ask an actual question, but really what more is there to say? All of us, players and media, are taking this one game at a time. Understand that we don’t like this, either.”
Darnell Mayberry with a feature on Mitch McGary: “In his first meaningful professional minutes earlier this month, McGary, last year’s 21st overall pick out of Michigan, scored 19 points with 10 rebounds off the bench against the Los Angeles Clippers. One night later, McGary posted 17 points and 10 rebounds at Denver. His passion was palpable. His energy was contagious. His hustle was indefensible. All of those things make up the story of McGary’s basketball life. But nagging injuries to his back, left foot and shins became setbacks that caused him to miss 40 games this season and delayed Thunder fans from receiving the full Mitch McGary experience. But his time finally has come, and he’s making the most of it. Just like he’s always done.”
Shaun Powell of NBA.com on Kevin Durant: “This is far removed from the boyish and friendly player who broke down while throwing a heartfelt tribute to his mother as he accepted the MVP award (voted on by the media) last summer. But you know what? His public about-face matters little to the Thunder and Oklahoma City. They could care less. They’re not terribly worried about Durant’s testiness now. What about the summer of 2016? Ah, yes. That’s when they want him happy. The public sometimes gets irritated when the subject of free agency is raised, especially when — in this instance — Durant won’t hit the market for another 16 months. But you better believe the Thunder organization is mindful, given how much Durant means to the franchise. Only the naive would dismiss that. And so, do you suspect the Thunder had Durant in mind when they pulled the trigger on recent deals designed not only to help OKC now, but in the near future? Again: Only the naive …”
Berry Tramel on the Thunder chasing the Spurs: “On those 14 games, both San Antonio and OKC have eight road games and six home games. Of those 14 games, the Spurs play eight games against teams with winning records, while the Thunder plays seven games against teams with winning records. Of those 14 games, the Spurs play five games against teams with at least a .600 winning percentage, the Thunder plays six games against teams with at least a .600 winning percentage. In other words, pretty even.”
Ben Alamar to Bleacher Report talking analytics: “Well, when [Morey] got Harden, Barkley himself thought that Morey was overpaying for him. Analytics help you identify talent and to project forward who is going to be that superstar. When we drafted Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City, a lot of people said we were dumb….Now he’s being talked about as an MVP candidate. The analytics helped that (choice).”
Bill Simmons has Serge Ibaka 19th in his trade value column: “Who cares about Serge’s Trade Value ranking? Who cares that he’s inexplicably turning himself into an outside shooter and not spending nearly enough time in the paint? Who cares that his numbers leveled off until the All-Star Break, after which we witnessed a full-fledged Renibakassance and went back to doing Ibaka things? Who cares that Serge might become this summer’s panic trade fall guy if OKC misses the playoffs or gets bounced in Round 1? Serge Ibaka is the star of Grantland’s first feature documentary film, Son of the Congo, premiering at South by Southwest next month.”
