Thursday Bolts – 2.26.09

Dime asks who’s better: Kevin Durant or Danny Granger: “He’s 6-10 and was put on Earth to shoot jumpers. Is there a

better combination than that? People say that LeBron James is the toughest guy to guard in the League right now, and I’d probably agree with that. But within a couple of years, I honestly think it’s going to be Kevin Durant. First of all, he’s still as physically mature as a cub. There’s something awkward about KD when he’s walking in the street – he’s still 2-3 years away from being as fully coordinated as he will become. So what will happen when he becomes a touch more explosive, a bit more fluid, and most importantly, more confident going to the basket? Pair that with his already automatic jumper, and what do you have? At Danny Granger’s age (25), KD will be the next Kobe Bryant.”

The Blowtorch lists players he thinks he could beat in a fight and two Thunder-ers made his list: “This is me. I am 6 feet 5 inches tall, and I weigh around 220 pounds. I am 25 years old. According to

, I’m just about the average NBA player, except the 4ish years of experience. Unfortunately, I’ve yet to be called up from the Glendale Heights Park District Men’s A League. I’m surprised, too. I’m pretty even-keeled. I don’t have a terrible temper, but I also won’t back down from a confrontation. Two Sundays ago, I nearly started a riot at my men’s league game, due to an intentional foul. While I’m not actively seeking out fights, if someone were to start one with me, I’m going to defend myself. Of course, I’m a genial fellow, so I haven’t been in a legitmate fight since 4th grade when I beat up Mike Punkachar in my living room.”

Bill Simmons had The Soup’s Joel McHale on the B.S. Report and they talk Sonics. Big ups to Joel McHale. They start the Sonic talking at about 27:30.

Ping-pong derby: “The Thunder might have surprised itself with some rollicking performance through January and February, but that hasn’t allowed OKC to climb out of the Dungeon of Suck. After back-to-back wins over the Kings and Blazers early this month, Oklahoma City has reeled off six straight losses against an admittedly tough schedule. It actually does get a bit easier soon.”

Thorpe dropped Russell Westbrook a spot in his rookie watch: “Despite the fact Westbrook is committing more turnovers per game now than ever — largely because his minutes have increased — I like what I’m seeing from him. He’s definitely learning how to play a strong two-man game, in which he attacks and reads the defender of either his screener or his closest teammate. But that is not the toughest part of playing the point in the NBA. This is: Learning how to read and react to the other six players on the floor, in response to the two-man game action. The brilliant point guards — like Kidd, Paul, Nash and Williams — can get the ball to any of their four teammates while attacking their own defender and the nearest one as well. In reality, this is how point guards can “make teammates better” — by finding them for easy baskets when the average point guard would likely miss the opportunity. If Westbrook is to become the All-Star he’s capable of growing into, this is one of the key areas he’ll need to improve in.”

Kevin Durant had his jersey retired last night in Austin. Good for him: “On his first night back in town, Kevin Durant unveiled the newest in fashionable shoewear, and it embodied all that this 20-year-old basketball phenom holds dear. Seventeen sayings reflective of his work ethic on the soles of the sneaker. Everything from “40 minutes early to practice” to “Grandma brings dinner to gym.” Tributes to his mother and father on the inside of the tongues of his KD1 with a postal stamp and security guard badge inscription representing his blue-collar parents’ professions. (His father, Wayne Pratt, still hasn’t quit his job.) The cost is a relatively affordable $88 because Durant wanted it priced lower than most sneakers.”

Start saving now Presti. If CP3 wants out of NOLA, then I recommend trying to get him: “Some don’t think they can: “So, put yourself in Paul’s shoes for a second. (No, you don’t get his paycheck.) He’s the face of the franchise. He signed an extension that could keep him in New Orleans until at least the summer of 2012. Yet the franchise is looking to trade away basketball assets for financial assets. What happens if Paul becomes convinced the Hornets don’t have the capacity to field a competitive team? He might already have come to that conclusion. He’s going to want out, right? So while we focus on the free agent class of 2010, keep an eye on things in the Big Easy. I don’t think teams are going to have to wait until 2012 to make a pitch for Chris Paul.”

Tyson Chandler had 10 points and 17 rebounds last night for NOLA. But seriously though, that toe is going to explode any day now… any day now: “Chandler started his second consecutive game Wednesday night. In his first game back since Jan. 19, Chandler scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in New Orleans’ 112-105 victory at Sacramento on Monday night. He finished with 10 points and 17 rebounds against the Pistons. Chandler rejoined teammates last Thursday after boarding the team’s chartered flight to Los Angeles. He did not play against the Lakers on Friday night or against Utah on Saturday night.”

Fanhouse’s power rankings: “Kevin Durant is a bona fide scorer in this league, and will be for many years to come. But if you watch closely, he doesn’t dominate in stretches or take games over the way Kobe or LeBron can. Yet — it’s only year two.”

Kevin Durant, HORSE god: “Kevin Durant let his hair down following Wednesday’s practice, entering into a jovial game of H-O-R-S-E with teammate Russell Westbrook and a team official. After Durant won the first game without receiving a single letter, he jokingly shouted, “I’m the best H-O-R-S-E player ever. Tell Kobe (Bryant). Tell LeBron (James). Tell Chris Paul.”