Wednesday Bolts: 5.30.18
Erik Horne on Andre Roberson’s left knee procedure: “Thunder guard/forward Andre Roberson had arthroscopic surgery Tuesday to relieve synovitis, or inflammation, on his left knee, according to the team. Roberson is four months removed from surgery to repair a ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee. Rather than wait for the swelling to subside, Roberson, the Thunder and doctors elected to have the procedure in order to remain on an aggressive pace in his rehab. The procedure was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthapedic Clinic in Los Angeles, Calif. Per the Thunder, Roberson’s rehabilitation is still on track, and the 25-year-old is projected to be ready for the start of the 2018-19 season.”
Danny Leroux (The Athletic) reviews the Thunder’s offseason: “Considering the Thunder’s luxury tax burden, it appears unlikely that they will use their full Mid-Level exception unless their books look significantly different in early July. They will need a backup point guard with Raymond Felton hitting free agency but expect another minimum contract to fill that void. They could have a little more spending power if George leaves but would be looking for a perimeter player, even a rotation level talent, will be hard to come by at their price point. Potentially Presti could hope Corey Brewer would return after a nice close to the season, roll the dice on a Jeff Green return or get Glenn Robinson III on the cheap after a lost season due to injury.”
A documentary about Nick Collison is debuting in OKC on June 9: “MR. THUNDER” celebrates the earnest and authentic career of the 15-year NBA veteran who became a popular and important face of the Thunder franchise over his 10-year tenure in Oklahoma City. Set over the final two weeks of his playing career, Collison reflects on his time in the NBA, the work and approach required to make it happen, and the relationships that made it special. Thunder cameras followed Collison over the two-week stretch which included his final seven regular season games. In the film, Collison refers to himself and his style of play as “the basketball version of a janitor.”
Brett Dawson on OKC being named a top 10 city for basketball fans: “That’s according to a study by WalletHub.com, a personal finance site that examined NBA and college programs using a 21-metric methodology — including winning percentage over the past three seasons, NBA franchise value and fan engagement — to rank the best U.S. cities for basketball fans. Oklahoma City ranked seventh overall and fifth in the NBA ranking. It was tied for last place among 290 cities in the college basketball ranking. NBA fans in Oklahoma City were tied with those in Miami, Boston, Sacramento, Orlando and Salt Lake City for first place among “most engaged” NBA fans, a metric based on number of Twitter followers and number of Facebook likes per capita.”
Jason Jordan (USA Today) on Russell Westbrook, the coach: “That’s why Stanley wasn’t even remotely shocked that when Westbrook showed up at the Nike EYBL in Atlanta last weekend for the first time all spring to monitor his team, Stanley turned in his best showing of the season, averaging 20 points a game. “Just having someone with that experience telling you what he sees on the court and then you translating it on the court is such a big help,” Stanley said. “He sees the game on a different level.” Stanley didn’t hesitate to implement his attacking strategy when Westbrook told him that the defense was being lax on setting up its defense during a game in Atlanta. “He told me to push it because I had the advantage every time,” Stanley said. “I did it and it worked. That was one of my best games.”
Kicks on Fire reviews the latest Jordan Why Not Zer0.1: “Russell Westbrook’s signature Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 is releasing in a Masters (PHD) iteration, and it pays homage to Westbrook’s brother Raynard who is graduating with a PHD from the University of Central Oklahoma. Keeping it simple with a full black upper made of mesh with synthetics, the highlight is seen on the mismatched tongues and heel tabs inspired by the school’s colors, as well as graphics on the insoles. Finally, a white rubber outsole with pink and blue Jumpman branding completes the design altogether.”
Serena Dai (Eater NY) on Carmelo Anthony investing $5 million in two NYC restaurants: “NBA hotshot Carmelo Anthony made a hefty investment in two NYC restaurants: Nobody’s Pizza, an Italian restaurant in South Bronx, and the Ainsworth, an upscale sports bar that’s more recently known as the place for Jonathan Cheban’s soul-crushing gold-plated wings. The Post reports that Anthony’s $5 million injection into the businesses is to expand them across the country — somewhere between 20 to 30 locations in the next seven years, mostly near sports stadiums. It’s a deal with Keith Rubenstein, the real estate developer behind Somerset Partners. Nashville, where the Ainsworth is already planning a new location, will be the first city on deck for a Nobody’s Pizza expansion as well.”
Around the League: Bryan Colangelo, secret Twitter accounts, & the most bizarre NBA story in some time…. The Sixers are investigating the odd behavior…. Steve Clifford is the new coach of the Orlando Magic…. Kevin Love is questionable for Game 1 of the Finals…. How the Cavs can overcome the odds against Golden State…. Rockets fans are blaming Ted Cruz for their Game 7 loss in the WCF.
