Wednesday Bolts – 11.13.13

Anthony Slater checking on SportVU stats: “Nick Collison travels 3.5 miles per 48 minutes. Takeaway: Per 48 minutes, that’s currently the most on this Thunder team. Part of it may have to do with the small sample size, but some of it likely has to do with Collison’s style of play. He’s a high-energy big man in constant motion, rotating well on defense and used in a variety of ways on offense. Russell Westbrook is right behind him at 3.4 miles per 48 minutes. Spurs guard Patty Mills (3.9 mpg) is first in the league among rotation players.”

Dan Devine of BDL on Russell Westbrook’s underwear modeling: “Westbrook’s interest in and commitment to fashion — and, specifically, to wearing things that elicit arched eyebrows from the not-so-fashion-forward among us — has been well documented. This isn’t quite creating his own clothing line, which is something he’s said he’s interested in doing, but it’s a step in that direction — a chance to get some design experience, some information on what goes into making and distributing your own gear, and a little practical know-how, all while getting a bunch of free drawers and showing off the physique he’s worked so hard to cultivate over the years. And unlike Kenneth Faried and John Wall, he gets to keep his underwear on, which seems like a decent deal. Congratulations, Russell, and happy birthday.”

Ron Oliver of Real GM: “There are some people that will disagree and their skepticism is, in large part, a response to Westbrook’s occasional reckless impulses (like getting an offensive foul at the end of the game that kept the Pistons within striking distance). But it is important to recognize that the Thunder are no longer the skilled team they were with James Harden and their fate cannot be determined solely by Durant’s playing abilities. Westbrook’s leadership qualities, explosive personality, and ability to motivate and mobilize his team may be what Oklahoma City needs to move them toward a championship.”

KD wants free underwear from Westbrook. Or at least that’s what the TMZ headline says, because that’s not really what KD says in the video.

Chad Ford’s mock draft has OKC taking something called Vasillje Micic: “Oklahoma City is the rare team loaded with both veteran talent and interesting young players at virtually every position. The Thunder don’t really need anything right now, making Micic an attractive option. Micic was terrific in the U-19s this summer and proved he could hang with some of the top collegians on Team USA. He might be the headiest point guard in the draft and could be a nice long-term fit in OKC.”

Thunder camp invite Diante Garrett might find a spot with the Jazz.