Daily Thunder.com

First, let me say I like Rumble. I like the name, I like the idea and I like the look (for the most part). For those that are wondering why a bison, well, that’s the official state animal for Oklahoma. Also, does anyone else think the similar look to Squatch was intentional? I kind of do. I think this is a good start for the mascot and though it kind of looks a little werewolf-y and a little shaggy, I dig him. If I were to complain, I do think his hair should be a little more “matted” if you know what I mean and I think his hair should be a touch darker. I’ve never seen a light brown bison. Most times they are you know, dark brown/black.

Ball Don’t Lie Behind the Box Score: “Sam Presti, you couldn’t have waited until Wednesday morning to make this deal? Playing without anyone that could guard David West, the Thunder’s interior was pretty suspect, Nick Collison and Nenad Krstic had no chance, and the Hornets pulled out a pretty offense-heavy road win. And though the Thunder put up a very respectable 109 points per 100 possessions, that was mainly coming from two guys. No team is going to win with Earl Watson (ohfer six), Russell Westbrook (5-15, all over the place offensively, looking very much like a rookie), and Kyle Weaver (2-7) shooting from the perimeter like that. Good thing for Kevin Durant. Great thing for Kevin Durant. Kevin Durant is a great, great thing. 47 points for this unmitigated stud. This kid is an absolute … I have no words. And I can’t even buy him a beer until the beginning of next season’s training camp.” Read more…

Other

In any close game, there’s three or four key sequences that had they gone your way, maybe you tack on a W instead of an L. And I’m not talking about Chris Paul’s twirling last-second crab travel (I’m not whining – well maybe I am – but watch the video. He picks up his dribble and plants, then continues on toward the bucket and takes step two. Then he stumbles and falls back leaving his established pivot foot, making that a, you guessed it, traveling violation. No, I’m not bitter about this.). And I’m not talking about the two blown out-of-bounds calls that went against OKC. I’m talking crucial moments where the Thunder just didn’t execute properly.

1. [8:27, fourth quarter] The Thunder is up 85-84 and has possession. Earl Watson walks the ball up and swings it to Russell Westbrook. Westbrook dumps to the post where Chris Paul dives in to double Jeff Green. Green kicks cross-court to Watson who is standing open at the three-point line. Now, keep in mind Watson is 0-4 from three for the game and is shooting an *awesome* 28 percent from three. But with 12 seconds on the shot clock, Watson jacks the trey. An extra pass gives Westbrook a wide open look because Antonio Daniels left him to put a hand in Watson’s face. While Westbrook would have a more open look, he also had a clear path to the bucket because Nick Collison had just flashed in the paint and the middle was cleared out. A big time missed opportunity for OKC. Read more…

Film Study

Let me tell you up front, this is the toughest post game recap I’ve had to write.

I wanted this game. I mean, I wanted it.

I know it’s some meaningless mid-season game for a 13-40 team. I know by all appearances, this game is just another in a long season. But it was more than that.

Everybody could feel it today. The Thunder were the talk of the town today with the big Tyson Chandler deal. Everybody was buzzing about the Hornets in town with a new mascot to be unveiled. The Thunder had everyone’s attention in this state. The phone lines on the Sports Animal were full all day. But not to talk about Blake Griffin or OU football. Nope. People wanted to talk about Kevin Durant and Sam Presti.

And tonight, with our first love in town, I saw this as the night we turned the page. We could close the book on the Hometown Hornets and completely open up a new one for the Thunder. I envisioned a back-and-forth game with the Thunder pulling out a tight one in front of a ballistic crowd with our new hero, Kevin Durant leading the charge. It all set up to be the story-book way to officially make this team our own.

And everything was going to plan. The Hornets dominated the first quarter and the Thunder couldn’t throw a ball into the ocean. Everyone was groaning and having flashbacks to opening night where OKC got rolled as a crowd that was ready to explode had to sit on its hands.

