Friday Bolts – 6.4.10

By the sounds of it, Kevin Ollie is retiring. And is inquiring about potentially coaching: ““I am sending my resume in, but I also have an opportunity to coach in the NBA, so I’m just still exploring my options … and I still may have an opportunity to play. That’s a longer shot than the other two because I have to wait until July 1 and knowing me, probably Aug. 1, once the big guys sign. That’s my third option right now … Oklahoma City is definitely a viable option because of how that organization is run from top to bottom. The great friends that I made and the relationships I had over the last year were absolutely wonderful. So I have to keep that under consideration. At the NBA level, it’s just pure basketball. You don’t have to deal with recruiting and the academics.”

Last week, Kobe pulled his own Air Congo, but as reader Clifton notes, this was more like a Gliding Cessna.

More comparisons of Avery Bradley to Russell Westbrook: “Outside of John Wall, the point guard waters are murky in the 2010 draft, which is a far cry from last season’s pool. Avery Bradley might be the best potential point guard on the board when the Pacers select tenth. Yes, there are comparisons to Russell Westbrook, but let’s not get carried away. At least Westbrook had some semblance of unselfishness at UCLA unlike Bradley, who is “prone to showing tunnel vision” according to Draft Express’ Assistant Director of Scouting Joseph Treutlein.”

The moment before the Tigers-Indians game yesterday with Jim Joyce is already one of my favorites ever. I was fighting it all back during it. Pretty powerful moment.

Kevin Durant makes a cameo in Kobe Bryant’s new Nike ad:

Chris Webber on OKC’s needs: “”I think if they need anything, maybe it would be a big man that can work in that post, somebody they can go to late in the game. When Durant was having a bad game against the Lakers that first game, they still were in it. It just seems like if they had a guy in the post that could draw fouls, someone that can draw double teams besides KD that would be awesome.”

Game 1 has changed Darnell Mayberry’s mind on this series: “Lakers in seven? How about Lakers in six? After watching the way the Lakers manhandled the Celtics in their 102-89 win in Game 1 on Thursday night inside Staples Center, it looks as though Boston is in a world of trouble. And I for one am already ready to change my prediction. Ready to send Boston home one game earlier than originally projected.”

Sam Amick of FanHouse has acquired LeBron’s free agency itinerary. How can LeBron really think this is a good idea? Makes me sick: “According to a source with first-hand knowledge of James’ plans, the Larry King interview that was shot Tuesday and will air Friday on CNN was only the beginning of his elaborate scheme to draw unprecedented attention to his courting. James, according to the source, is in discussions with Nike to create a new shoe for every visit along his free agent path starting July 1. The shoes would have the date of the visit printed, with James already having scripted his itinerary for the Free Agency Tour 2010.”