Kevin Durant, Forward, Oklahoma City Thunder
Kevin Wayne Durant (born September 29, 1988 in Washington, D.C.) is an American professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the NBA.
That’s all I’ve been hearing lately. Blah, blah, blah, weak sauce, blah, blah. Why you mad, though? The major complaint is that no one really stands out from the pack. My thinking is “How the eff does that make the race weak?” My dude, you serious? Go watch Tommy Wiseau’s The Room if you think the race is the weakest then hit me back up or get slapped with a notice out of nowhere to give up the kids like Charlie Sheen. If you don’t like this season’s MVP race, you don’t like NBA basketball.
The newly minted 2011 All Star game MVP worked his way to be the star of stars. 37 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 steals are great numbers. Props to Kobe. It is back to business since All Star weekend is over. Where is Kobe in the league MVP race? Remember, this isn’t the legacy award like the All Star spots. Everyone has to put in serious work. That includes Bryant who is usually penciled in before the season started. Every great player's time fades away, too. It sucks, but that's life.
The streets are buzzing. I’m going to agree with this. The future NBA commercial featuring him and some old black guy standing there talking about his future is creepy. That pissed off Seattle. Sorry, Seattle. That sucked just to watch. You’ll always have Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. And Shawn Kemp’s kids. And grunge. And a band formerly called “Mookie Blaylock” that became Pearl Jam. And Gary Payton’s trash talking. That was the ish back in the day.
Yes, I know the season is about 5 games in by the time you read this. What a great way to look at things. You can still work trades early. Get moving especially if you’re in a pay league.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Heat GM Pat Riley and Thunder GM Sam Presti must have had heart attacks while watching LeBron James and Kevin Durant’s flag football teams go at it.
Luckily, the two NBA superstars, who earn tens of millions of dollars to play pro basketball, didn’t get hurt.
And LeBron returned interception for a touchdown. His celebration dance wasn’t half bad either.
Click the link, watch the video, and come back to HoopsVibe News with thoughts and comments.
This is an intriguing challenge because ever since the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Pau Gasol as a gift from long time former general manager Jerry West, the team is unbeatable. The squad can be beaten in one game because it’s just one game – mad random. In a seven game series, however, no team in the West can knock off the Purple and Gold. I just do not see this happening as long as Kobe Bryant is at his peak running the team. What does a team have to have to be able to defeat them?
I'll be taking quick notes as I watch the game here. Feel free to drop in your comments below. They update in real time.
- What is Andrew Bynum drinking? A pre-game shot shows him chugging a foaming red liquid from a water bottle.
- OKC tosses the ball to Durant for the first play. He dribbles around for a few seconds before tossing up an awkward brick. Bad opening.
- Pau connects on a shot with so much arc the ball came down with snow on it.
- That red stuff is obviously working for Bynum, who connects on his first attempt.
- Durant botches an open layup. Let's hope that's a fumble and not a sign of the pressure getting to him.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The great ones put in work regardless of the circumstances.
Even though there’s a lockout, Kevin Durant and LeBron James are training with the hope that owners and players will solve their differences and have a season.
Click the video below, watch these superstars train, and get at HoopsVibe News with thoughts in the comment box below.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
The regular has ended some time ago and it’s time to touch on the players and moments that made this season memorable. The playoffs just started and it is going to take awhile to determine the champion, but I’d like take this time to look back at stuff that impacted the season and future to come. Hold up. There will be some moments that did not impact the season. It was just funny to point out. Dwight Howard wins another Defensive Player of the Year, Scott Brooks wins Coach of the Year, and Aaron Brooks won Most Improved Player. We can safely assume that LeBron James won Most Valuable Player.
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Brought to you by the makers of Michael Jordan versus series, LeBron versus line, Kobe versus and the barely visited Dwayne Wade versus LeBron debates, we bring to you the latest and greatest in the long line of internet debates, Kevin Durant versus LeBron James. Yes, it is another one in a classic barn burner debates spark by large usage of extreme GIF images to represent reaction and smart witty remarks with people using a lot of free time to dissect statistics.