But then things started to turn. Nenad Krstic played his best game of the season giving awesome energy on the glass and playing great defense on the interior. Kevin Durant shucked the jumper that wasn’t falling and went in the paint and stuffed it in NOLA’s face. Jeff Green got tough and pushed back against David West. Kyle Weaver was playing hard-nosed defense and containing Chris Paul. Earl Watson was making me want to run out into the middle of I-40 with a black jump suit on. So maybe that’s not a good thing. But with everyone thinking about halftime and the new mascot, OKC went on an electrifying 9-0 run to close to within 53-47. Game on.

Then Rumble the Bison came lowering from the rafters pounding away at a drum set. And while something just looked slightly off with him (too much hair? Head too big? What is it?), everything was complete. There was nothing left to wait on. Everything was unveiled, announced and completed. This was our franchise.

The two teams went back-and-forth and our new star took the game over. It was the game we wanted. KD had a ridiculous night scoring a career-high 47 points and hitting an impossible fadeaway three to knot the game at 98-98. The crowd was as loud as it’s ever been. Nobody cared about Chris Paul or David West. They were the enemy now. We wanted blood and it didn’t matter that we were going to take it from our first love.

But then CP3 did what CP3 does, hitting a shot with a second left and crushing our hearts and souls as the Hornets won 100-98. It was over. The night the Thunder became our own and the Hornets were put to rest ended in disappointment. OKC lost and the dream night didn’t happen.

But honestly, as I sit here writing this, I realize it actually has happened. I feel a pit in my stomach and I’m genuinely pissed about losing. I don’t feel any “Oh, well at least it was to the Hornets!” consolation at all. It sucks more that it was to the Hornets. Those jerks. There were moments in the game where Paul would flop and whine and I would think, “Oh come on. Grow a pair you wiener.” I thought that. About Chris Paul!

As if I didn’t already feel the connection with this team, I’m really feeling it now. I watched Kevin Durant put it all on the line, playing with everything he had. I watched Jeff Green make play after play, taking it to the hole and finishing. I watched Nick Collison and Nenad Krstic battle for every rebound and scrape, scratch and claw. I watched Kyle Weaver grind out defensive possessions and Russell Westbrook dive for loose balls. I watched an entire team give everything they had – even though they were 13-40 and this game wasn’t supposed to matter.

I envisioned OKC beating the Hornets and this being the night to remember – the night the Thunder became our team. And ironically with a loss, maybe it was hammered home even more.

Other

Let me tell you, Tyson Chandler’s people are fast moving. Tyson is a bit of an Internet aficionado and his people have got me up to speed with everything Thunder fans need to know about in order to get the full Tyson Chandler experience.

He’s got a really nice website (tysonchandler.com) with lots of pictures, videos, interviews and stories.

Key links:

• Bio

• Working the Glass (an interview about how he’s developed his rebouding skill)

• His blog (contains NBA.com and tysonchandler.com blog posts)

• Video gallery (lots of great, extensive interviews)

• And he’s on Twitter.

So get to know OKC’s new big man (even though we know him a little bit from two years ago) and check out his site and maybe give him a nice welcome message on his Twitter.

UPDATE: Tyson gives his first comments via his Twitter: “If the deal was half way done B4 the game .. Which bench would I sit on.. LOL”

Commentary

vs.

New Orleans Hornets (30-20, 12-11 road) vs. OKC Thunder (13-40, 10-18 home)

TV: FS Oklahoma (Cox 37, HD 722)
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM)

Offensive Rating: Thunder: 103.3 (28th), New Orleans: 108.9 (10th)
Defensive Rating: Thunder: 109.4 (21st), New Orleans: 106.4 (11th)
Pace: Thunder: 93.7 (7th), New Orleans: 87.5 (28th)

I love when these type of trades happen. By total coincidence, on the day OKC acquires Tyson Chandler from the New Orleans Hornets, OKC plays the New Orleans Hornets. Do you think the NBA could make this dramatic, like by having the Thunder and Hornets visually make the deal? Like Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox are in their Thunder warmups and Chandler is in his Hornets warmups and then they rip them off and have their new uniform underneath and then they walk over to their new benches. Wouldn’t that be awesome? Am I the only one thinking about this?

