David Berri takes on my Russell Westbrook column: "Beyond the issue of how good Westbrook has been is the question of how good Westbrook will be in the future. It’s certainly true that if Westbrook starts to hit his shots that his value will rise. And that might happen in the future. Then again, it’s also possible it won’t happen. Although we don’t know if (or when) Westbrook will become a “good” player, we should all be able to agree that a player shooting 35% from the field is not having a particularly good season so far." Mr. Berri is far and away smarter than I and in a backward way, I'm flattered he even read what I wrote. One thing I want to say to defend myself a little: I didn't say all Russell needed was a jumper and he'd be an All-Star now. I said if he develops a nice mid-range game, he is an "All-Star waiting to happen." There's no denying it - per 48, Westbrook and Rose are very similar. Westbrook is averaging close to 13 a game, almost three steals and is approaching five assists. I realize shooting percentage is not just something to pass over, but regardless, I think that's a pretty good rookie season for a guy that was at his senior prom three years ago.- Ball Don't Lie, Behind the Boxscore: "Kevin Durant (9-12 shooting, 24 points) continues to improve game by game, but in the end Chris Wilcox (5-11 shooting, five rebounds, 12 points, three turnovers and six fouls) was probably more trouble than he was worth. Because he hustled and gave effort every so often, his game looked a lot better than it actually was. Oklahoma City shot 54.5 percent, but you're not going to get a lot of wins when your two point guards combine for nine turnovers in about 57 minutes."
- As we all are, Empty the Bench is happy the see Kevin Durant move to the three: "The Durantula had been manning the off-guard slot in an effort to protect him from the more physical style of NBA forwards. It was probably a good decision last season as the rail-thin swingman had a lot of trouble banging with the bigger pros on both ends, but Durant is showing that he was ready to make the transition to his natural small forward position. Get ready to see more of that complete player we saw in his lone season at Texas as a result."
- Forbes ranks NBA franchises based on worth and OKC's stock is rising: "Meanwhile, Oklahoma City Thunder owner Clay Bennett resurrected the team formerly known as the Seattle SuperSonics, trading in a half-empty arena with a crummy lease in Seattle for a sold-out building in Oklahoma City where he keeps all of the revenues. The value of the Thunder is $300 million, 12% more than last year."
- And the Thunderguru's game recap: "We had very little problem scoring tonight (we shot 55% from the field and 63% on three pointers), but we couldn’t stop the Cats from scoring. Then when we did make a couple of rare stops, we followed it up with Desmond Mason shooting a 16 foot airball with under 2:00. A bit later, we had Westbrook bricking a pull up jumper. We’ve got three guys stroking their jumpers tonight in Joe Smith, Durant and Green, but we’ve got these two guys shooting jumpers in crunch time? Puuuhleeezzz!"
- The Lost Ogle's third installment of "Peace, Love & Thunderstanding" (apparently they aren't Thunderworld readers): "If the Thunder win a game and no one was there to see it, did it really happen? That’s the question the team answered on Saturday of this past week. While everyone in this state was watching a football game, the Thunder played the Memphis Grizzlies in Tennessee. Everyone in Memphis apparently had something better to do, because only 11,000 supposedly showed up to watch. Based on eye-witness accounts, that number had to be fudged."
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Thursday Bolts - 12.4.08
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Thunder shoots lights out, except when taking the most open shot of all
You know your team isn't the best in the world when you drop to 2-17 and lose to a 6-12 team but yet, you still kind of feel good about it. Because that was the case following a 103-97 loss to the Charlotte Bobcats Wednesday night. OKC played well for 48 minutes, shot the ball extremely well, played exceptionally hard but just simply fell short. But that's not to say we should ignore the reasons the Thunder fell short. Because they are pretty plain and obvious.
Free throw shooting and rebounding.
Tonight was just another game where the OKC didn't take care of the details. Though the Thunder shot a season-high 55 percent from the field, the group hit only 18-28 (64 percent) from the charity stripe. On top of that, Charlotte had multiple second chances, grabbing 11 offensive boards and scoring every, stinking time on them for 22 points. Those are the type of things completely within your power and the type of things you must do to win. Whenever you shoot 55 percent, you feel like you should win. But when you give away 10 potential points at the line and turn it over 17 times, you need to hit 60 percent. With the way OKC was shooting, you can't turn it 17 times because that's 17 more potential shots. Shame.
But there is one major difference in this team with Scott Brooks at the helm - no big holes to dig out of. Since Brooks took over, other than the Cleveland game, the biggest deficit OKC has faced after a quarter is the 54-43 one at halftime against Memphis - a game the Thunder eventually won. Finally, the team is playing consistently for four quarters.
But let's be positive. Because really, this is the first time this year these guys shot the ball extremely well. On top of the nice field goal percentage, OKC hit 7-11 from three. Kevin Durant was 9-12 from the field and 3-4 from downtown (24 points). Jeff Green was 7-8 from the field and 2-4 from three (18 points).