Hoops Vibe’s Very Quick Call: This is what we are missing. LeBron. Kevin Durant. Rudy Gay.
The best athletes in the world are not able to perform in the proper forum because they and their bosses can’t agree on splitting billions of dollars in revenue.
Anyway, watch King James drop 43 at Gay’s charity game and get at us with thoughts in the comments box below.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
“Why cant players have freedom of movement?” asked Durant. “Teams trade players like cards, but you get mad when a player decides to go to another team. Double standard.” Durant pointed out that players often take less money in order to have the freedom to pick their destination. “I’m all for player movement,” said Durant before adding that he loves playing for the Thunder.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: There has to be a trade off. At least, Kevin Durant thinks so.
Regardless of what the owners say, the players have made considerable concessions on Basketball Related Income.
For instance, the players earned 57% of BRI in the last Collective Bargaining Agreement and stand to make about 50% whenever the two sides sign a new deal.
The hold-up is what players get in exchange for taking a smaller piece of the pie. They want freedom to move between teams, while the owners are reluctant to grant such freedom because they fear wealthy, have-franchises will overpay.
Bottom line: the owners scored a massive victory on BRI. They routed the players by 35 points and are laughing to the bank.
Perhaps owners should give on cap loopholes and trade exceptions. Or, perhaps players, like Durant, should live with a scaled down mid level exception and sign-and trade formula.
Somebody has to give. At this point, I, like most of ‘Joe Public’, don’t care who it is.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: If round the clock CBA negotiations are bothering Kevin Durant, he isn’t showing it.
The Oklahoma City Thunder forward has spent the lockout balling in charity games, promoting his brand, and visiting his former University, Texas, for a football game.
Watch the video below and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below.
Got thoughtsÉ Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: ‘Basketball Never Stops’ -even if there’s a lockout.
The good folks at Nike have filmed an awesome ad campaign called 'Basketball Never Stops'. In this clip, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and others discuss what this suddenly famous saying means to them.
Click the video below, watch it, and tell HoopsVibe News what Basketball Never Stops means to you.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Kevin Durant scored 50 points last weekend in Los Angeles.
Sadly, such a performance didn't help his Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the Los Angeles Lakers because the NBA is locked-out. Instead it came in an exhibition match for the Goodman League.
Watch the video below, remember what are missing because of the lockout, and hope the powers that be find an answer.
--O.Sandor
That’s going to happen. But I support him 100 percent. Of course, I hated when people were saying the stuff they were saying, and he hated it as well. I didn’t want it to get to his head. I hate when people try to creep into the group and try to break things up.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: They’re good.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant wants everybody to know there’s no beef between him and point guard Russell Westbrook.
In fact, Durant likes Westbrook as a player and person. Any friction was nothing more than teammates holding each other accountable.
Fair enough. Credit Durant for showing maturity and attempting to douse out any fires before they burn in Oklahoma City.
Here’s the problem: Thunder coach Scott Brooks has real concerns with Westbrook’s shot-first mentality, and left him on the bench for key stretches of the 2011 playoffs.
Brooks wants Westbrook to stop acting like he’s the first-option and to facilitate for others like a classic table-setter. The team knows this. They have to.
And what happens if Westbrook, a headstrong and confident player, ignores Brooks’ advice and continues looking for his shot instead of creating for Durant and others?
Then there may be a problem.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: For one night fans could forget the lockout and enjoy basketball as the Melo took on the Goodman on Tuesday night.
There were big names like Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James, while youngsters like Eric Bledsoe and Josh Selby dazzled with their aerial antics.
Click the video, watch the highlights courtesy of hoopsmixtape.com, and get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
--Oly Sandor.
“We’ll see what happens,” Griffin said. “Right now my commitment is to the Clippers, and we’re working on making that team better. I know the Thunder are doing a great job here and everybody’s excited about them.”
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It sounds good. Kevin Durant and Blake Griffin with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
And Griffin seemed open to signing with the Thunder when asked what he'll do when he becomes a restricted free agent in 2014.
This isn't just speculation; the dots do connect.
First, the Thunder has a top player in Durant. Second, the Thunder is well-run -unlike Griffin’s current team, the Clippers. And finally, Griffin went to college in Oklahoma.
