Monday Bolts – 6.1.09
The 66ers are suing the arena that they played in last year: “The ownership group of the 66ers — a minor league 
professional basketball team affiliated with the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder — has filed a lawsuit in Tulsa County District Court against Home Ventures Inc., the SpiritBank Event Center’s owner and operator. The 66ers’ ownership group is led by Clay Bennett, who also owns the Thunder. The 66ers played one basketball season, 2008-09, in the Bixby arena but will have a new home next year. The 66ers claim that the SpiritBank center’s ownership group, led by President Tim Remy, owes more than $100,000 and hasn’t paid anything to the professional basketball franchise during its one year as a tenant in the arena. The 66ers seek more than $200,000 in compensatory damages.”
Evidently, the Thunder likes Ricky Rubio – shocking, I know: “What, then, will the Oklahoma City Thunder do with the third overall pick? The buzz being sent out by the team is that they might go shooting guard, and names like James Harden and DeMar DeRozan have been thrown out there for the media to feast upon. Yet while we’ve been in Chicago catching up with anyone and everyone in the NBA, we’ve learned that the Thunder are actually very seriously considering taking Ricky Rubio with the #3 and moving Russell Westbrook, who is a Brandon Roy type of point guard, over to his more natural position off the ball. Keep in mind that this is the time of misdirection and distraction. NBA general managers don’t want anyone to know who they really like, as that knowledge empowers a team above them to out-maneuver them by taking their player and then offering to trade him down for a lower pick and an additional asset. Most of the teams are just starting to truly understand who these players are, and this year more than any other in recent memory we’ll see June workouts influence who teams ultimately choose at the draft. If the draft were today, however, we’re assured that the Thunder would most likely go with Rubio, improving what is already the best young nucleus in the NBA.”
OKC likes Steph Curry a lot too, supposedly: “Oklahoma City has a Stephen Curry fixation. The Thunder attended all of Curry’s home games at Davidson this past season and is looking at him as a potential shooting guard. But they’ll almost certainly move down from the No. 3 pick if they decide to take him. Scouts are not only high on Curry’s shooting, but also think he can make players better around him. “When you look at that Davidson team, they barely had any other Division I players,” said one scout.”
A new mock draft from Bleacher Report: “Thunder – James Harden: OKC goes with Harden, the scorer, over Thabeet here. I think the Thunder will look to bring in a veteran post player, either by trade or free agency. The trio of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden will make many teams stay up late preparing in 2009-10.”
Another one: “Oklahoma City — James Harden, SG, Arizona State, So – Harden exploded onto the draft scene this season as he torched the nets all year long in Tempe. Don’t let the dismal tournament performance fool you, this kid can flat out score. He’s got great size to go along with his sweet jumper, although I’d love to see him be more aggressive taking the ball to the cup. Harden could slide nicely into the rotation in Oklahoma City and form a very solid backcourt with Russell Westbrook. And who better to show him the ropes than Kevin Durant.”
Tyler Smith on OKC’s workouts: “Some teams, he tells me, do things their way. Smith has worked out for several teams, including the Thunder. What Smith told me about his Thunder work out runs in concert with stories from other players. Namely, the first thing that happens in Oklahoma City is a “2 or 3 hour battery of medical exams–everything you can imagine, they test it.””
Second season ticket sales have been extremely good so far: “Thunder officials project 80 to 85 percent of fans who purchased season tickets the inaugural season will renew. “We’ve had great feedback,” said Brian Byrnes, vice president of ticket sales and services. “Some of the 15 percent that aren’t renewing are consolidating with other clients. They’re staying with us. Not many are walking away completely.” The league record for season-ticket renewals was nearly 80 percent two years ago. That figure dropped to 78 percent this past season. Early estimates are it could drop as low as 70 percent next season. Oklahoma City could be an exception.”
Tons of interviews from Draft Express:
HoopsWorld on DeJuan Blair: “There generally aren’t too many surprises in store for NBA executives when they gather for the NBA pre-draft process. They’re getting to know players they haven’t talked to, finding out more about the guys they’ve been watching on tape, but legitimate surprises are pretty rare. This year, there was a sure-fire, jaw-dropping shocker waiting for the teams who reached out to Pittsburgh’s DeJuan Blair. He stepped off the NCAA court for the last time a few weeks ago weighing 315, but weighed in on Thursday at a svelte (and chiseled) 276.”
Ian Thompson: “Hasheem Thabeet will be the slider. The likely candidates to draft UConn’s Thabeet up high are No. 2 Memphis, No. 3 Oklahoma City and No. 6 Minnesota — otherwise he may slide past Toronto at No. 9 and out of the top 10. This would not necessarily be a bad thing for him. Like every player in this draft, it’s crucial that Thabeet land with a team that can accommodate him. Don’t you think Brook Lopez is happy he slid last June to No. 10 with New Jersey, where he filled a huge need by averaging 13.0 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.8 blocks?”
