Monday Bolts – 2.1.16

Erik Horne on how the Wizards have dropped in the KD race: “The Wizards are also struggling

with health, but that’s been a constant for one of the key pieces in their wooing of Durant. When Beal plays, he’s one of the best young shooting guards in the NBA, but the 22-year-old has missed 54 games in three seasons, including 21 this campaign, mostly via a recurring stress reaction in his right fibula. While Wall is signed through 2018-19, Beal is a restricted free agent this summer with questions about his long-term health. Washington coach Randy Wittman’s future is in question as well. He received a three-year contract extension in 2014, but the final year of his deal (2016-17) is a team option. Who’s going to be the Wizards’ coach when free agent negotiations can begin July 1? General manager Ernie Grunfeld’s future is also in doubt after nearly 13 years with the organization.”

Zach Lowe of ESPN.com: “The ideal partner for Griffin is a shot-blocking big man with 3-point range. Bad news: There are, like, half a dozen of those dudes on earth. Serge Ibaka is the current prototype, and if Durant ever decided to force his way to the Clippers, some sort of Durant-Griffin sign-and-trade would make all kinds of sense. Anthony Davis, Chris Bosh and DeMarcus Cousins fit the ball on the right nights, but they need the ball more — not necessarily a bad thing — and their teams can’t put together real offers.”

Steph Curry walks back his guaranteed win comment.

Michael Lee of The Vertical/Yahoo Sports: “The Thunder haven’t been completely ignored because the fans made sure Durant and Westbrook were the only pair of teammates voted to start the All-Star Game on Feb. 14. Evidence of Oklahoma City’s below-the-radar existence can be found in the silence surrounding its current run of winning nine of 10 games. Oklahoma City has still won 24 of 29 since Dec. 6, but that gets lost while gazing at endless Vine loops of Curry’s latest trick shot, the Spurs’ sustained dominance and now the drama surrounding Cleveland.”

Stephen A. Smith said things again.

Story on ESPN.com Friday on beating the Rockets.

Kevin Pelton of ESPN Insider on OKC trade targets: “Henderson doesn’t fit Oklahoma City’s needs as ideally because the “3” part of his 3-and-D credentials is lacking; he’s a 31.7 percent career shooter from beyond the arc. Still, Henderson’s midrange game makes him a better offensive threat than Andre Roberson and he’s a defensive upgrade over Anthony Morrow.”

Midcourt cameras are banned, effective immediately.

Also, if you missed it, the Thunder are about to find out exactly how good they are.

Erik Horne on corner 3s: “Fire up YouTube and you’ll see former Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro stomping and trying to distract a shooter. During Game 6 of the 2012 Western Conference Finals, former Thunder assistant Rex Kalamian can be seen yelling and pointing down at the sideline, close enough to touch San Antonio’s Stephen Jackson as he hits a 3 in front of the Thunder bench. This month, Sacramento’s Rajon Rondo was caught on film sticking his leg out from the bench as Dallas’ Deron Williams pump faked a 3. With the corner 3 being shot more frequently — the league average for team attempts has increased 68 shots or more each of the last three seasons — it makes for more sideline disruptions. Surprisingly, the players love it.”