Unfortunately, Oklahoma City is one of the NBA’s smallest markets with few opportunities for marketing and branding. Los Angeles, even if Griffin is with the Clippers, is a massive market, which attracts sponsors.
So signing with the Thunder would be good for Griffin's NBA career, while staying with the Clippers would be good for his wallet.
Bottom line: rumors of Griffin’s departure will continue unless the NBA puts a franchise tag or other clauses in the new collective bargaining agreement.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
After the Goodman League defeated the Drew League last weekend, they were soon being dubbed the best summer league in the country. However, many other regions that didn’t get a chance to compete disagreed with that sentiment and wanted their shot against Goodman’s finest.
On August 30, one such league will have that opportunity. The Melo League is located in Baltimore and has had many NBA players in their gym throughout the course of the summer. They’ve been one of the more competitive pro-am leagues in the nation over the last few years and want to see if their All-Stars can take down the group from D.C.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s Tyson vs. Douglas. It’s Ali vs. Frazier. It’s Celtics vs. Lakers. And it’s Silva vs. GSP.
Forgive the hyperbole, but the August 30th game between the Goodman League and Melo’s All-Star squad may be the only basketball fans see for a while.
Thankfully, Wednesday’s tilt will be a star-studded affair. The Goodman squad features Kevin Durant, Brandon Jennings, and John Wall, while Melo’s All-Stars will be represented by Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, and Chris Paul.
Hopefully, Commissioner Stern and union boss Billy Hunter’s bargaining session, also on Wednesday, is fruitful, and fans get an NBA season to follow this interesting friendly.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: The clash of all summer league clashes finally happened.
After much hype, hoopla, and antics, the Goodman League finally played the Drew League in a rather epic and entertaining pick-up battle.
Kevin Durant, the star of the lockout, had 44 points, however, you'll have to watch the video below to learn the final score. So, click the video, form an opinion, and get at us with thoughts in the comment box.
--Oly Sandor.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Challenge issued. Challenge met.
Yesterday Kobe Bryant dominated Los Angeles' famous Drew League, meeting the request of Dino Smiley, the league's commissioner, that he appear.
After all, Kevin Durant showed. Same with LeBron James. So why not Kobe?
However, Bryant did more than appear. He ran things; the Black Mamba scored 45 points, which included getting mobbed on-court by fans after hitting the game-winning jump shot over Oklahoma City Thunder swing James Harden.
The real excitement might have been outside the gym. Once word spread that Bryant was playing, hundreds looked through the window of the gym because the facility was at capacity for fans
Clearly, Bryant's Drew League appearance was a success. Watch the video of Bryant sinking the game-winning shot over Harden and get at us with thoughs in the comment box below.
--Oly Sandor.
EARLIER SATURDAY-KFDM has confirmed that NBA star Kendrick Perkins was booked and released early Saturday morning into the Jefferson County jail around 4:00a.m. on charges of public intoxication and disorderly conduct. The charges are a class C misdemeanor. Per Texas penal code 12.23, an individual guilty of a class C misdemeanor shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $500. Perkins posted bond of $150 shortly after being booked and was released.
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.
Link
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Slide over George Costanza. This is ‘The Summer of Kevin’.
Clearly, Kevin Durant is making the most of his time away from his day-gig with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
A typical summer would see Durant train under the eye of OKC officials. This, however, has not been a typical summer because NBA players are locked-out.
The scoring champ’ has been free to live a Costanza inspired life of pick-up runs and you tube clips (all that’s missing is taking a bite of a hunk of cheese.)
The good press has made Durant the star of the lockout, which contributed to Besiktas floating him an offer to suit up for the Turkish club.
Here’s the question: how does Clay Bennett - the shrewd businessman and owner of the Thunder - feel about Durant heading abroad and generating revenue for another owner?
Bennett is one of the hardline owners who will sit the entire season to attain a hard cap and 50-50 split of Basketball Related Income.
Durant assuming wear-and-tear and risking injury in a second-rate league in Europe may frustrate Bennett enough to change his perspective.
