Tuesday Bolts – 6.23.15
Anthony Slater on Billy Donovan’s draft influence: “This season, he faced Oubre and Kansas, Bobby Portis and Arkansas and, during the SEC slate, loaded Kentucky three separate times. After those games, Donovan called Trey Lyles a ‘major problem’ because ‘there is no one in college basketball who can match up with him’ and labeled himself a ‘huge fan’ of Devin Booker’s. Both are considered possible Thunder targets at the 14th pick. Over the next few years, Donovan’s fingerprints are expected to be all over the future of the Thunder. The first ripple may materialize on Thursday night, where his advice may help lead to OKC’s newest player.”
Rob Mahoney of SI.com on draft needs: “Regardless, perimeter defense needs to be a bigger teambuilding priority. Center Enes Kanter, who will be a restricted free agent, puts a strain on Serge Ibaka and the Thunder’s interior defense. Alleviating the pressure coming from the perimeter seems the best way for OKC to vault back into the top 10 in defensive efficiency after a shaky showing on that end last season. Waiters, Morrow, D.J. Augustin, and even Russell Westbrook create problems within the Thunder defense. Should Oklahoma City enter next season with the same basic perimeter rotation, it risks running so many potential liabilities as to burden its title contention.”
The Thunder are shopping Perry Jones, Jeremy Lamb and Steve Novak?
Brad Doolittle of ESPN Insider on KD’s future: “If he proves himself healthy during the 2015-16 season, he’s the kind of player who can turn around the fortunes of a franchise. Right now, we don’t know if he has any desire to do so. There is no obvious indication that he’s itching to leave Oklahoma City, and the rumor mill has been telling us for a while that if Durant decides to change things up, it’s going to be to play at home, like James, which would take him to the Washington Wizards. That makes this exercise we’re doing today theoretical, because we don’t know if any team other than the Thunder or Wizards is a possibility. What we do know is that if OKC does not win the title next season, Durant will still be looking for his first ring after nine years in the league. One can assume that will be a big factor in any decision he makes on his next contract.”
The Thunder took R.J. Hunter in the Ford-Bilas mock.
New episode of Mr. Presti’s Neighborhood podcast featuring Jon Hamm.
Matt Moore of CBSSports.com on overrated prospects: “Devin Booker. He can shoot, but what else can he do? Doesn’t have great wingspan or athleticism to defend. Not a great shot creator with the ball off the dribble. He can shoot. So can Nik Stauskas. Heck, so could Adam Morrison, so could Jimmer Fredette, so could lots of guys. Booker sneaks into the top ten on some lists based on his ability to do one thing well, in a league that demands more and more versatility?”
Kevin Durant on the passing of BBJ: “Rest.In.Paradise Bob Barry Jr. It just won’t be the same, much love to the family!”