But before we get to the game, I’ve got to make my thoughts official on the Tyson Chandler deal: I love this trade. I absolutely love everything about it. Sure Chandler’s numbers are a bit down this year but he hasn’t been completely healthy and frankly, I don’t think he’s been completely happy this year. But he’s a game changer for OKC. Right now, Nick Collison is starting at center and is playing horribly out of position. He’s a solid four, but for instance against the Lakers, Pau Gasol absolutely abused him. Nenad Krstic is a jump shooter and a decent post player but he’s not an enforcer in the paint. OKC needs a guy like Chandler. When he’s at his best, he’s a 12-12 type of guy and even at his “worst” he’s an 8-8 type of guy that can block shots – which is better than anything OKC’s got right now. Read more…

Preview

From ESPN.com:

“The New Orleans Hornets and Oklahoma City are closing in on a deal that will send center Tyson Chandler to the Thunder, according to NBA front-office sources. Two sources with knowledge of the trade parameters told ESPN.com that the deal is likely to be completed later Tuesday. Although the entirety of the package New Orleans would receive for Chandler was not immediately known, ESPN.com reported early Monday that the Hornets — who are looking to move Chandler mostly for financial reasons — were in talks with the Thunder on a trade that would net the expiring contracts of forwards Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox. The Thunder also possess numerous draft picks to sweeten trade packages, including five first-round picks in the next two drafts.”

Wait. So the front page says, “Sources: Chandler to OKC,” but the actual story backs off and says it is “close to happening.” So what is it? This better not fall through because I just got really excited about it. Stick with DailyThunder.com, we’ll keep you advised.

And here’s what Chad Ford said in his chat:

“Marc Stein is reporting that they’ll send Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox there (both expiring contracts) for Chandler. Great trade for the Thunder in my opinion. They needed a young, athletic big. They are stacked with talent now with Durant, Westbrook, Green and Chandler. If they add a two guard like James Harden in the draft … wow.”

UPDATE: Here’s what Darnell Mayberry just reported:

“The Thunder has acquired center Tyson Chandler from New Orleans in exchange for Chris Wilcox and Joe Smith, according to a league source with knowledge of the negotiations. The Thunder will also include the draft rights to Devon Hardin, the 50th overall pick in the 2008 draft.”

So if Darnell is right, OKC trades Joe Smith, Chris Wilcox and Devon Hardin for Tyson Chandler? We don’t even have to toss in any draft picks? Sam Presti: trade deadline wizard.

News

UPDATE: Have a listen to today’s B.S. Report as Bill talks with Joe House about HORSE. Bill was there and has some interesting stuff about interacting with KD. The best was Bill trying to talk Durant into a trick shot and KD said to him, “Nah man, I’m winning this thing.” (Starts at about 25 minutes) And also, Bill mentions OKC by name at the 64:27 mark. Victory!

Along with Tyson Chandler, OKC is also reportedly after Marquis Daniels: “Hornets center Tyson Chandler is one of  three players “who might be on the verge of joining the Thunder,” according to The Oklahoman. The Hornets are one of the NBA’s many teams trying to avoid the luxury tax, as SN’s Sean Deveney reported last week, and Oklahoma City is reportedly offering Joe Smith, Chris Wilcox and one of its five first-round picks over the next two seasons, according to ESPN.com. Wilcox ($6.75 million) and Smith ($4.8 million) have deals that expire after this season. Chandler is set to make $11.85 million in 2009-10 and holds a player option for 2010-11 at $12.75 million. The Oklahoman reports the Thunder are in the running for Kings guard John Salmons and Pacers guard Marquis Daniels.”

Chris Colston of USA Today says the ’08 draft class ranks up there pretty high:  ”Another comer is Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, the fourth overall pick. He has averaged 16.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 steals since becoming a starter Nov. 29. “Rookie wall? I don’t know what that is,” Westbrook says.”

