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Tuesday Bolts – 1.26.10

DT-Shirts re-stocked yesterday so if you’re looking for a sweet new tee, go get one. Also, the Durantula shirt will be out soonish so started preparing your brain for it.

Ryan Schwan of Hornets 24/7 compiled a bunch of team info off HoopData: “There is one team, however, that has some very strange results: Oklahoma City. The shots opponents get against the Thunder would typically result in a 4th best(for the opponent) effective Field Goal Percentage of 50.3%. Instead, and I think this has to do with the freakishly long limbs of Durant, Westbrook and Sefolosha, the Thunder contest well, and only allow a 2nd-best “opponent eFG%” of 47.11%.”

Power! Chris Mannix has OKC at 12: “The Thunder continue to put the ball in Kevin Durant’s hands late in games. Now he just has to start coming through. Last week, Durant bricked a game-winning three at the buzzer against Memphis and had a game-tying layup swatted away with three seconds left against Cleveland. “I’m learning each time I do that,” Durant said. “Last year, we didn’t have this many close games, or the year before that. But I’m learning, that’s all I can say. I’m going to continue to be aggressive in those times, and hopefully they fall for me.”

Stein has OKC at 14: “Instead of the usual array of gaudy Durant numbers here, here’s what this young team still learning how to win has been through lately: OKC’s past four losses (Spurs, Mavs, Griz, Cavs) came by a total of five points.”

HoopsWorld at 14: “More losses but the trend continues – the Thunder are in every game they play. Their most recent four losses are by a total margin of five points.”

Ian Thompson explaining his mid-season All-NBA picks: “At the same time, I’m not going to ignore the contributions made by the other forwards who star for winning teams. In this case, I’m rating Kevin Durant on the All-NBA third team because his numbers are helping his team max out. Oklahoma City is one of the league’s two youngest franchises and yet the Thunder are 24-20 around Durant.”

David Stern is open to changing the All-Star voting format: “Fan voting for All-Star Game starters can produce results that counter logic. NBA Commissioner David Stern said he would look at the process after this year’s game, although that doesn’t mean there will be changes. “My management style is that I’m unhappy with everything we do and always look for changes,” Stern said.”

What will KD do if (when) he is named an All-Star?: “Now that it’s getting closer and closer, it would be a dream come true,” Durant said. “My brother told me (Sunday) if we’re watching the show, and we see my name as a reserve we’re going to pop the apple cider and run around the room and celebrate. Growing up, watching All-Star Games, seeing all the great players, if I am selected it would be the ultimate blessing.” Is there something in the apple cider? “No,” Durant said. “That’s all it is. It’s apples.”

Kevin Durant on Jeff Green’s slump: “A lot of people think Jeff should average 20 (points) and 10 (rebounds) since he’s playing (power forward) and he’s a mismatch,” Durant said. “But he’s out there playing hard and doing what he has to do. I’m glad he’s on our team because it’d be hell playing against him.”

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@josh
Eh. He's 22. He's bored. He's likes to show off the goods to his lady friends. His lady friends are like 'OMG!' and sends the goods around their lady friends. One thing leads to another and Huffington Post. Honestly, I think this'll do more to improve his image than anything else.

But do you get what im saying though hes hurt and he getting naked on the internet and what ladies r u reffering to wilderbeasts?

josh :
What the hell is wrong with oden

If you asked any number of ladies, the answer would "absolutely nothing."

I thought he knee was blownout looks fine to me looks like he can move around well enough to show his balls all over the place

What the hell is wrong with oden

The draft prospect I'm most intrigued by: Hassan Whiteside. 7'0 freshman averaging 9.4 reb and 5.4 blks in only 25.4 min? Per 40, that's 14.9reb/8.5blks. I want.

I realize that nobody is really engaged right now, but I thought I would put this out there for Royce... It's a piece from Hoopsdata on teams that have missed a lot of shots at the rim in particular games... one is of significance to us:

"3. Chicago Bulls 85 - Oklahoma City Thunder 98

Date: 1/4/10

CHI at-rim: (24 - 53), 45.3 percent, 29 missed

The Bulls missed more shots at the rim than the normal team attempts on any given night. Just stunning. Granted, when you take a league-high 53 shots at the basket, you're gonna miss your fair share. The Bulls were assisted on only 9 of their 24 field goals there so most of them likely came off of penetration and offensive rebounds. The Thunder only blocked 9 of the 29 misses which leaves 20 that were straight up errant. As I noted earlier this year when I profiled the Thunder, they allow a ton of shots at the basket but teams find little success in actually converting the chip-ins. This game serves as a microcosm of the Thunder squad."

First spin, won the lottery. This is stupid. Let's just make the playoffs and forgo this craziness.

Sure would make life easier on Presti if he knew which pick will end up higher... Sure would hate to trade away a top pick if the Suns blow up or the Thunder run into trouble.

mmm yeah.... the chances is pretty slim we will get a number 3 pick. That would be a sweet deal and we would probably be able to get some good with that. The problem is that those expiring contracts we have would go to waste basically because I doubt we could get much out harping and thomas by themselves. What about trading with the nets for yi. I really like him, of couse im kidding about trading for him, but i do like him.

@Bryan

or wait until we know if we got lucky (no.3) and try to use it for a trade.. just an idea anyway

I agree... we don't need these two draft picks unless we think we can get the perfect guy (or one pick ends up high in the lottery).

Trade both. We don't need anymore youth. Use them for a trade, sign and trade, or for future picks (2011 would be the best time to pick up another player after we have another year to evaluate what we have).

i think we should trade away all our draft picks expect maybe one first round draft pick or maybe keep one 2nd round draft pick. Think about some of the steals that were done last year in the 2nd round. If we could still an amazing young player that would be okay. I like the idea of using the draft picks and expiring contracts for a good solid player. I bet we could trade away our 10' draft picks and get a few 11' draft picks. That would be amazing. By then we will really know if mullens, ibaka, green, weaver, and white will actually pan out or not.

@kev
Davis has put on some weight, but would definitely need to bulk up for the 82 game grind of the pros at center. I guess my point is that he can easily add the weight, and that it's the rest of what he brings (height, length, post skill, rebounding) that make him such a high pick, even over more "exciting" players like Johnson.

Teams can begin making trades again after the deadline immediately after their season ends, so long as they trade with a team that has also completed its season. Normally trades don't occur until after the finals.

@Keith

sorry, we are different pages - usually, when I think of positioning, I think "can he defend that position in the pros?" I know Ibaks has technique issues, but the reason I think he's not a 5 (now anyway) is due to strength issues . . . Davis (last year) looked skinny to me, but since I watch very little college basketball, he may have put on some weight . . .

@kev
"middle first round picks won’t cut it . . ."

i agree completely... we dont need another big man prospect to develop and possibly not live up to hype or potential. I hope we make a move before the dealine. Our team doesnt need to get any younger i dont think. we have the youth and some vets... i think this team right now wont win a first round playoff series... hopefully we get something done

@Keith

I get all excited about this summer when I think of Ibaka working on his footwork/offensive game....

And I'm still waiting on him to throw down a big ole nasty jam... for a sec during the cavs game it looked like he was going to throw down a monster putback but the ball went the wrong way >.<

@Jax Raging Bile Duct

Turk opted out after they got VC . . .

@kev
To be fair, I think Davis is a much more refined player than Ibaka. Much of Ibaka's problems are footwork and proper place on the court. Davis would come in with a better foundation as well as post game. Also, aren't we kind of hoping for Ibaka to become a center anyway? He has the length, he just needs better footwork and/or strength.

Davis would come in with better footwork and positioning, and can realistically put on as much weight as anyone else in our stable of potential filled centers.

@dork

It seems like it is right before the draft. Isn't that when the Magic shipped Turk to the Raptors for VC? The week of the draft?

Here is a question for ya. After the trade deadline, at what point can teams begin making trades again(obviously after the season lol)

Mark! :@Vega
That’s not exciting. They’re all a bunch of question marks that are unpolished and need to put on weight.
See: Mullens, Byron and Ibaka, Serge.
Do we need someone on the interior? Yes. Will we likely draft a big man? Yes.
But it doesn’t really capture my imagination. We’re just going to get someone who is a “long term prospect” with “tremendous upside potential” and “all the physical tools.” Yay. Maybe they’ll even get decent minutes. In Tulsa. See you in 2-3 years. Maybe. See: White, DJ

classic . . .

my sentiments exactly - we are at the point where (unless we strike it rich) we have to acquire other players to get (markedly) better . . .

middle first round picks won't cut it . . .

well i dont even think we need the draft picks... use them and our expirings this year to snag someone... couple draft pick(s) with harping or etan contracts

@Mark!
Not exciting, but at least it is realistic.

@Vega

That's not exciting. They're all a bunch of question marks that are unpolished and need to put on weight.

See: Mullens, Byron and Ibaka, Serge.

Do we need someone on the interior? Yes. Will we likely draft a big man? Yes.

But it doesn't really capture my imagination. We're just going to get someone who is a "long term prospect" with "tremendous upside potential" and "all the physical tools." Yay. Maybe they'll even get decent minutes. In Tulsa. See you in 2-3 years. Maybe. See: White, DJ

@Dustin
Yes. If we (or Phoenix) are in the lottery, and the teams are being announced, any team not named at its proper place has jumped to 3 (or been pushed out of the top 3).

Keith :@kevHe’s listed at 6′10″ and it seems like he really is. Further, he’s long, so I think he’ll measure up fine, size-wise. He could still stand to put on more weight. I don’t really know what you mean by getting roughed up by NBA centers. He’s averaging 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks a game next to another likely lottery pick. The only player that really outplayed him in a single game was Pittman from Texas, and even then he was the better scorer of the two. He’ll definitely need to add weight at the NBA level, but besides Favors’ athleticism, Davis seems easily the best player who could be a center.

I meant Ibaka is really a 4 - I wasn't saying Davis was getting roughed up . . . sorry for the confusion . . .

@ vega

true lol.. its just kinda fun to think about... but as we all know we hope we arent even in the running for the lotto at the end of the season... meaning the p word

Mark! :Hey, maybe if we win the lottery and get Wall, we could trade him for Al Jefferson. I hear the Timberwolves could really use a point guard.

LOL... yes!! Full endorsement!!

We won't get Wall. End of story. We should be focusing on what mid first round bigs will be available.

just image the national playing time our boys would get if they got wall... hopefully itll be more than the 3 appearances

I have a feeling that Indiana will win the lotto.

About the summary from Hornets247, I think the situation is just as we stated already.

The best shot that a defense can force is where the offensive player has his heels on the 3 point line with a hand in his face. Preferably off balance, with no teammates in rebounding position. But you get the drift.

If you can force any team to be a jumpshooting team, you're doing your job. Now, if an offensive player gets to the elbow, or a one on one 18 foot jumper, and you make him take that shot rather than drive the lane, you're playing good defense.

The truth of the matter is that no player can play a whole game without giving up penetration due to screens or transition offense. As we've said here before, if we had a guy that made you think twice about driving the lane for concern of him blocking your shot, it would help the defense recover in that split second hesitation as this decision goes through the mind of the offense.

We already have a top, if not the best, defensive efficiency at the rim. Probably because we have no dominant shot blocker, but just solid defense down low and on help, and since a blocked shot isn't on the mind of the offense, they charge right in and end up facing a tougher defense than expected.

If we happen to get that guy, he would help us keep offenses thinking about that jumpshot more often. Which plays to our advantage because we're so good at help and closing out.

@ keith

ya i just dont want to see a division foe with wall... that could be the worst. i dont mind i guess if he goes to the west but i kinda do want to see him with LBJ and Brookie in Jers with snookie and the situation

Correct me if I am wrong because the whole lottery is confusing but if we are sloted to get a pick (say the 14th) if we don't get our name drawn when it is that pick does that mean we have moved into the top 3?

@mark

haha nice ya they would def go for that.

Hey, maybe if we win the lottery and get Wall, we could trade him for Al Jefferson. I hear the Timberwolves could really use a point guard.

boy if the thunder could get wall... we would have such potent play from the guard position... and our bench would absolutely slay anything... Harden Thabo coming off the pine jeez

@Vega
He definitely needs to add weight. But then, the same was said about Garnett and Bosh, and they both have often been the centers of their teams with great success. So it's not the end-all, be-all.

But then, look at any of the big men besides Cousins, and you could say they need more strength for the NBA game.

If any team not the Thunder get Wall, I just want it to be in the East. Washington couldn't with with it's core in their prime, so he wouldn't threaten anyone there. Detroit is probably two years away from being able to get back to the top in the East, so Wall would be harmless there as well. I almost don't want him to go to NJ just because he and Lopez could likely entice a superstar to join them. It could shift the East balance to a young team, which might affect future championships here. That is, right now the best East teams (Cleveland and Boston) are on borrowed time. By the year we can conceive of titles, Cleveland and Boston will have aged too many of their players.

Ed Davis is ridiculously skinny for a center. He will get splattered in the NBA if he doesn't add some muscle.

just thought it was interesting... I'm no basketball supergenius

@Dustin
Basically he says Westbrook and Wall could fit, likely with Westbrook off the ball. He calls Westbrook mostly a scoring point, and says Wall could be spectacular just running the show and not taking the scoring load away from Durant or Westbrook.

dork :
Off the wall question here but what team would you want (other than the thunder) to win the lotto and get J.Wall?

Timberwolves are always looking for point guards! :)

@kev
He's listed at 6'10" and it seems like he really is. Further, he's long, so I think he'll measure up fine, size-wise. He could still stand to put on more weight. I don't really know what you mean by getting roughed up by NBA centers. He's averaging 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks a game next to another likely lottery pick. The only player that really outplayed him in a single game was Pittman from Texas, and even then he was the better scorer of the two. He'll definitely need to add weight at the NBA level, but besides Favors' athleticism, Davis seems easily the best player who could be a center.

Brew :http://espn.go.com/nba/lottery2010/mockdraft

Hahaha, third try and I got the Thunder with the 3rd pick and they took Favors. hahaha crazy huh?!

@kev
The Thunder allow teams what SHOULD be a very efficient shot selection (based on league average shooting percentages for each type of shot) but allow a lower than average oposing shooting percentage because they contest shots very well.

All it's saying is that the Thunder (when compared to other teams or the league average) allow teams an efficient shot selection, but then those teams make a below average percentage of those shots.... so the only reason the Thunder defend so well is because they are long, athletic, and willing defenders, not because the defensive scheme forces the oposing teams to shoot from the least efficient spots on the floor.

If that makes any sense

I just did the mock draft lottery on ESPN and we won the #1 pick

Chad Ford has an article why every lottery team would pick John Wall can someone with insider access summarize why he thinks the Thunder could use Wall?