It’s one thing if his prize asset, Durant, is state-side. It’s another if he’s generating millions of dollars for another league.
Hopefully, Durant joining a foreign club pushes Bennett off his stance. Then ‘The Summer of Kevin’ would have been a success.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Kobe Bryant is a yes whatever happens, according to a source close to the 34-year-old; Bryant badly wants a second gold medal to go with the one he won in '08.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: If you’re starting a team, Kobe Bryant isn’t a bad place to start.
Reports indicate the Los Angeles Lakers superstar has already committed to being a part of the American national squad that will look to defend its gold medal at the 2012 Olympcs in London, England.
Bryant deserves credit for wanting to represent his country. The rest of the 2008 gold medal-winning squad from Beijing found an excuse not to participate in the FIBA World Championships in Turkey.
(Bryant was badly injured. The young American squad still won in Turkey because of chemistry, discipline, and Kevin Durant’s fine play.)
This time around, Bryant is in. His age doesn’t matter; same with his battered, bruised body. And he doesn’t care if the NBA is still mired in an ugly labour dispute.
Bryant wants to play for the United States. Here's the question: do his superstar peers share his passion?
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below with thoughts.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: We already knew Kevin Durant was great. That didn’t stop the scoring champ` from providing further proof at the Nike Pro City run.
A small contingent of fans were heckling him. These brave, and stupid, souls called the All-Star ‘baby LeBron’ and even chanted ‘Russell Westbrook’.
Rather than overreact or become distracted, Durant became a stone-cold assassin.
He acknowledged the hecklers. He engaged them, ever-so slightly. He let them think, for a moment, they were winning. He then took over in spectacular fashion, hitting the game-tying and game-winning shot.
When it was over, when he had won, he gave a little thanks-for-trying wave. This was not overt or boastful, for Durant had merely done what he was supposed to do.
Others can learn from such a display. Rather than respond like an E-Thug on twitter or declare through the media he’d get revenge, Durant simply went about his business.
And boy was it refreshing!
(Watch the clip, form an opinion, and tell us about Durant in the comment box below. Thanks to Slamonline for the video.)
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
"I haven't stopped working out really since May," Griffin said. "It's been every day, sneaking it in whenever I can." Griffin says it's frustrating for him to think that the NBA games may be interrupted after his first season playing in the league. Griffin missed all of the 2009-10 season with a broken kneecap after he had been the No. 1 draft pick out of Oklahoma. "Now my first three seasons, I could play 82 games," Griffin said. "So, we'll see what happens."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Last year was overwhelmingly positive for the NBA.
The sporting world was galvanized by Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James joining forces and becoming the ‘Heatles’ in Miami.
Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd’s hard work was rewarded with an NBA championship, guaranteeing both immediate entry into the Hall of Fame when they retire.
Derrick Rose won the MVP award, leading the Chicago Bulls to the league’s best regular season record and a place in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder took another step winning two playoff series before falling to Nowitzki and Kidd’s Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals.
The Memphis Grizzlies made the playoffs and upset the San Antonio Spurs. After years of futility, the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers were relevant and entertaining.
There are other storylines I’m missing.
For instance, high on this list is the emergence of Blake Griffin, whose aerial antics reminded the world there’s a professional basketball squad in Los Angeles not called the Lakers.
(And this squad, the Clippers, can compete and delight despite being owned by the twisted and incompetent Donald Sterling.)
Suppose there’s a lockout. One that wipes out the entire season. Griffin, who missed 2009 with injury, will have played just eighty-two games in his first three seasons.
Fans would have to wait a year to see Griffin assault the rim. Fans would have to wonder what Griffin would do to defend his crown at the 2012 Slam Dunk Contest. And fans, the purists, would have to wait a year to see Griffin’s above average passing and skill-set develop.
This is tragic. And just another thing Commissioner David Stern, the owners, Union Head Billy Hunter, and the players are risking with their posturing and rhetoric.
I hope they know what they’re doing. Griffin missing another year should be a last resort.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Anything Kevin Durant can do, Nick Young can do better.
Well, almost.
