Daily Thunder.com

Byron Mullens had himself quite the weekend.

On Saturday, he got married. (He’s also on Twitter. I did not know this.) And then on Monday, via HoopsHype, Mullens reportedly signed to play with Panionios in Greece. Here’s a rough translation of the article:

The center has been offered to several teams this season. Lagun Aro and Alicante is interested in their services, while the option of Panionios is that it seems to have more options to move forward, by just an economic issue. It is difficult to see what decides on the player’s own, whose preference is to follow in the spanish competition. The interest shown by the coach of Panionios Giorgos Bartzokas, which has recognized its desire to have with Paulao, you can be a factor in determining that the pivot brazilian decides to change of aires and try their luck abroad for the first time in his career.

It is true, the Panionios will not wait forever to Paulao and yesterday joined the center B. J. Mullens (2.16 and 22 years) from the Oklahoma City Thunder of the NBA. This movement can cause a shift in negotiating with the Unicaja by Paulao. The club of the Beagle Channel has already warned the player that if it stays in Malaga will do so with all the consequences and it will play in the discipline of the Clinics Corner, because it does not account for Chus Matthew, in addition to not have a place in the first template by issues of quotas.

So there you go. Congrats (and congrats?), Lord Byron.

News

The last time the Blazers were hunting for a new general manager, they looked to Oklahoma City and hired Sam Presti’s assistant GM Rich Cho. That didn’t work out so well.

But that’s not stopping the Blazers from trying again.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, the Blazers interviewed Thunder assistant GM Troy Weaver for their recently vacant position.

Weaver met with Blazers officials about replacing Rich Cho, who worked with Weaver under Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti.

Weaver has progressed rapidly as an executive, rising from a personnel director with the Utah Jazz to the No. 2 spot in Oklahoma City. Weaver is considered an excellent evaluator of talent, and is well-connected on every level of the game. He pushed hard for the Thunder to draft point guard Russell Westbrook out of the UCLA with the fourth overall pick in the 2008 draft, higher than any NBA executive had projected Westbrook to go.

As Woj mentions, Weaver was kind of the guy to push for Westbrook and has been pretty integral with Presti in evaluating talent. I’ve been told by some that would know that Weaver was a big part of pushing to make the Jeff Green trade happen.

So it would obviously be a bummer to lose him but that’s the price of success. When you do well and build a sterling reputation like the Thunder front office has, your people are going to be hot commodities. I guess that’s good. Just means that Presti might have to do a little front office talent evaluating again to replace him.

News

If there was ever a place to be for a Thunder fan Tuesday night, it was in Baltimore for the Melo-Goodman game that featured Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, LeBron James, Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony.

It pretty much came down to this: KD’s team lost 149-141, but Durant, with LeBron checking him, dropped 59 points, pretty much holding his team in the game by himself.

Michael Lee of the Washington Post was there and his Twitter feed is darn near orgasmic. A sampling: Read more…

Commentary, News

That’s not the movie, but I’m pretty sure it should be.

When most players say that they are exploring their options during this lockout, they mean they’re looking at playing overseas. Kevin Durant ‘s doing that too — reportedly — but he’s also evidently exploring another option: the silver screen.

According to the Oklahoman, Durant is set to “star in a major Warner Bros. film” that will either be filmed in Oklahoma City or Baton Rouge. The film is said to have a “basketball subplot” doesn’t have a name yet but is supposed to go into production in mid-September. You know, right around when training camp would be starting.

I’m sure this movie isn’t actually a lockout contingency plan for Durant but there’s no doubt that a work stoppage would assist in helping him get his part done. I bet it would be tough to squeeze in shooting between back-to-backs against the Bucks and Grizzlies.