Since us Oklahomans are trying to be hip basketball fans, do your civic duty and read this, ahem, lengthy piece by Michael Lewis (Moneyball author) on the importance of Shane Battier. Everybody’s doing it: “To him the only pleasure in these sounds — the name of his beloved alma mater, the roar of the crowd — was that they marked the end of the worst part of his game day: the 11 minutes between the end of warm-ups and the introductions. Eleven minutes of horsing around and making small talk with players on the other team. All those players making exaggerated gestures of affection toward one another before the game, who don’t actually know one another, or even want to. “I hate being out on the floor wasting that time,” he said. “I used to try to talk to people, but then I figured out no one actually liked me very much.” Instead of engaging in the pretense that these other professional basketball players actually know and like him, he slips away into the locker room.” Read more…

Bolts

I’m the kind of guy that loves trade deadlines. I love roster moves. I love speculating over what could be or what might have been. I love thinking about the what-ifs and the maybe-could-happens. So with Thursday’s trade deadline approaching, if you assumed that I was excited about it, you’d be right.

A lot of people in the know figure Sam “Give Me Draft Picks!” Presti and Oklahoma City will be major players at the deadline. The Thunder’s got expiring contracts, draft picks and a few enticing veterans on the roster. All that adds up to Presti spending more time on the phone than Kelvin Sampson.

But before you can do anything – in anything – you’ve got to know what you’ve got. You’ve got to take inventory and rank your assets. So that’s what we’ll do. (Nenad Krstic is excluded because he can’t be traded for another two months.) You can really break the Thunder’s roster into seven simple categories.

We’re going to want the keys to your city
1. Kevin Durant. He’s OKC’s top asset and he’s not going anywhere. There’s maybe two players in the entire league that I’d trade him straight up for. LeBron and Dwight Howard. Nope, not Kobe. Nope, not even Chris Paul. From what we’ve seen from KD in just this little time, I think we’re looking at a steady top five player with the potential to be a top three. And because by law, any time you talk about Kevin Durant’s awesomeness, you have to mention this: He’s only 20 years old.

It’s going to have to be good. Real good.
2. Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook. Uncle Jeff is quickly establishing himself as a scorer from both the inside and outside, but also as a quality defender and physical rebounder. Russell is considered by some to maybe be the best player from the 2008 draft. For these two, I honestly don’t know too many players I’d take in exchange for them. I love the chemistry between them and KD and with their ages being 20, 20 and 22, it gives OKC long-term stability. By “real good,” I’m talking, like really, really good.

3. 2009 first round pick. Regardless of what happens from here on out, the Thunder are in the lottery. And most likely, barring some 25-game win streak, OKC will be in the top five or six. While with the way it’s looking, picks 2-30 don’t look all that wonderful, teams still would love to have the Thunder’s No. 1. Read more…

Commentary

In the last 25 seasons, how many second year players in the NBA have averaged at least 25 points per game?

Answer.

We’ve got something special going on with the young fella.

Commentary

Oklahoma City didn’t have anyone in the game last night. And though we all know Kevin Durant deserved to be there, it kind of didn’t matter. After KD dropped 46 in the Rookie Challenge along with Uncle Jeff Green throwing down multiple dunking slam jams and Russell Westbrook flying around the hardwood and then KD winning HORSE, for a moment, OKC was the center of the basketball universe. For just a second, we knew what it felt like to be the Lakers or the Celtics. Every story coming out of Phoenix was about Durant or the young Thunder trio. We were the talk of the town and let me tell you, that felt good. It gave a tiny view of what it could be like in three years if this plan happens to come to fruition. But even though there wasn’t somebody playing in the big game, this All-Star weekend was a smashing success for OKC. Anyway, on to some All-Star weekend Bolts…

Tom Ziller on KD’s big weekend: “Durant scored 46 points, breaking the record by 10. He had a littany of extraordinary moves, leaving teammate (and trash-talker) Russell Westbrook in a cloud of dust time after time. He even played a little defense to help the sophs pull out a victory, ignoring the legend that playing defense in the Rookie Challenge is like walking under a ladder. And as many have noted in the aftermath, Durant has been doing this since New Year’s Day. No one in the league is scoring more per game since January 1. K.D. is doing it efficiently, with an inventory of rebounds, blocks, steals and assists, as well. That Durant sits on the sidelines while someone like David West (a solid player, but a winner) made the Main Event … that says more about the coaches than it does Durant. There is an unfortunate pecking order, with youth and losing pushing stars like K.D. and Al Jefferson (R.I.P.) down the list. But Durant started a fire Friday, I suspect he’ll stoke it tonight during H-O-R-S-E, and the whole world will see the smoke next February.”

