Wednesday Bolts – 9.18.13
Jeff Caplan of NBA.com: “For a player who is typically short-winded and often defensive in discussions with the media, the “crazy-shots-I-shoot” revelation has to be a great sign to coach Scott Brooks. He has always taken Westbrook’s bad with his good, understanding that attempting to put a restrictor plate on Westbrook could diminish his natural advantage over opponents. But if Westbrook discovers ways to implement his own restrictor plate at appropriate times, it could make an already efficient, high-scoring attack — but one dogged by frustrating turnovers (OKC finished in the bottom eight in the league in four of Westbrook’s five seasons and 30th twice) all the more effective.”
KD needs help: “How do I beat this mission on GTA with the aliens..it’s kinda pissin me off”
Janis Carr of the OC Register: “Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks doesn’t pay attention to the oddsmakers. He doesn’t care that the Thunder is viewed as the team with the best chance at dethroning two-time defending NBA champion Miami Heat. Brooks says there are several teams in the Western Conference that could block the Heat from winning a third consecutive title – even the Lakers.”
For some reason, Steven Adams was one to have his rating in 2K14 leak, and he’s a 58.
David Aldridge of NBA.com on how Beasley impacts the Heat: “And when Beasley is with the starters, he obviously will be the beneficiary of single coverage. He’ll find room at the top of the key, where his driving ability could give Miami another dribble-drive dimension other than James and Wade. And in transition, he should be an athletic lane-filler and finisher. Whatever he’s done or not done to load up the luggage that contains all of his significant baggage, Beasley is 10 times more talented than any other free agent the Heat could possibly sign given their current budget. He’s not an unknown quantity. At the least, he can take some of the regular season load off of Miami’s older, more playoff-drained players. And you mock Riles at your peril. So … yeah. He could help the Heat.”
The Grizzlies somehow were rated the top franchise in sports by ESPN the Mag.
Gary Payton: “We don’t really have point guards in the NBA now. We really have (shooting) guards – and that’s a fact,” Payton said. “I think there’s only three true point guards that play like point guards. I think Chris Paul is one, I think (Rajon) Rondo is one, and I think Tony Parker is the other.”