But this is just another stamp on Durant’s move to go from small market basketball superstar into a globally branded megastar. He’s already taken big steps toward that as his appearances in China have been massive, he was second in All-Star votes in the West behind Kobe and he’s got massive ad deals with giants like Nike, EA Sports and Gatorade. A movie doesn’t necessarily mean he’s going to jump past LeBron or Kobe, but it’s an obvious sign that you’re not limited just because you’re in a small market. Read more…

Commentary, News

Yeah, yeah, these games aren’t going to happen, but here you go anyway: The Thunder’s 2011 preseason schedule. It’s not like these things really mattered anyway. (All times Central.)

Oct. 12: at Utah, 8:00 p.m.
Oct. 14: vs. Charlotte, 7:00 p.m.
Oct. 16: at Dallas, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 17: vs. New Orleans (in Wichita), 7:00 p.m.
Oct. 21: vs. Denver (in Tulsa), 7:00 p.m.
Oct. 25: at Phoenix, 5:00 p.m.
Oct. 27: vs. San Antonio, 7:00 p.m.

The Thunder is set to open the regular season on the road Nov. 1 in Los Angeles against the Lakers.

News

Kevin Durant’s got some options right now. His agent recently said the Thunder superstar was exploring situations in Spain, Turkey and Russia.

Well, the Russia thing just got a bit more interesting. Because we have an offer. According to Championat.com, via HoopsHype, Russian superpower CSKA Moscow is in talks with Durant’s representation for a deal worth around $1 million per month. Not too bad.

If you recall, Kobe’s reported offer from China is for something like $1.5 million. So Durant obviously is carrying a similar global reputation. Deron Williams’ Turkish deal was only for $250,000 a month. Take that, Zach Lowe. (Only kidding.) Read more…

News

Ronald Martinez/NBAE/Getty Images

I had this in today’s Bolts, but I feel like both sides of the story need to be heard. We already know what police are saying and we know about Kendrick Perkins’ initial denial. But more information and details are surfacing.

Really for Perk, his weekend arrest really didn’t carry much of any punishment. It was just a misdemeanor charge, he got out on $150 bail and with a little community service, I’m sure he’ll be able to move past whatever happened at a bar in his hometown of Beaumont, TX.

But Perk sees the punishment of public perception and embarrassment as too much to ignore. Which is why he’s going on the offensive.

Again, Tuesday he denied claims made by police after his arrest for public intoxication. Through a lawyer’s statement, Perkins claims he was actually injured during whatever happened and even considered a police brutality complaint. And now, there’s more. Via the Oklahoman, a publicist for Perkins says he was only having water at the bar and there are witnesses to verify it.

“Although these may be misdemeanors, it’s a big deal to Kendrick,” said Denise White, his publicist. “He’s not happy about how things happened that evening and feels like the police were out of hand … He was not drinking alcohol, nor was he intoxicated. Not one drop of alcohol Friday night. We’re not sure why they said Kendrick was intoxicated. There are witnesses inside the club that will attest to Kendrick only drinking water that evening.”

How can we be sure about this? We can’t, because evidently police did not administer a breathalyzer or take a blood test. And if you’ve ever heard Perk talk, it might be kind of difficult to tell if he’s been drinking or not. That slow Texas drawl makes it sound like he’s slurring everything. I mean, doesn’t it seem a bit strange that he was arrested for public intoxication and they didn’t actually prove he was intoxicated? Does to me. Read more…

Commentary, News

Kendrick Perkins had himself a weekend. The kind where you end up in jail. (I think that’s officially called “The Charlie Sheen,” isn’t it?) He was arrested for, as police said, trying to fight everyone at a bar, including the manager, while being drunk. He was hit with a public intoxication and disorderly conduct charge.

But Perk is saying he’s innocent. Through his lawyer, he released this statement, via kiiitv.com: “Mr. Perkins has maintained his innocence to the charges and is recovering at home with family suffering from injuries he received during the incident.”