Blake Griffin is on the cover of the newest Dime Magazine issue: “Just a few days after Blake announced he was going pro, we went to Norman, Okla., to shoot him for the cover. While you can probably imagine the kind of determination and work ethic Blake possesses, Andrew Katz’s cover story also uncovers a young man who is more quirky and interesting than you would know just by witnessing his stone-faced, Robocop demeanor on the court.”
James Harden cancelled workouts with teams outside the top five: “Arizona State SG James Harden has reportedly canceled all workouts with teams picking outside of the Top-5. This comes on the heels of a widespread rumor that the OKC Thunder have targeted Harden with the No. 3 overall pick. With Harden at the two and Kevin Durant at the three, OKC could have one of the League’s top scoring wing combos for years to come. (Or at least until KD bolts the pasture as soon as possible to play in a big market.)”
@Kev
The reporters ASKED HIM to compare himself to current players, thus he HAD to compare himself.
And as others have noted, his agent is the reason he’s not workout out for teams outside the top 5.
And much like Malik Rose said recently, we need an all-business type of demeanor on this team, someone who can be all fun and games off the court but the second they step on it, be it in practice or especially in games, is a nasty cut-throat guy.
If that is Harden and he’s not just had a looong day and is ready to get some rest…good. But seriously, much ado about nothing.
@p
Eh, I’d say some individuals on this board have HIGHLY unrealistic expectations for first and second year players (especially those who have had 2 coaches in 2 years) but I think everyone here wants to be on board with just about everyone on the roster.
And there are a few red flags with Green, but that has more to do with his skill-set at the position he’s at instead of personal flags (even though the defensive effort can be a bit troubling).
97% of what we discuss is conjecture & hypothetical (or suppositions!) ..
im just saying that im quite sure there would be a double standard.
you don’t HAVE to do anything – this is a really common question – players get asked that all the time, a lot of the time they say they’re unique . . .
and again, it is probably much ado about nothing, but for a guy i really liked before the interview, It was kind of disappointing . . .
@Kev
agreed…to an extent…
But didn’t the Magic just run:
3. Turk
4. Lewis
I’m not saying we can be the 3pt shooting team Magic was (we are FAR from that)…but I do think Green can still be used effectively.
It would be nice if he bulked up and could play back to the basket (like college) but I don’t see him adding that.
thats why i named david west .. him being a 4 is definitely a stretch (to me at least) .. he averaged 4 points & 2 rebounds more than uncle jeff .. as an all star .. & 5th year player .. with an all-world point guard ..
so i say again, theres nothing to depict that jeff green will not be, at minimum, a very solid player – regardless of where he is on the floor.
Lewis is an exception to the rule . . .
Lewis plays in front of the defensive player of the year, and he’s a better shooter than Green (that’s the main reason Lewis got that sick contract)
@Nix
(my comment was in refernce to Jeff green on this team)
i think that is an excellent point .. aside form the beast that is dwight howard, they already have the 2 interchangeable wing players in jeff & kd … a harden or curry should add another shooter .. i’m gonna go on a limb & say that KD & jeff shot better from deep than turkey & shard .. now, if jeff & durant could improve their handle & passing, that is the blueprint .. & we have seen the difficulty in matching up with 2 long wing players
you have some good points – we COULD run that offense IF we had a center to draw attention . . . that’s our problem (along with about 25 other teams) we don’t have that . . .
i should say, 2 long & AGILE wing players .. & shard may shoot better than green, but maybe not durant .. & then the comparison is the shooting of hedo & green ..
of course you have to have the guy who owns the paint
@Kev
Haha, yeah, cause no one would have said anything if he had refused to answer that question from the reporter: “James Harden thinks he’s too good to answer questions. He thinks he’s above comparing himself to others because he’s sooo unique. What an ego-maniac!” Double-edge sword much?
Well, I’m sorry this put a dent in your Harden fanhood, but Curry’s shooting up draft boards as the #2 point guard now so that should make you feel better.
But for me, this interview did absolutely nothing regarding Harden. In fact, I’d almost hope he’s more cantankerous than he appeared because, and I said this when Lebron and the Cavs were doing all that horsing around and clowning around in pre-game warmups and introductions, “When you step out of your car or out of the bus and into that arena (or maybe the pre-draft combine), it’s about business. Stone-cold, locked-in focus, because it’s time you prepare to handle your business.” All of that goofiness was applauded by a lot of people, but only one thought was in my mind the whole time: Killer instinct? Mental preparation?
Now this in no way applies to Harden since he definitely didn’t come across as a jerk, but I’d almost rather whoever we draft have a chip on his shoulder and a “business” mentality since everyone’s crying for some toughness and leadership on this team.
@Kev
Dead on with Lewis. If you remember just last year when they lost to Detroit there was a big discussion about whether Hedo or Lewis should move to the 4, since neither seemed like they could do well there. And by the way, Lewis’ numbers have almost all gone down since the move to PF, so I’m not sure he’s a good comparison.
