Tuesday Bolts – 4.21.15
Kurt Helin of PBT on the Kevin Ollie rumor: “Of course, hiring Ollie a year before Durant’s free agency goes only so far. Even if Durant has a positive first impression of the move, so much could change by July 2016. Durant and Ollie haven’t experienced the coach-player relationship, and Ollie hasn’t coached in the NBA. Durant – like all players – wants a head coach he respects in that role and one capable of winning. Ollie seems like a good bet for both, but he might not be either. The most important thing the Thunder can do is get a coach who satisfies Durant after next season – whether that’s Ollie, Brooks or someone else.”
Darnell Mayberry: “Durant, who is an unrestricted free agent at the end of next season, credited Ollie with changing the culture in Oklahoma City during his playing tenure with the Thunder. Ollie’s leadership off the floor was what stood out, as Ollie appeared in only 25 games that season, averaging 1.8 points, one rebound and 0.8 assists in 10.5 minutes per game.”
Berry Tramel on a Scott Brooks’ strength: “The Thunder generally settles for a 25-foot shot. But so do most teams, including the vaunted Spurs. When NBA teams can set their defense, it makes it hard to score. The Thunder is no different. On occasion, you see a great play – heck, the Thunder had one, in Phoenix on Feb. 26, when Russell Westbrook broke free for an easy drive but missed the shot that could have produced a second overtime — but mostly someone launches a contested prayer. Another criticism I’ve heard about Brooks is measureable. And quite absurd. The idea that Brooks doesn’t develop players. What can anyone possibly be talking about? Player development has been a Thunder mantra since the franchise hit town, and it’s not just talk. The Thunder develops players wonderfully, and coaching has to be a major part of that.”
Dion Waiters is not Dwyane Wade.
Not that he should’ve, but no Coach of the Year votes for Scott Brooks.
Zach Lowe of Grantland on the Spurs’ future: “But any functional system should produce good jumpers; Green could spot up for open 3s in Detroit around Reggie Jackson–Andre Drummond pick-and-rolls, or in Charlotte around Al Jefferson post-ups. If you pay Green $10 million per season to score 18 points per game and dribble a lot, you’ll be disappointed. If you value his skills properly, you’ll be content. I’d pay him $10 million per season now, especially with the cap set to jump into the $100 million–plus range in two years. Ten percent of the cap for Danny Green? Sign me up.”