His attorney even says they are considering filing a police brutality complaint against the officers. Perkins’ lawyer says there are different accounts being given by witnesses as to what happened Saturday night in Beaumont than what police are reporting. Read more…

News

From Michael Lee of the Washington Post, talking to Kevin Durant about street hoops, the lockout and his decision to possibly go overseas:

Durant said that after speaking with Stephen Jackson and a few other players last week, he has decided to set a deadline of Oct. 1. “Once we really know the season is not going to start at regular time, that’s when you make the decision,” he said. “I guess when October hits, it’s really going to get real for me. I don’t want to do it too early and be locked into something, knowing we’re going to play. I’m going to keep my options open.”

When asked if Turkey was his first option, Durant said, “My agent is talking with those guys, but I really don’t know too much about what’s going on. He’s going to call the next few days, keep me in [the loop]. Right now, I’m just trying to get better hooping and we’ll see what happens.”

News

UPDATE: Via the AP: “A statement from police in Beaumont, Texas, said officers saw a large crowd outside The Ticket night club just after 2 a.m., and received complaints of fights and pepper spray inside. An officer saw about 50 people inside around Perkins, who police said was attempting to fight the club’s manager. The statement said the crowd pushed Perkins out the back door of the club, where he continued to yell obscenities and start other fights.”

According to KFDM in Texas, Kendrick Perkins was arrested in his hometown of Beaumont, TX early Saturday morning. He was booked at about 4:00 a.m. on charges of public intoxication and disorderly conduct.

Perkins posted bond of $150 and were shortly released. (An initial report had Stephen Jackson arrested with Perk, but that has now been changed.)

So, what happened? According to MediaTakeoutOut.com‘s ridiculous account (which is always shady), Perkins, along with Stephen Jackson and potentially Rajon Rondo, all were involved in some kind of altercation outside of a Beaumont club. The group, along with Eric Maynor, James Harden and Kevin Durant, were all to be in town for Perkins’ basketball camp and celebrity game. However, the celebrity game was cancelled after Perkins reportedly had an incident in Jackson’s Port Arthur home late Thursday. Read more…

News

Via Marc Stein of ESPN.com, Besiktas, better known as the professional Turkish team that signed Deron Williams and is trying to lure in Kobe Bryant, is trying to kickstart negotiations with Kevin Durant.

Agent Aaron Goodwin told ESPN.com on Tuesday night that he has met with officials from Turkish club Besiktas and has likewise begun exploring opportunities for Durant in Spain and Russia. Goodwin added that playing in China is not something Durant is considering at this time.

“The Turkish option is very intriguing,” Goodwin said. “We’re looking at other countries as well. Kevin hasn’t agreed to play anywhere yet, but we’re looking for the best fit.”

The Turkish newspaper VATAN has reported that Besiktas — if ultimately rejected by Bryant after weeks of trying to get the Los Angeles Lakers’ star swingman to commit to join New Jersey’s Williams at the Istanbul club in the event of an extended lockout — will shift its focus to trying to sign Durant.

If you recall, KD said as of about two weeks ago that he was 50-50 in terms of playing overseas if a lockout caused games to be missed. But this deal sounds like it’s contingent on the Kobe deal falling through, which by most accounts, most certainly will. (Some reports have said that there’s a “zero percent” chance Kobe will sign in Turkey. China is the real option.)

Clearly if the NBA loses games, Durant is going to be hunting for a place to ball. We’ve seen all summer that he has to be dribbling and shooting something in order to live, so take that away from him and he’s going to look at options. Whether it’s Turkey, Spain, Russia or a driveway near you, Durant is going to be playing somewhere come November.

News

The Goodman League will square off with the Drew League August 20 in Washington D.C. with the Thunder representing well in the game. Kevin Durant will lead the Goodman with James Harden starring for the Drew. It will be a spiffy event. And here’s a video to get ready for it.