John Hollinger: “The feeling was mutual. Tonight’s game was a coming-out party for the Thunder’s entire rebuilding program as much as it was for Durant. They don’t see much daylight outside their pint-sized market thanks to a brutally awful start, but they’re quietly playing decent basketball of late behind their three young stars. The public has been a little slow on the uptake regarding the rapid ascent of each, with Durant getting little All-Star attention and Westbrook a nonentity in most Rookie of the Year discussions, but this, perhaps, will get a few people’s attention. Westbrook soared and finished at the basket, and created havoc on D, while Green showcased his vastly improved jumper at several key moments. And then there was Durant. He soared in for flying dunks over the rookies’ bigs, and then stepped outside and effortlessly rained in long J’s, showing the total package that seemingly has the 20-year-old forward (yes, he’s just 20) headed for a scoring title in the very near future.”

Latest trade talk from around the league has OKC talking with NOLA: “Our freshest non-Amare scenario: Sources say Oklahoma City is going after New Orleans center Tyson Chandler, with the Hornets known to be seriously interested in slicing payroll and with the Thunder capable of offering the Hornets two replacement big men with expiring contracts (Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox) as well as one of its five first-round picks in the next two drafts. You’d like to think that the Hornets would first try to get through this season, see how far they go in the postseason and then shop Chandler closer to the draft if moving him remains their best money-saving option, since trading its interior defensive anchor — in spite of Chandler’s struggles this season — would force us to reevaluate New Orleans’ status as a contender. Yet it remains to be seen if the Hornets can pass up such a payroll-friendly proposal. Word is he remains very much available if the right deal presents itself.” Read more…

Bolts

You don’t mess with the Durantula.

He spotted O.J. Mayo and Joe Johnson four letters, but it didn’t matter. It was only a matter of time before he heated up because as Durant called it, he’s a slow roaster.

Durant started 1-8 from the field which included embarrassing misses like throwing it OVER the backboard and looking like he didn’t know he had a left hand until this morning as he hit the bottom of the backboard with a between-the-legs lefty layup. Kenny Smith said KD’s left hand “is wack.” But once he got going, he got going.

Kind of like last night, he hit trey after trey including a 45-foot heave and eventually beat Mayo head-to-head. I think he hit something like seven of his last eight shots. After the slow start you could see KD had a little frustration on his face. He hates losing (I know, I know, OKC is 13-40… har har) and he definitely hates looking bad doing it. He wasn’t going to lose. That bodes well for our future.

Best moment was OJ knocking down a one-handed Uncle Jeff three and then Joe Johnson – with his life on the line – followed it. Of course, we all thought KD had no prayer as he had H-O-R-S (I refuse to write G-E-I-C-O. Crap. I just did). But the Durantula followed it with a swish. Then Mayo knocked out Johnson with a granny shot and it put KD in the final two.

I think H-O-R-S-E was a success. It’s really fun to watch professional players in a casual element talking and joking with each other and having trouble with shots that you and I used to try. The players tried creative shots (like Mayo’s knock-down from the stands), but didn’t get carried away. They hit shots and put the other guy on the spot.

And let me tell you, Kevin Durant is rapidly ascending into Adrian Peterson/Sam Bradford/Bob Stoops territory for me. I am really beginning to love that guy. Not just your typical “Oh yeah, he’s awesome!” type thing but where you’d strongly consider diving into a pool of sharks to save him. He’s such a laid back, humble guy (much like AD and Sammy), but he’s so good at what he does (much like AD and Sammy). Now, he’s not in that pantheon yet, but he’s getting there. Keep in mind that we’ve only had half a season with him. Imagine five years from now with multiple All-Star appearances, maybe a scoring title, maybe an MVP and a couple of playoff runs. Yeah, I think he’ll be up there. Maybe even at the top – well, nobody tops AD. Yet.

One site note about this whole thing: As an Oklahoman, this is seriously surreal. Getting to see our young core of players run around and show their talent and having national media talk about them and how bright our future is. This whole weekend has just been so fun. And we don’t even have anyone in the big game. I can’t tell you how weird (in the most awesome way possible) it is to see an NBA player walking around on national television with a warmup that says “Oklahoma City” on it. That is just… incredible.

