Monday Bolts – 9.22.14
The Timberwolves are offering Bledsoe a max deal according to Brian Windhorst, which directly impacts Reggie Jackson’s future contract situation. Jackson of course is eligible for an extension with the deadline for it Oct. 31. Bledsoe’s deal has been one to watch because it could set the market a bit for Jackson’s agent to negotiate from.
Darnell Mayberry on Reggie Jackson: “What the Wolves potential signing of Bledsoe would mean is that one of seven other teams with serviceable or perhaps temporary point guards no longer would be interested in Jackson’s services. The remaining teams that could be interested in Jackson would include Houston, Indiana, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Sacramento and Utah. If the Bledsoe deal goes through, each of the remaining 10 teams that might have even a remote interest in Jackson would know what it would take to get him. And the Thunder would know what it might take to keep him.”
HoopsHype previewing the Thunder: “They have a bit of a hole at the shooting guard position … Is Jackson going to play there? … Although it worked pretty well last season, some questions about chemistry and ball movement with that potential Westbrook-Jackson starting backcourt … Jackson has been very vocal about his desire to start and play a big role … Could that be a source of friction? … They could use a bit more depth … Some of the players on rookie deals will have to step up … Big men are no low-post scorers … Derek Fisher was a stabilizing presence with the team that’s no longer there … Scott Brooks is no Gregg Popovich (or Rick Carlisle or Doc Rivers, etcetera) … In terms of basketball IQ, this team is not exactly up there with San Antonio … Pressure is mounting for this talented Thunder group to finally get that championship … Will they feel it?”
KD showing off his quarterbacking ability. And he also got a game ball from Dan Snyder.
Amin Elhassan of ESPN Insider ranks the Thunder 14th in under-25 talent: “My how the mighty have fallen. One moment, you’re on the top of the list, the next, you’re on the back end. In fairness, that’s what happens when your elite under-25 talent turns 25, as Kevin Durant, Serge Ibaka and Russell Westbrook all missed the birthday cutoff. The Thunder still have a nice collection of role players, starting with Adams, who should be the starting center this season and Jackson, who should see even more time at shooting guard following the departure of Sefolosha. McGary can develop into a new age Nick Collison. Jerrett is a nice pick-and-pop talent, Lamb and Jones are good offensive wing talents and Roberson gives the Thunder some defensive versatility. Looking at that collection, you can argue the Thunder should be higher, but they get docked for not having a single high-ceiling talent in the group.”
I’ve already had a few people email and tweet asking about the validity of this Rajon Rondo-Reggie Jackson trade thing. Have I taught you nothing? Come on now folks. First, consider the location of the story, a site called KDramaStars.com, which is a Korean gossip site. Second, any time a story starts “NBA Trade Rumors” you should probably dismiss it right there. And third, if you just take one brief look past the headline, you’ll see it’s just a misunderstood aggregation off a speculative post from CelticsBlog. Sigh.
