Tuesday Bolts: 7.18.17
Russell Westbrook was named Sports Illustrated’s Most Fashionable Athlete: “I wear a combination of everything,” he says matter-of-factly. “I go with what I’m feeling and with what looks good, regardless of how much it is. I want to show people across the world that you don’t always have to wear high-end. Whatever it is, you can still be fashionable.”
Erik Horne answers four burning Thunder questions: “Does it mean OKC’s done making moves? Not necessarily. The Thunder’s roster appeared set entering last season as well, but general manager Sam Presti swapped two second-round picks for Joffrey Lauvergne on Aug. 30. A low-cost option could be to sign center Dakari Johnson, who’s been a G-League standout at just 21 years old.”
Brett Dawson on Billy Donovan’s crash course in OKC’s new additions: “With his starting lineup likely set, he’ll have to think about rotations — and about whether and how much he’d like to stagger Westbrook and George, maximizing the time that one or the other is on the court. After a season of coaching an offense dominated by Westbrook’s triple-double average, he’ll have to determine how best to integrate George, who’s coming off the highest-scoring season of his career.”
Steven Adams is in the Philippines spreading basketball: “The weather’s really harsh,” Adams said with a laugh, during a media session at the NBA Store in Glorietta. “But the people, the passion for basketball, you don’t see that everywhere, not even in the US. They really love basketball here. It’s just amazing to see the sport being number one in a country.”
The Houston Rockets are for sale: “Owner Leslie Alexander is putting the Houston Rockets up for sale after 24 years of ownership. Alexander bought the team in 1993 for $85 million. Forbes values the franchise at $1.65 billion — good for eighth in the league — with revenues of $244 million.”
Kendrick Perkins is still hoping for an NBA comeback: “I’ve been keeping my weight down, making sure I’m getting all the cardio I need, staying in great shape. I’m just going to do what I can. I feel good. I’ve been on top of my basketball work and I’m just waiting for my opportunity, if it happens. I’ve just changed my diet, working on my quickness, and just trying to get better. It’s 30 teams out there and I’m just looking for one opportunity.”
Haley O’Shaugnessy (The Ringer) on if Indiana can unlock Victor Oladipo: “Oladipo struggled to prosper during his season in Oklahoma City, though sharing a backcourt with the league’s most ball-dominant point guard was never fertile ground to begin with. He averaged the fewest points since his rookie season with 15.9 per game and saw all-time lows in what he, praised for energy and aggression, should be building his game on: steals, assists, and trips to the line.”
Paul George talks about his 91 overall rating in NBA 2K18:
