Thursday Bolts – 9.24.15

:  “You know who I always thought (was a great trash-talker), but has been
under the radar, I think Kevin Durant,” Green said. “Lotta people don’t know that. But if you play against him you know… KD makes you feel bad about yourself, that you ever talked junk,” Green said. “It’s the funniest thing in the world…. Me and KD have had our battles over the course of my three years in the league,” Green said. “But when he end up with 53 (points), it ain’t much you could say back at that point.”

Anthony Davis says he’s not at LeBron or KD’s level: “I still have a lot of work to do. I haven’t even got out of the first round yet, haven’t won a game in the playoffs yet. So there are a lot of steps for me. Them two guys are definitely unbelievable players but I know one day I’m going to be there, I’m going to be the best player in the league if I continue to work hard and keep grinding, keep being dedicated, keep being motivated.”

Andre Roberson is at 326 in #NBARank and Cameron Payne at 355.

Des Bieler of the Washington Post: “Of course, Thunder fans and many others will also be monitoring any telltale signs about what sort of free-agency decision Durant may make after this season. He is entering the last year of his contract, and while he has offered few indications that he is unhappy in Oklahoma City, there is some speculation that he might opt to join his hometown team, the Washington Wizards.”

Kevin Durant is now a “deputy editor” at the Players’ Tribune.

Sporting News on Russell Westbrook’s NBA Live 16: “Instead of feeling sorry for themselves, though, quite the opposite has happened. The NBA Live team has focused like a laser beam on the task at hand, and is taking an approach that allows them certain creative freedoms to craft an experience they feel is unique in the space.”

Kurt Helin of PBT:  “After the health concerns for Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka in recent years, new coach Bill Donovan should find a way to limit their minutes when he can. It’s a marathon, one where the Thunder need to be fresh for the sprint the final miles (the playoffs). It’s simple: If Durant, Westbrook and Ibaka are near healthy the Thunder are legitimate title contenders. With the margins between the top teams in the West being so tight, that’s where questions such as, “is Donovan ready?” or “will Enes Kanter‘s defense be too big a liability?” come into play.”