Wednesday Bolts – 2.3.16
Erik Horne: “In just two seasons, Ibaka has seen his field goal attempts within 10 feet of the rim go
from 45.4 percent of his shots to 32.5. He’s become a skilled 3-point shooter, one of 12 players this season 6-foot-10 or taller shooting better than 35 percent from 3-point range (minimum 100 attempts). When asked if his numbers decline is a result of his game getting farther away from the basket, Ibaka stood at his locker Monday night and made a face as if a light bulb went off. ‘It’s an interesting point people don’t understand,’ he said. ‘It’s tough. Four years ago, I used to be in the paint most of the time, so I used to get more blocks, more rebounds. Now the way they play, we have to change.'”
If you somehow missed it, Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports: “The Golden State Warriors’ plan of pursuit predates their 2015 championship run, a bold plot to declare the futility of resistance. It isn’t only that the NBA champions are determined to recruit Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant, the truth is that they’re the most intriguing destination to him. If Durant leaves the Thunder, the Warriors are the significant frontrunners to sign him, league sources told The Vertical.”
KD to the Warriors would be worse than “The Decision”?
Anthony Slater: “Would KD leave the current Thunder core he’s grown up around to join an established rival that has experienced so much success without him? Would he be comfortable going from the face of an organization and entire state to become the second-most popular Warrior? Who knows? So much of what is to happen in July depends on what takes place in April through June. But one thing is clear: the possibility of Durant joining the Warriors, a doomsday scenario for not only OKC but the rest of the league, has now turned from an under-the-surface whisper to a legitimized rumor.”
Be sure to listen to Mr. Presti’s Neighborhood’s latest podcast featuring a very special guest.
Bobby Marks of The Vertical on how the Warriors could sign KD: “Obtaining the 32-year-old Iguodala in the final season of an $11.1 million contract would be a bargain for a team looking for a wing this summer. The small-forward market will be very thin in July with 10 teams in need having cap room.”
Zach Harper of CBSSports.com: “This is the new wrinkle into the pursuit angle. A lot of people seem to believe Durant will sign a one-year max deal this summer and then head into 2017 free agency with the possibility of making even more money and knowing the plans of Westbrook when he hits free agency. But if Durant does decide to leave the only franchise he’s played for this summer in 2016 and the Thunder realize they’re losing their player, ending up with Blake Griffin as a superstar to convince Westbrook to stay in OKC is a pretty great consolation prize.”
Berry Tramel: “The Thunder’s strength of schedule rating is .478, which basically means the Thunder has averaged playing a team with a .478 winning percentage. Charlotte, for example, which actually has a .479 winning percentage. Now, the difference between the toughest strength of schedule and the easiest strength of schedule is not huge. The Wizards have the toughest strength of schedule, .522. Basically, that means Indiana, which is playing at a .521 clip. The difference between Charlotte and Indiana is not huge. Two games separate the Hornets and Pacers. But still, the message is clear. The Thunder has soared to a great record, but the road is about to get more treacherous.”