Tuesday Bolts – 11.11.14

Darnell Mayberry on Ish Smith: “He’s widely regarded as one of the fastest players from end to end with or without the ball in his hands. His speed is evident on drives to the basket and on defense when he’s staying in front of his man. He’s a man of faith. Smith classifies himself a Christian. He reads the bible regularly and prays during the national anthem. His Twitter timeline includes motivational messages from pastor Joel Osteen and gospel singer Fred Hammond. In a 2013 interview with Fox Sports, Smith credited his spirituality for giving him child-like joy.”

Anthony Slater on Josh Huestis: “That’s not to say it hasn’t been a little bit tough at times. Huestis lives in Oklahoma City. He’s become close friends with some of the Thunder’s younger players, particularly Mitch McGary and Andre Roberson. He hangs out with them and hits the town with them. Even goes to games to cheer them on. And Huestis could have spurned the Thunder and signed a rookie scale contract similar to what his friends make – in the neighborhood of $1 million in his first year. Instead, though, he stuck to the plan and is making around $25,000 (plus living costs) playing in the D-League. It’s a fact that would likely weigh heavily on most young prospects. But Huestis is a Stanford graduate with a unique and diverse background who seems to have maintained a level head.”

What are DC fans willing to give up to get Kevin Durant?

Ben Rohrbach of Ball Don’t Lie on Perk: “Now, on an undermanned roster, he’s become a vital piece in OKC’s hopes of treading water until Durant and Westbrook return for what could be a rather difficult playoff chase. So, while Perkins may not be a Most Valuable Player candidate, we’ll excuse his imaginary praise after likely hearing LVP chants in recent years.”

Wait, Kevin Love might still opt out?

John Schuhmann of NBA.com has OKC 23rd: “The Thunder picked up more injuries last week and they haven’t been able to rely on defense to get them through this stretch (maybe because they’re missing one of the league’s best shot-contesters), but they did get an important win over the Kings on Sunday and play three very winnable games this week. Treading water is still within the realm of possibility.”

Mark Cuban was a wee bit off in his tanking suggestion.

Zach Lowe of Grantland likes Nick Collison’s new perimeter game: “The sage of Oklahoma City has already nailed five 3s, as many as he made combined in his prior 10 seasons. Look away from Doc Rivers’s head and watch Collison, at the left elbow, position himself as if he’s going to set a typical pin-down screen for Lance Thomas jetting up from the left corner: Boom! Collison fakes the screen and then pops out behind a surprise Thomas pick — a reversal of roles. Fun times.”