Durant obviously trumps Young, however, the Washington Wizards swing dropped a Durant-like 60 points in summer action with the Drew League.
(Quick aside: Durant had a mere 41 points yesterday at the Nike Pro City game.)
Anyway, click the link, watch the video, and get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: There’s nothing like playing at the world famous Rucker Park. Correction: there’s nothing like scoring 66 points at the world famous Rucker Park.
Yesterday Kevin Durant caught fire like a character off NBA Jam and scored 66 points at the great outdoor arena.
Click the video and get at us with thoughts in the comment box on Durant’s performance.
--Oly Sandor.
Westbrook also argued with his coach, Scott Brooks, and his star teammate, Kevin Durant, on the court, leading to speculation that he was feuding with both. And when the Thunder were eliminated by the Dallas Mavericks, Westbrook shouldered most of the blame. In the two months since, Westbrook hasn’t lost much sleep worrying about the criticism.
“I refuse to let myself do that,” Westbrook told Yahoo! Sports. “I’ve been working too hard to get to the position we were in last season to worry about anything somebody else was saying.”
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Superstars need each other.
In today’s NBA, one superstar isn’t enough to win a title. The crème de la crème of talent know they must partner up to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy in late June.
For instance, the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and San Antonio Spurs have a few premier players working towards a collective goal.
(The 2011 world champion Dallas Mavericks were, perhaps, the exception, surrounding their sole superstar, Dirk Nowitzki, with five or six very good players.)
The Oklahoma City Thunder, if they are to join the ranks of legit contender, need Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook working together. Durant knows this. Westbrook knows this, too.
These two will never tell media or fans if there was tension over Westbrook’s questionable shot selection in the playoffs. They’ll keep it in-house, which shows they’re mature beyond their years.
However, coach Scott Brooks may want to clarify roles by reminding Westbrook that he is Robin and Durant is Batman. Not the other way around.
Brooks might also want to remind Westbrook he needs to focus on setting-the-table for teammates -as well as getting his own points.
Of course, this could be tricky. Once the lockout is settled, Westbrook and the Thunder will be ironing-out the details on a new, long-term extension.
Such declarations, if handled poorly, would do permanent damage to the Thunder‘s relationship with Westbrook.
All parties must proceed with caution. They need each other.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
This year, the two leagues are facing off in a showdown game (August 20 in Washington, D.C., and). Thursdays the rosters were announced — and it is on.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It could be the only basketball we get for months, so enjoy it.
The Goodman League out of Washington D.C. will take on The Drew League out of Los Angeles on August 20th in the nation’s capital.
What’s The Goodman League? What’s The Drew League? Well, these are the two best off-season pick-up runs in America.
For instance, DeMarcus Cousins, Kevin Durant, Tyreke Evans, Ty Law, and John Wall regularly represent for The Goodman squad, while DeMar DeRozan, Brandon Jennings, James Harden, JaVale McGee and Nick Young will ply their trade for The Drew team.
Fans can watch this epic battle by streaming it off the internet.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Set to be locked out by the league at day's end, Durant pledged solidarity for the players' union Thursday even if it means sacrificing the first few months of the season to get a new deal done.
"We're going to stand up for what we have to do, no matter how long it's going to take," Durant told The Associated Press after the conclusion of his two-day youth basketball camp. "No matter how long the lockout's going to take, we're going to stand up. We're not going to give in."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: On the court, Kevin Durant has impeccable timing. Off-the-court, not so much.
Today, Durant had some interesting remarks with respect to the lockout, saying the players will not give in and will stay out as long as necessary.
Not the time. Not the place.
The public wants a solution and has no sympathy for millionaire players drawing a line in the sand. In this economy, such an approach rings hollow, offends, and undermines.
So Durant should think about what he says. Careless statements could haunt him when the NBA finally returns.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
On the biggest play of the series, the final play of regulation, Kevin Durant caught the ball at halfcourt, but when he looked toward the basket, he saw three Mavs coming at him. So, he shot from at least 8 feet behind the three-point line. “I didn't know what else to do,” he said, the frustration obvious in his voice. “I didn't want to run into their defense and get another turnover.”
