Thursday Bolts: 9.14.17

OKC hired former Magic GM Rob Hennigan: “Hennigan worked for four seasons in the Thunder front office, ascending to assistant general manager before being hired by the Orlando Magic as general manager in 2012. Hennigan was fired in April after the Magic went 132-278 (.322) in five seasons… Hennigan could be in line to fill some of the duties of former Thunder assistant general manager Michael Winger, who was hired by the Los Angeles Clippers as general manager in August.”

The Thunder announced dates for media day and training camp: “The Oklahoma City Thunder will hold its annual media day on Monday, Sept. 25 at Chesapeake Energy Arena, the team announced today. All Thunder players and Head Coach Billy Donovan will be available for interviews and photo availability from 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.”

ESPN has Paul George at #13 on its list of Top 100 players: “Not only does George give the Thunder another shot creator to take pressure off Russell Westbrook, he’s a lengthy defender who can switch at least four positions. Since 2012-13, the only perimeter player with more defensive win shares is two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Kawhi Leonard. George’s presence gives OKC potentially the best defensive starting five in the NBA.”

Russell Westbrook will soon have his own line of clothing: “Sources say he’ll be creating — and bankrolling — the collection on his own, but Westbrook would say only: ‘I consider myself a design person. I have a vision. I will definitely do some designing.’”

Dan Favale (B/R) assembles a “Death Lineup” for every team: “Russell Westbrook/Andre Roberson/Paul George/Jerami Grant/Patrick Patterson — Rank every team’s best possible Death Squad impersonation, and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s replica better finish in the top five. Extracting ample amounts of long-range splurges from a lineup with Jerami Grant, Andre Roberson and Russell Westbrook won’t be easy, but answer this: Which facsimiles are better? Golden State’s landscape-shifting mishmash for sure. Houston’s reproduction probably gets the thumbs-up. After them…who?”

James Harden said his Rockets team is similar to the 2012 Thunder: “Both teams are similar as far as talent and versatility, a mixture of vets and young guys. Both are very, very, very talented. Now, obviously, the difference is we were younger back then, but both are good.”

Kelley L. Carter (Undefeated) on Westbrook taking over Manhattan for New York Fashion Week: “It’s a balmy September evening, and the crowd reflects racial diversity, age diversity, gender diversity and style diversity. Black pants are splattered with polka dots. Blood-red sneakers paired with pristine suits. Button-down plaid shirts and tan chinos are set off by Air Jordan XXXIs. Rabid NBA fans? Meh. Perhaps. This crowd challenges the traditional in favor of originality. Because that’s Westbrook.”

Haley O’Shaugnessy (The Ringer) on Westbrook’s new Jordan deal adding a wrinkle to his negotiations with the Thunder: “This is where the Jordan Brand money figures in. If Westbrook is at all considering retiring outside of Oklahoma, a shorter deal with the franchise ensures that he has the option to leave while still in his prime. The appeal of a long-term contract could be less influential when major money (like Jordan Brand money) is coming in elsewhere. But even without the shoe deal, Westbrook’s camp has reason to consider shorter deals. The point guard built a game on hurling his body at the basket, pushing tempo, and using quickness and agility to overpower opponents. That, at a high level, doesn’t age as well; signing the following contract after this next one will be easier if Westbrook is a couple of years younger.”

Darren Rovell on why Jordan Brand needs Westbrook: (Video) Darren Rovell explains why it was so important for the Jordan Brand to lock up Russell Westbrook to a 10-year extension.

Russ was on Good Morning America yesterday to discuss — believe it or not — fashion: