Wednesday Bolts – 11.20.13
Berry Tramel on defense: “And there’s no reason for it. The only major rotational differences from last season are Steven Adams playing backup center for Hasheem Thabeet, and Jeremy Lamb and Perry Jones taking the minutes that went to Kevin Martin. Nothing there screams defensive alarm. It seems clear that the Thunder is coming out of the gate slow in terms of commitment to defense and intensity. It hasn’t bitten the Thunder much. But over a course of a season, it most definitely will.”
Steve Kerr: “Well I really like Steven Adams. I think he’s going to be a big factor for their team. He’s big and athletic and you can run a little offense through him because he’s a good passer. And I think Reggie Jackson has made some strides, too. He’s playing with a lot of confidence. I see Perry Jones getting a little bit of time. But I think Lamb is kind of the big question mark and he’s under the spotlight this year because of the Kevin Martin departure. So I’m anxious to see him.”
Chris Ryan of Grantland on the halfcourt shots: “Still, I have to ask, what is going on in OKC?! I asked native Oklahoman and Grantlander Brian Phillips, and he suggested a secret gym somewhere in Enid, Oklahoma, financed by a meth gang, where these people are just getting up 10,000 shots a day. It’s basically a variation on the Kobe System. Whatever the reason, I would probably short the stock on MidFirst Bank. I’m not Jim Cramer or anything, but I don’t see how a financial institution can stay solvent if it keeps having to pay out for these half-court shots. Because that’s what caused the financial crisis. I should know, I watched that episode of Frontline.”
The Thunder are one of the most expensive teams in the league for a family of four to attend a game.
Eric Maynor has fallen out of the Wizards’ rotation.
Trey Kerby of NBA.com on jersey-gate: “See? He’s a nice guy. You don’t have to take the jersey off, you just probably should. Totally different. But I guess it just goes to show you — it’s team jerseys or no jerseys when it comes to front row seats at a Thunder game. And while that might seem a little harsh, just remember that you probably still get a free t-shirt out of the deal, so you’re actually coming out on top shirts-wise. And that’s #smart”
