Tuesday Bolts – 6.28.11

Former Thunderer Etan Thomas on the labor stuff: “It is for this reason that the players collectively reject their proposal and are prepared for a lockout for whatever duration it takes in order to reach a deal that is fair. The players can’t take on the burden of saving teams from themselves. If NBA teams have made bad decisions that were detrimental to their overall profit, success and productivity, then those are issues to be taken up with GMs, presidents and the rest of the powers that be. It is up to each NBA CEO to conduct his business in a way that will be advantageous to him and his franchise as a whole.”

Kevin Arnovitz of TrueHoop on who will really be suffering if there’s a lockout: “But for the guys who are in charge of those team websites and NBA.com, the pending deadline is a huge deal. That’s because the moment the clock strikes midnight on the current CBA, all those images and videos of NBA players have to disappear off NBA-owned digital properties. Depending on how you interpret “fair use,” the prohibition could include the mere mention of a player’s name on an NBA-owned site, though different teams have different interpretations of this particular stipulation.”

OKC vs. Memphis Game 4 is nominated for an ESPY for “Best Game.”

A guide to the lockout, in a sweet graphic.

Tim Donahue of 8 Points, 9 Seconds with an interesting CBA idea: “Sure, people can look at a Jerome James-type signing and know that it was stupid, but what about Brandon Roy?  Where does Danny Granger fit on the scale between bad contract and bargain?  Tyson Chandler was worth $12.6 million to the Mavericks, but would he have been worth that to the Pacers or the Hornets?  Zach Randolph has spent the better part of the last few years being considered a boat anchor, but damn, was he good this year. This is my last, best offer. I believe it to be far better for both parties than what either are currently offering (at least as reported).  It represents a lot of movement for both parties. But is it enough for either?”

Jonathan Tjarks of SB Nation on KD building a post game: “For many, “the will to win” and “the killer instinct” are what separate players the caliber of Durant and LeBron. But you don’t measure greatness by seeing who pounds his chest and demands the ball when the world is watching in May and June, you measure it by who is in the gym in July and August when no one is. At some point, the two will face off on basketball’s greatest stage. The one with the better arsenal — with a drop-step, a jump-hook and a turn-around J — will have the upper hand.”

The Celtics made a qualifying offer to Jeff Green. I’m really interested to see what happens with Uncle Jeff this summer.

Berry Tramel on having a combo guard: “But the scouting on Jackson shows a 6-foot-3 guard with quickness and a 7-foot wing span. The defensive possibilities abound, though don’t forget, Thabo is 6-6. Big difference. Jackson was a 42-percent 3-point shooter in his final season at Boston College, so that’s good. And he’s a slasher. If Jackson doesn’t develop into a quality NBA 3-point shooter, that doesn’t mean he will be ineffective in the league.”