Thursday Bolts 6.17.10

Jonathan Givony of Draft Express reports Daniel Orton canceled his six remaining workouts and speculation is saying because he has a promise from OKC. Just remember, Spanish Law Firm.

The Rookie Wall compares Daniel Orton and Larry Sanders: “Daniel Orton will give you a stronger, more reliable presence in the post than Larry Sanders can give you. Sanders is very athletic for his size and can be good as a slasher or in transition, but he will struggle greatly going against NBA-size forwards and centers down low. And since he doesn’t have much of a face up game or a reliable jump shot, he won’t be able to make those bigger players pay for sagging off him, which effectively neutralizes his athleticism.”

Chad Ford’s newest mock has OKC taking Orton at 21: “Orton is a bit of an enigma. His 3 ppg and 3 rpg as a freshman at Kentucky certainly won’t wow you. But he’s got the raw tools to be a successful big man in the pros. The Thunder were among the teams that were on him early and they might just get lucky and get him here. While Orton is in the discussion starting at the 10th pick, concerns about his knees and his relative lack of playing time over the course of the past two seasons are weighing on teams. He could easily end up in the lottery, but I doubt he slips further than this.”

KD and Westbrook are featured pretty heavily in the new NBA Jam spot (h/t Brandon):

KD was asked a couple questions at the World Basketball Festival thing, and the writer also said this: “Even though plays in Oklahoma City, a market that does not get much attention, Kevin Durant is a player that is worthy of global attention. His dedication to his job, his love of the game and his humble, team-first approach will help him become one of the best players in the NBA for years to come. He’s a great role model for all young athletes out there. Thanks Kevin, and thank you Nike for the opportunity.”

A lot of movement in Draft Express’s mock. Orton at 21 and Tibor Pleiss at 26.

NBA.com’s recommendation for the Thunder: “With four picks, three between 21 and 32, there are a lot of way for the Thunder to go. General manager Sam Presti can continue to stockpile talent, adding to an already deep roster of youngsters. Calculated gambles can be made on selecting players who remain overseas for a year or two. Picks can be packaged, along with players, if OKC wants to make a splash via the trade route. The franchise also has significant cap space, furthering the potential for blockbuster moves. If Durant is locked up to an extension this summer, something the scoring champ and front office are open to, the rest should fall into place nicely. An MVP contender to build around and options galore is every GM’s dream.”

Chad Ford reports that OKC has already turned an offer from Toronto: “At the same time, the Raptors appear to be closing in on a trade for an additional first-round pick. Colangelo has called every team with multiple picks looking for something in the 20s, according to sources. He’s offering cash (the team can pay up to $3 million for a pick) to any team that doesn’t want to make a three-year commitment to a late first rounder. A few teams, including the Thunder and Nets, have said no. But teams with multiple first-round picks (like the Grizzlies) or teams trying to save cash or a luxury tax hit (see the Orlando Magic) are in Colangelo’s sights.”

Daniel Marks of Dime gives some offseason advice to the Thunder: “Another guy Presti could use the Raptors’ money to sign is Kyle Korver. Korver shot an NBA record 53.6% from three, and with the Thunder desperately in need of a three-point threat, Korver would be the perfect guy for the job (with Mike Miller as a solid back-up plan). These guys can all help the Thunder now and  later. The Thunder are ready to take the next step, and signing a free agent, as opposed keeping the 27th pick, allows them to do that.”