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Choke job. This is the only way to describe the Oklahoma City Thunder squandering game four of the Western Conference Finals to the Dallas Mavericks.
The Thunder held a massive lead in the fourth quarter before losing 112-105 in overtime. Bottom line: they lost their focus.
For instance, the Thunder had the ball with 6.5 seconds remaining. The score was tied. However, all they got was a Kevin Durant heave off a broken play.
The Mavericks now lead the series 3-1, and are on the verge of returning to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2006.
Click the link to watch the video highlights of game four and get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
--Oly Sandor.
The Thunder has toyed with this disturbing trend throughout the playoffs. Oklahoma City has trailed after one quarter in 11 of its 15 games this postseason. But this was as bad as it's ever been. “Tonight, we didn't trust each other,” said Kendrick Perkins. “We just got to have trust in each other. That's the bottom line.”
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Is Kendrick Perkins a touch too assertive right now?
Yes, he has playoff experience. Yes, he has a championship. Yes, he has a tell-it-like-it-is personality.
Still, it's a bit harsh to publicly declare that the Oklahoma City Thunder didn’t trust each other in game three.
Perkins, after all, is new. He joined the Thunder at the trade deadline. He’s a valuable player, but hardly a superstar. That role belongs to Kevin Durant, who isn’t calling out teammates to reporters.
So why should Perkins?
Another question: why is Perkins calling a timeout early in the third quarter of game three? That's the coaching staff's job. Only a few great players can get away with calling for a stoppage in play.
To be fair: I like the burly center. I like the simplicity of his game. If healthy, he’s probably the difference between the Boston Celtics winning and losing game seven of the 2010 NBA Finals.
He just needs to take it down a notch.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: You’ve likely seen this. Still, Kevin Durant ‘posterizing’ Brendan Haywood in game two of the Western Conference Finals is worth another look.
So click the video and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Westbrook, the Thunder's most misunderstood, puzzling or overanalyzed player, depending on your perspective, wouldn't flame the scrutiny on coach Scott Brooks' decision not to play him a single second of the fourth quarter in OKC's Game 2 win over Dallas on Thursday. The play of the Thunder's second-best player has been publicly picked apart throughout the postseason. Does he shoot too much, take bad shots and not pass enough?
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Russell Westbrook has a giant bulls-eye on his back.
The critics allege the Oklahoma City Thunder point guard shoots too much, knocks heads with Coach Scott Brooks, and wants to establish himself at the expense of his team.
The critics argue Westbrook should be the Thunder’s third option, with superstar Kevin Durant and super-sub James Harden as primary scorers.
Perhaps this is fair. Perhaps, the Thunder would be better with Westbrook using his athleticism to set-the-table for teammates and averaging a balanced 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.
The criticism is, to an extent, unfair. Especially since the Thunder won game two of the Western Conference Finals in Dallas.
Sure, Brooks sat Westbrook for the entire fourth quarter. Sure, the Thunder won in spite of Westbrook, not because of him.
They still won, though. They still achieved a split on the road. And they have home-court advantage.
The world isn't ending. Westbrook isn’t the devil. He’s just a 22-year old point guard, who sometimes struggles with when to pass and shoot.
Others have had issues with decision making. Like Isiah Thomas of the Detroit Pistons. Like Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers. And like Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls.
By the way, these three figured 'it' out and won a combined 13 NBA championships.
Don’t get it twisted: Westbrook is not the next Zeke, Kobe, or MJ. It takes time for players, specifically point guards, to figure ‘it’ out.
Take Chauncey Billups. Before he became Mr. Big Shot with the Detroit Pistons, Billups was a nomad, playing on four teams between 1997 and 2002.
Critics said he lacked a position, couldn’t involve teammates and was a bust. Billups suddenly figured 'it out. Over the last ten years, he has won an NBA championship, been a Finals MVP, and made regular appearances in the Conference Finals.
Bottom line: Billups has had an excellent career. And he isn’t done. Like Westbrook, he needed time. Westbrook, at this age, is mch further along than Billups.