All in all, that was fun and it was nice to see KD lift his second trophy in as many days. Even if it looked like a seventh grade science project. (A Barbie horse in a shoebox? Come on GEICO.)

Recap

Alright, stop right there. Don’t proceed any further unless you’ve already made your significant other some heart shaped pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream. Ok, done? Good, proceed with the Bolts:

• Over at Basketball Prospectus, Kevin Pelton, super stat guru breaks down his award winners at the All Star break:  Rookie of the Year

1. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City
2. Kevin Love, Minnesota
3. Brook Lopez, New Jersey

The depth of this year’s rookie class makes this a wide-open field, and I realize my order looks entirely different than conventional wisdom, which has Derrick Rose and O.J. Mayo as the favorites. Neither would be a bad pick; I just happen to like these guys (and maybe even Greg Oden) a little better. Nobody has been more efficient while playing a major role for his team than Westbrook, who has been a revelation for the Thunder. Westbrook’s unconventional game makes it easy to pick at his flaws (limited shooting range and questions about his ability to run the point), but he contributes in so many ways that he has still been very valuable. Westbrook is a lot like Rajon Rondo in this regard…….there’s more, including a certain number 35.

• I can’t give this away, but you absolutely HAVE to click here and look at the picture featuring our own Jeff Green. I refuse to comment any further.

• Every week the Draftexpress geniuses get together and tell us where and when the college b-ball games of the week are found. With March Madness just around the corner, these guys make sure you don’t miss a beat. Today, you may have to set your DVR and catch Chase Budinger and Jordan Hill against UCLA’s Darren Collison and Jrue Holiday, tomorrow James Harden’s ASU squad against USC and Demar Derozan … some of these guys could be wearing Thunder blue next year with that stack O’ first rounders Presti has stockpiled.

• Over at Truehoop,  Kevin A. gets a chance to ask some of the players at the All-Star weekend who their nightmare defenders are…..
  Kevin Durant
  Ron Artest.  He’s so strong.  He uses his body well, his hands.  He’s very quick. He uses his feet well.   You have to try to shoot over the top of him.  Make him run around a little bit.  Put him in pick-and-roll situations and stuff like that…

• Hardwood Paroxysm breaks out their “Hustle Junkie” of the week, featuring our very own Mr.Green:
  When Green plays basketball it is a celebration. His gruff, fearless style is not born of the cynicism or spite that seems to inspire other hustle junkies. His intensity is driven by respect and love: To work any less hard would be to not give the game the thanks it deserves. One day this joy may fade. As the grind of each season takes its toll, Green’s exuberance may lose a bit of its luster. But for the time being his unique combination of innocence and ruggedness have helped make him the first ever HustleJunkie Player of the Week.

  Jeff Green: In the spirit of Kermit Washington, we salute you.

• The Oklahoman has a few tidbits for you about last night’s boogie fest and the guy holding the trophy at the end of the game: they are here, here, and here.

Bolts

Who doesn’t love the Rookie Challenge, huh? Well, probably lots of people and I can guarantee I probably wouldn’t be watching if it weren’t for one-fourth of the Thunder roster participating. I’d likely be at Harkins getting ready to see Friday the 13th and being super pissed at my buddy Andy for making me see it with him. I think this will be better. But I can’t guarantee that.

7:51 p.m. CST: What is the draw of the celebrity basketball game? Seriously, someone help me here. It’s basically just two hours of total awkwardness. Unathletic people playing against old former players that run like they should be in a Saturday morning church league. Then someone airballs, throws his arms up making a face, does a little dance and everybody fake laughs hysterically. It’s awful. And yet I am watching… (sigh)

8:07: Here’s our opening with Dwayne Wade dressed like Urkel, actually looking more like Stefan Urquelle. Him and Dwight Howard are the assistant coaches and evidently the MCs for the starting lineups. Are there like 2,000 high school girls in the arena or is that a girlish yell track they are playing for everyone? What’s the deal with the high pitched screaming? And Howard gave Kevin Durant extra special treatment with a “You know who he is… KEVINNNN DUUUUURRRRANNNNTTTT!!!!!” Thanks Dwight. I’m sure Jeff Green appreciated the, “Oh, also from the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jeff Green.” Don’t worry, he’s used to it.