One thing though: Sam Amick of SI writes that the game might face some logistical challenges. He says: Read more…

News, Video

Photo via thunder.nba.com

You probably should’ve seen this one coming. The arena formerly known as the Ford Center is now the arena formerly known as Oklahoma City Arena. When the season kicks off at home Nov. 4 (hopefully), you’ll be going to Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Chesapeake of course is one of the Thunder’s biggest corporate sponsors with chairman Aubrey McClendon being a part-owner of the team. Natural fit there, I’d say.

Clay Bennett on the change: “On behalf of the entire Thunder organization, we are extremely proud to enhance our already strong partnership with Chesapeake Energy. Besides being a leader in the national and international energy industry, Chesapeake is a dynamic business and community leader in Oklahoma. Together with the Thunder’s commitment to the community, it makes the naming rights partnership a perfect fit. The Thunder looks forward to many exciting years ahead playing in Chesapeake Energy Arena in downtown Oklahoma City.”

So, how much did it cost? According to the team, it’s a 12-year naming rights agreement and has an initial annual cost of $3.0 million with a 3.0 percent annual escalation. The agreement includes Chesapeake branding throughout the building including on the basketball court, prominent premium placement on the high-definition scoreboard and new state-of-the-art interior and exterior digital signage. Most of the signage will be in place by the start of the Thunder’s 2011-12 season.

I have to say, Chesapeake Energy Center rolls off the tongue a bit better than Chesapeake Energy Arena. But whatever. It’s really the Thunderdome or Loud City, depending on your preference and that’s really what matters. Of maybe we can brainstorm a slick nickname — The Peake, Peake Arena, Aubrey World, The McClendome, and such and such.

Regardless, see you at the CEA this year. Hopefully.

News

If you’re a fan of Kevin Durant, you know about the Goodman League at Barry Farms. Or better known as “Inside da Gates.” KD grew up playing at Barry Farms and makes a yearly return (or returns) to play in Washington D.C.

The Drew League is basically the West Coast version of it and somewhere that KD and James Harden have both played this summer. And know organizers are matching them up for a head-to-head showdown.

It’s Aug. 20 in D.C. and can be seen streaming here. And now we have the full rosters.

Representing the Goodman with KD will be John Wall, Ty Lawson, Gary Neal, Tyreke Evans, Michael Beasley, DeMarcus Cousins, Josh Selby, Sam Young, Donte Greene and from the And1 Tour Hugh Jones, Emmanuel Jones and Warren Jefferson.

For the Drew League James Harden, DeMar DeRozan, Nick Young, Dorrell Wright, Brandon Jennings, JaVale McGee, Craig Smith, Pooh Jeter, Bobby Brown (Aris BC), Marcus Williams and three more players yet to be named later.

With a dark summer of no official basketball because of the lockout, you should be very, very excited for this. And there’s no doubt that the Goodman has a major edge here. First, it’s in D.C. Second, look at that roster. KD, Wall, Lawson, Reke and Beasley are quite the core. Harden’s been tearing up the Drew (he scored 52 there a couple weeks ago), but the Goodman roster is way better.

You can be sure this showdown will be awesome. And you can be sure I’ll be watching. You better be too.

News

Here it is, even if some of these games may not happen. Some pretty fun highlights to talk about, which I will, in a post coming in about an hour.

NOVEMBER

Tue 01 @ LA Lakers 9:30pm (TNT)
Wed 02 @ Phoenix 9:00pm
Fri 04 vs Indiana 7:00pm
Sat 05 @ Dallas 7:30pm
Tue 08 @ New York 6:30pm
Thu 10 @ Chicago 7:00pm (TNT)
Sun 13 vs Toronto 6:00pm
Mon 14 @ Charlotte 6:00pm
Wed 16 vs New Jersey 7:00pm
Fri 18 vs Denver 7:00pm
Sun 20 vs Utah 6:00pm
Mon 21 @ San Antonio 7:30pm
Wed 23 vs LA Lakers 6:30pm (ESPN)
Fri 25 vs Memphis 7:00pm
Sun 27 @ LA Clippers 8:00pm
Wed 30 @ Golden State 9:30pm Read more…

News