Critics need to appreciate Westbrook for what he is and can do. Soon enough, he’ll figure ‘it’ out. Then opponents will have to watch out.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Asked if any inch of him wanted to someday experience his own summer of LeBron, Durant said: "You said an inch, so I'll take that inch. One inch of my mind just wants to experience that, see what it's like, you know. I've been through the recruitment process, of course, going to college, but I want to see how that is. I'm not saying that I want to go to another team or I want to go to a greater market. But just how much it was publicized this summer, I just want to see what that's like. I'm an interested person, I'm a curious person. And once again, I'm not trying to say I want to leave or anything. But I just want to see how that is.
"I'll be 27 when my contract's up. So maybe when I'm 27 … But you never know. Two or three years down the line, I might sign another extension here. So we'll see. We'll see. But right now, I'm happy where I'm at, I'm glad I'm locked in for five years."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Kevin Durant, don’t do it. Don’t pull a LeBron and hold ‘The Decision 2.0’ when you become a free agent in a few years.
Don’t announce your future on national television like a raving egomaniac. Don’t pull Jim Gray out the ‘reporter’ scrap heap for a paid gig. And finally, don’t ruin your nice guy persona in an afternoon by acting like a jerk.
Just don’t. Don't even think about it.
In a few years, you’ll be a free agent. You have the right to pick where you play. Nobody can take issue with what you decide. As James learned the hard way, how you decide is everything.
For instance, James had given Cleveland seven years. They couldn’t provide a legit’ co-star, so he left. Fair enough. He had that right.
However, the backlash occurred mostly because James acted like a diva. ‘The Decision’ was unprofessional; his image has yet to recover.
Hopefully, Durant was misquoted. And hopefully, Durant has learned. One bad decision –like 'The Decision'- can change years of goodwill.
--Oly Sandor.
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I’m not saying the Wolves are or should be looking to trade Love- the sole issue at point is that they would not hang up the phone immediately if Sam Presti came calling.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: On the surface, it doesn’t sound realistic –Kevin Love joining Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook with the upstart Oklahoma City Thunder.
Here are two facts about Sam Presti, the Thunder’s lead executive, resident whiz kid, and one of the up-and coming suits in pro sports.
First, after making his bones with the San Antonio Spurs, Presti has rebuilt the Thunder through astute drafting, collecting undervalued assets, and maintaining fiscal sanity. He’s ready to use some of these excess chips to put his club over-the-top with a significant trade and/or signing.
Second, that may mean trying to bring the league’s leading rebounder to Oklahoma City. After all, Presti has a plan for every situation and scenario, and knows how well Love would complement Durant, Westbrook, and the raw Serge Ibaka.
Right now, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Love seem connected. The country strong post has given the lowly Wolves an identity for the first time since you-know-who was dealt to the Boston Celtics.
These two are far from married, though.
Love may be having a fine season; however, he’s not untouchable. He has shown little interest in inking a long-term extension with the Wolves. His relationship with Coach Kurt Rambis is touch-and-go.
Bottom line: Love wants to win now. No more waiting; no more rebuilding. He knows he won’t win championships in The Frozen Tundra of Sota.
While it isn’t likely, Love to the Thunder isn’t impossible. It makes some sense. For now, that will keep us talking.
--Oly Sandor.
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"I was talking to my teammate and he decided he wanted to put his 2 cents into it. I'm a quiet guy, a laid-back guy, but I'm not going to let nobody talk trash to me. He's on a good team now, so he thinks he can talk a little bit," Durant said. "There's a lot of fake tough guys in this league and he's one of them," Durant added.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Today, the NBA announced their starting line-up for the February 20th All-Star game in Los Angeles.
Of course, the fans vote in the starters. And the Western and Eastern Conference’s line-ups are filled with the usual suspects. Check out the list below and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below.
Western Conference:
G Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
G Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
F Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
F Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
C Yao Ming, Houston Rockets
Eastern Conference:
G Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
G Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
F LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
F Amar'e Stoudemire, New York Knicks
C Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
--Oly Sandor
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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The legend of Kevin Durant continues to grow.
Last night, the lanky scorer won the game for his upstart Oklahoma City Thunder with a fade-away three pointer against the New York Knicks. Watch the clip and get at us with thoughts on Durant’s heroics in the comment box.
