Tuesday Bolts – 6.8.10
The New York Post says Sam Presti interviewed with the Blazers: “Sam Presti, who yesterday celebrated a third anniversary as Sonic/Thunder GM, making him a rising free agent according to my records, claims he’s perfectly happy in Oklahoma. However, a Northwest source claims he interviewed in Seattle (home of Portland owner Paul Allen) for the Blazers’ job. Oh, that’s right, the job’s taken. Kevin Pritchard owns one year on his contract but he and everyone else (I do believe the Post had it months ago,) believe he’ll be fired immediately after the draft.” And Bob Stoops is seriously going to Notre Dame. For real. I’ll believe this when I see it.
Darnell Mayberry says according to multiple reports, Ron Adams is “expected” to join the Chicago staff. I honestly haven’t seen anything yet that made it sound like this was a done deal. But dang, that’s a bummer if it turns out.
HoopsWorld reports Denver GM Mark Warkentein is being courted by the Blazers: “Presti and Warkentien represent opposite ends of the GM spectrum, with Warkentien being the savvy veteran who knows everyone and Presti being the young guy with a penchant for picking talent and putting together pieces that complement each other. Presti’s Oklahoma City Thunder are easily the fastest-rising team in the NBA, and they made the playoffs this season, putting them well ahead of schedule in most pundits’ estimations.”
Austin Burton of Dime likes Trevor Booker: “Booker is an energy player, much like Blair and Davis and Millsap. He averaged 15.2 points and 8.4 rebounds this season, and in his one meeting with North Carolina sophomore Ed Davis, a potential Top-10 pick, Booker posted 21 points and nine boards next to Davis’ four points and four boards.”
A better look at KD’s two tattoos. (h/t shiki)
Is Dick Bavetta retiring?: “Some of Bavetta’s peers believe that the league is trying to nudge him into retirement. (The referees are prohibited by league rules from speaking on the record.) No one expects Bavetta will walk away, given his headstrong nature, his enduring enthusiasm and his generous base salary, which is believed to be $300,000 to $400,000 a year.”
Video from Day 4 of KD’s China trip. Includes video of the outstanding panda picture as well.
Draft Express has stood pat on OKC’s two first round selections, but for the first time, NBADraft.net has switched. OKC is now taking Terrico White at 21 and Kevin Seraphin at 26.
