Tuesday Bolts – 2.7.17
Chad Ford’s mock draft 3.0: “Anunoby underwent knee surgery last Tuesday and will miss the
remainder of the season for the Hoosiers. NBA teams are still trying to discern the exact nature of the injury and what is his rehab timetable. Regardless, most teams still see him as a potential top-20 pick, even if he can’t play his rookie season in the NBA. His combination of raw strength, power and the ability to stretch the floor make him an elite 3-and-D type prospect. The Thunder have been searching for a long-term wing solution. If they’re patient, Anunoby should deliver.”
Marc Stein had OKC 12th: “The Thunder play only two road games total in February, after being forced to survive 12 roadies in January, but there’s nothing easy about their week ahead. LeBron James and the Cavs make their lone OKC visit of the season Thursday, followed by Kevin Durant’s first-ever game in town as a visitor on Saturday in what merely ranks as the most anticipated game of the regular season. How much have Russell Westbrook’s and Durant’s lives changed since they ceased to be teammates? According to our man Micah Adams’ calculations, Westbrook leads the league with 83.7 frontcourt touches per game. Durant ranks 56th with just 48.2 frontcourt touches per game. For more preview chatter, click to our interview with Thunder guard Victor Oladipo on Sunday night’s “NBA Insiders” show on ESPN Radio.”
Larry Bird hopes Westbrook averages a triple-double.
Erik Horne: “One-by-one they came by to Russell Westbrook’s locker, another familiar feeling on the road on the second night of a back-to-back. After the Thunder’s 93-90 loss to the Pacers on Monday, the figures each took turns approaching the OKC All-Star, but he stayed in his seat. Westbrook had just rattled off 27 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists, but he refused to disrobe. After another woeful Thunder third quarter, Westbrook instead talked it out. The Thunder needs to talk about the third quarter as a team, as its point differential in the period plummeted yet again after Monday’s setback. The Pacers outscored OKC 32-18 in the third as the Thunder squandered an 11-point halftime lead.”
Lance Stephenson is joining the Wolves.
Matt Moore of CBSSports.com ranks OKC 13th: “OKC is 29th in jump shot points per possession, league-wide via Synergy Sports. The Thunder’s offense is just not good enough if they face any playoff team with muscle. It’s tough because they like the trajectory of their young guys, but the only way they can get an offensive upgrade is by trading one of them. It’s a tough spot.”