@p
The Magic model only works if you have a defensive anchor in the center as well as a well-oiled machine on offense. Also West isn’t a great example since he plays with the aforementioned best PG in the game as well as a rebounding/defensive machine at C. West has also been knocked for his ability to defend over the years.
I think Kev’s point is that Harden seem conceited…I agree
You can take it or leave…come up with excuses, but wouldn’t you want to be on your best during such an important time?
He acted like he didn’t want to be there. That’s all it boils down to for me.
I still have him as the third best available and would like him on our team.
In case people missed it:
http://www.nba.com/thunder/news/fordcenterscoreboard_090601.html
And he seemed just fine to me…and others. But to each his own.
Wow, that is one nice scoreboard. I see my extra half cent is being put to good use!
@J.G.
I’m pretty much against all taxation…
unless it goes to the Thunder…
Why against taxation?
The government is irresponsible with our money.
@Nix
That rules
Can you guys imagine if it had been Presti getting those questions in that setting instead of Harden?
“Hey Mr.Presti, can you tell us who you’ve patterned your game after”
“Well, I don’t really want to get into naming actual players, but I think it’s important to know that I am constantly looking at every opportunity to improve my game”
Hey Mr. Presti, can you tell us who you would compare your game to?”
“Well again, what’s important is that I am trying to build a culture of professionalism here, I don’t want to get into specifics”
“uh, ok then, Mr Presti, where do you see yourself going in the draft this year”
“Well, I am just excited for the process. It’s a great honor to be drafted and I want to get to work and do the best I can and try to improve daily”
“Uh-huh,…ok, have you ever met Kobe?”
Again, not to get into specifics, but I am just trying to become better every day and improve as much as I can”.
“hmmm, well, how was it for you after that tough loss in the tourney”?
“Well of course, I am never happy with losses, but again, I just want to continue to get better every day and improve at every possible juncture”……
Presti is the new Bill Belichick.
@Joe
If I were in that position I’d just make crazy stuff up…
Who do you compare your style to?
“I’m a mix between Mugsy Bogues and Manute Bol”
Have you met Kobe Bryant?
“Actually he’s met me.”
@Nix
“Actually, he’s met me.”
(chuckling)
Call me crazy but a little off subject by saying:
Trade 3rd pick for 8th pick and NY’s 2010 pick.
Next year with 3 proboble lottery picks we could pick up maybe Derrick Favors Ed Davis Cole Aldrich (who would be a C) or maybe JOHN WALL!!!
@Ty
That would be wonderful. Except that Isaiah traded the Knicks’ 2010 pick to Utah.
@Vega
I hope we never get an Isaiah…
Ooooo dangit. Well then how bout we try another team????
Even if we have the two draft picks we could still have a shot at picking up Cole Aldrich who had a triple double in the tournament with 10 BLOCKS!!! We also have a great chance at getting a solid Power Forward like John Henson, Ed Davis(unlikely), Greg Monroe, Derrick Favors, and this kid who i read about on ESPN insider top 10 prospects for 2010
10. Solomon Alabi, C, So., Florida State
Every year we put a sleeper at No. 10. This year it’s Alabi: a raw, athletic big man that a number of scouts are comparing to Hasheem Thabeet. While Alabi isn’t as big as Thabeet, he’s more skilled on the offensive end already. If he blows up next season, he could challenge for the No. 1 pick. But right now No. 10 is a more realistic place to put him.
If anyone wants to read more about next years prospects tell me and i will copy and paste Sssssshhhhhhhhhhh…….
3. Derrick Favors, PF, Fr., Georgia Tech
A ridiculous athlete, Favors has drawn comparisons to a young Amare Stoudemire. He needs to get stronger and improve his face-the-basket game, but the sky’s the limit for him.
4. Greg Monroe, PF, So., Georgetown
Monroe is the most skilled player on the list. If he can convince NBA scouts that he has a motor and can dominate consistently as a sophomore, he’s got the upside of Chris Webber.
7. Cole Aldrich, C, Jr., Kansas
Aldrich will be the best true center in the draft. He’s a skilled big man who can shoot the basketball, pass out of the double team and play in the paint. His excellent rebounding and shot-blocking numbers also have teams very interested. If he was a little bigger and a little more explosive athletically, he could compete for the No. 1 pick in the draft.
8. John Henson, F, Fr., North Carolina
Henson is the wild card here. On talent alone, he’s as intriguing as anyone in the 2010 freshman class. He has great size and elite athleticism and he knows how to play; think of him as a shorter Kevin Garnett. However, he’s painfully skinny, and it’s unclear exactly where he fits at North Carolina with Ed Davis playing in front of him.
i like favors .. but, for some reason i favored demarcus cousins more ..
monroe is nice – very skilled a la jeff green .. probably taller & more of a 4 .. but he scared me as a frosh – there were games where he basically vanished for long stretches .. thats kinda like a red flag ..
aldrich is a monster – i think he could have been top 5 this year ..
henson is crazy .. but he weighs like 145 lbs .. soaking wet .. with bricks in his pockets ..
john wall is unfrickinbelievable