8:11: Our announcers are Kevin “NO REGARD FOR HUMAN LIFE!” Harlan, LeBron James and Kenny Smith. LeBron tells us that KD’s natural position is the two-guard because Jeff Green is playing the three. Either Bron didn’t get the news that P.J. Carlesimo got canned or didn’t realize Durant was guarding him the last time they played. Whatever. Read more…

Diary Rookie/Sophomore game

Seems like everybody is in on the Amare Stoudemire trade talk. Heck, even the Yankees are trying to make a deal for him. Some have tossed Oklahoma City into that mix, most saying it would be a combination of either Chris Wilcox or Joe Smith with Jeff Green and a couple draft picks.

Deal or no deal? A four-time All-Star that’s just 26 years old and has averaged 21-10, 25-9 and 21-8 the past three seasons. A guy that is an elite, established power forward in the league that could potentially take Oklahoma City from building to possibly built. Hit the red button right?

No. Deal.

Look, Amare could totally flip the Thunder around in a heart beat. We know that. He’s an elite player that teams have to game plan for and he would most definitely open up the world for Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. A lineup of Westbrook, Weaver, Durant, Stoudemire and Collison/Krstic doesn’t look bad at all. It’s looks pretty stinking good. But I don’t like it and I have reasons. Read more…

Commentary

Holy crap it’s Friday the 13th and tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. That means something, right? Right? Tonight we’ve got the always lackluster incredible Rookie/Sophomore game. And with basically the entire Thunder roster playing, I figured I’d bust out a good ol’ live running diary of the game (tip is at 8 p.m.). Should be awesome. I know you’re all super excited.

UPDATE: David Thorpe has a preview of tonight’s Rook/Sophomore game: “In this year’s rookie-sophomore game, the sophs have, by far, the best player on the floor, Kevin Durant. They also have the oldest and most experienced pro, Luis Scola, and five players with real playoff experience. But the rookies have everything else. Their roster is deeper, their bigs are bigger, their guards are better on offense and defense, and their confidence is sky-high. This rookie class is one of the best we’ve ever seen. And considering how the rookies typically get blown out in these contests, we can presume this team will be on a mission, too. Still, the sophs will no doubt play with pride. And they have the advantage of experience and the knowledge that this is a game they are expected to win — so I wouldn’t expect them to roll over and allow dunk after dunk. If the sophs lock in for most of the game, we should be looking at the best rookie-sophomore game ever played.”

Kevin Durant wants to guard Russell Westbrook. That should end well: “Kevin Durant plans to politick Orlando star Dwight Howard, who will be an assistant coach for the sophomore team tonight in the rookie-sophomore game that’s part of All-Star weekend in Phoenix. “I’m going to tell him I want to guard Russ the whole game,” Durant said. “You might see a show.”

Nothing is moving right now in Seattle: “If momentum doesn’t start building soon in Roy’s hometown, his basketball career could be finished by the time the professional game revisits one of its past homes. Despite a $30 million incentive on the table, and with more NBA teams facing financial hardship and looking for softer landing spots, the chances of professional basketball returning to Seattle appear slim. After the backroom negotiations between the city of Seattle and the ownership group of the Oklahoma City Thunder, chaired by Clay Bennett, that led to the departure of the SuperSonics for the Midwest last summer, apathy has become the overwhelming emotion among the general sports population in Seattle. The apparent consensus: If money gets approved for a renovation of KeyArena and Seattle eventually lands a new team, great. If not, oh well.”

Hoops Addict on the Melo/KD “best in the West” debate: “However, the best small forward in the Western Conference might be Kevin Durant. Yes, he plays on a bad Oklahoma City team, and you can argue his numbers are inflated as such. I strongly disagree – Durant has very clearly taken his game to another level since Scott Brooks took over as the head coach and he is now a premier NBA talent, well ahead of schedule. Durant has been the most efficient small forward with a PER of 20.5, and his statistical line is awe-inducing for a 20-year old.” Read more…

Bolts