--Oly Sandor.
Kevin Durant scored 28 points to lead Team USA to an 81-64 victory over Turkey to win the gold medal at the World Championships in Istanbul.
It marked the American's first World Championship title since 1994. Durant set a record at the tournament for the most points scored by a U.S. player.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Who needs LeBron? Who needs D-Wade? Who needs `Melo?
Not Team USA.
Mike Krzyzewski’s squad didn’t need the superstars from their gold medal winning team in Beijing –most of whom passed on the FIBA World Championship to rest and relax the summer away.
This version of Stars and Stripes had Kevin Durant, who scored at will. They also had a collectivist, team-first approach that would have made Mao, Che, and Stalin proud.
For their efforts, they also have a gold medal, beating the host Turkish side 81-64 to win America’s first FIBA World Championship since 1994.
Here’s where it gets interesting: will Coach ‘K’ take this squad to the 2012 Olympics or will he take the superstars who decided to skip the World Championship?
Either way, it’s a rather nice problem to have.
--Oly Sandor.
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Kevin Durant is unlike most of America's biggest basketball stars. He couldn't wait to wear the red, white and blue this summer.
Especially on Sept. 11.
With a special memorial message on his sneakers, Durant carried the United States into the gold-medal game at the world championship, scoring a U.S.-record 38 points Saturday in an 89-74 victory over Lithuania.
"I just wanted to remember everybody back in the States, everybody that was affected by 9/11," Durant said. "And to play on this day was a great honor and we just tried to do our best to play hard for our country and our families."
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Coupled with the stiff resistance that the Thunder offered the Lakers last spring, the coming of age of both of these players bodes well for the immediate and long-range success of the Oklahoma City Thunder ... That leaves Dallas and Oklahoma City as the Lakers' only viable competition.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: No doubt about it, the Oklahoma City Thunder is on the rise.
The upstart franchise pushed the world champion Los Angeles Lakers in the 2010 Western Conference Quarter-Finals. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City’s best players, have represented USA well at the FIBA World Championships.
So the student, the Thunder, is learning. However, they aren’t ready to challenge the master in 2011, the Lakers. After all, the purple and gold has improved, too.
For instance, Andrew Bynum, Kobe Bryant, and Pau Gasol have spent this summer getting healthy; a leaner, meaner Ron Artest will have another year in the triple-post; and Matt Barnes, Steve Blake, and Theo Ratliff will bring consistency to the second-unit.
The Lakers are primed for a three-peat. In 2011, the Thunder won’t be ready to stop them.
--Oly Sandor.
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Kevin Durant, Team USA's scoring leader after three games, is coming off a season in which he led the NBA in scoring -- something Andre Iguodala believes we should get used to seeing. "Kevin Durant will be the NBA's all-time leading scorer when it's all said and done," Iguodala said emphatically. "He loves the game and has a knack for putting the ball in the basket." Through three NBA seasons Durant is 33 points shy of 6,000 for his career. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the league's all-time leader with 38,387 points. Karl Malone is second with 36,928 points, and Michael Jordan is third with 32,292.
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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: No doubt about it, Kevin Durant is a straight scorer. Like George Gervin and Bernard King.
While he’s on the verge of becoming, perhaps, the NBA’s best player, KD will be hard pressed to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the all-time leading scorer.
First, Kareem was able to preserve his body, in part, because he was a post. The Skyhook’s game was also methodical and efficient. As a perimeter player, Durant uses greater energy to get his numbers.
Second, Kareem’s slighter frame wasn’t an issue because old school players weren’t so muscular. Durant is especially skinny and long, which may become an issue in today's physical NBA.
Finally, Kareem had a superb pass-first point guard in Magic Johnson. ‘Mr. No Look’ and 'The Architect of Showtime’ hooked Kareem up with easy hoops. Durant doesn’t have this luxury because Russell Westbrook, a good table-setter, is still developing as a distributor.
Durant will have a Hall of Fame career, however, he’s unlikely to replace Abdul-Jabbar as the game’s all-time greatest scorer.
--Oly Sandor.
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