But I'll be up front about it - Russell Westbrook didn't play all that well. He had 10 on 2-9 shooting and dished five assists, but he had five turnovers and there were numerous plays in the paint where he didn't finish. One thing he really needs to think about more often is maybe not driving all the way to the cup, but pulling up for a little eight footer just outside of the paint. He did it twice tonight and that shot could really do him good. It's a shot Chris Paul has mastered - sometimes using a runner or a floater - and CP also makes passes out of it. Everybody could learn a lot from watching Paul, but Westbrook should really take out a notebook and pay attention.
I am encouraged with the way these guys have played under Coach Scotty. It's hard to ignore to consistency and just the overall chemistry. Two weeks ago, I didn't see it reasonable to win 20 games. But if these guys keep playing the way they are, 20 wins and possibly a few more will happen.
One day off to travel to Florida to meet again with The Beast. Over/Under - 7.5 blocks for Dwight Howard against the Thunder? Did OKC learn its lesson? Just play hard and consistent for 48 and I don't care if Howard sends 20 back where they came from.
Free throw shooting and rebounding.
Tonight was just another game where the OKC didn't take care of the details. Though the Thunder shot a season-high 55 percent from the field, the group hit only 18-28 (64 percent) from the charity stripe. On top of that, Charlotte had multiple second chances, grabbing 11 offensive boards and scoring every, stinking time on them for 22 points. Those are the type of things completely within your power and the type of things you must do to win. Whenever you shoot 55 percent, you feel like you should win. But when you give away 10 potential points at the line and turn it over 17 times, you need to hit 60 percent. With the way OKC was shooting, you can't turn it 17 times because that's 17 more potential shots. Shame.
But there is one major difference in this team with Scott Brooks at the helm - no big holes to dig out of. Since Brooks took over, other than the Cleveland game, the biggest deficit OKC has faced after a quarter is the 54-43 one at halftime against Memphis - a game the Thunder eventually won. Finally, the team is playing consistently for four quarters.
But let's be positive. Because really, this is the first time this year these guys shot the ball extremely well. On top of the nice field goal percentage, OKC hit 7-11 from three. Kevin Durant was 9-12 from the field and 3-4 from downtown (24 points). Jeff Green was 7-8 from the field and 2-4 from three (18 points).But I'll be up front about it - Russell Westbrook didn't play all that well. He had 10 on 2-9 shooting and dished five assists, but he had five turnovers and there were numerous plays in the paint where he didn't finish. One thing he really needs to think about more often is maybe not driving all the way to the cup, but pulling up for a little eight footer just outside of the paint. He did it twice tonight and that shot could really do him good. It's a shot Chris Paul has mastered - sometimes using a runner or a floater - and CP also makes passes out of it. Everybody could learn a lot from watching Paul, but Westbrook should really take out a notebook and pay attention.
I am encouraged with the way these guys have played under Coach Scotty. It's hard to ignore to consistency and just the overall chemistry. Two weeks ago, I didn't see it reasonable to win 20 games. But if these guys keep playing the way they are, 20 wins and possibly a few more will happen.
One day off to travel to Florida to meet again with The Beast. Over/Under - 7.5 blocks for Dwight Howard against the Thunder? Did OKC learn its lesson? Just play hard and consistent for 48 and I don't care if Howard sends 20 back where they came from.
Thunder vs. Bobcats: Pre-game preparation
vs. 
Oklahoma City Thunder (2-16) vs. Charlotte Bobcats (6-11)
Wednesday, December 3
Time Warner Cable Arena
Charlotte, NC
6:00 PM CST
TV: Fox Sports Oklahoma (Cox 37, HD 722)
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM)
Since we're big shots now, you know, coming off a win and all, we get to go into tonight's game against Charlotte feeling good. Instead of the obligatory verbage about the longshot of winning, how much the losing streak is weighing on everyone and how maybe THIS could be the one - we get to talk about the, albeit far-fetched, possibility of winning two in a row.
It's a shame this one isn't at home, because I'd actually feel really good about it if it were. The hometown fans are feeling the collective sigh of relief knowing we're not going to 1-81. And I think the players can feel the improvement under Coach Scotty. It's just winning on the road is tough in any sport. Even if the game is in Charlotte.
One thing to watch (outside of the game in general)
Russell Westbrook vs. D.J. Augustin. I've been really looking forward to this matchup. For one, because as I wrote about, many in OKC wanted to take Augustin instead of Westbrook. Two, because a lot of people are in love with Augustin right now, even though Westbrook has played pretty darn well in his own right. And three, because I really think Russell will outplay him. Yeah, I really do. Westbrook will be starting his second game and he's already improved a ton since preseason game uno. I know Raymond Felton is still "technically" the starter, these two should hook up and have a good battle tonight. I just hope Augustin doesn't make us regret anything tonight. Lock him down Russell.
The Bobcats are clearly improved under the traveling man, Larry Brown, but maybe OKC can catch them napping. It's easy to do that when you're 2-16 and the other group thinks you're a pushover. Last game against the Grizzlies, OKC clicked on all cylinders getting contributions just in the way it needs. Kevin Durant had 30, Jeff Green 22 and Westbrook 13. The bench added perfect support with Desmond Mason doing a yeoman's job off it. More of that and we could be looking at two in a row because the Thunder actually matches up pretty well against Charlotte. I don't see any position other than shooting guard where you go, "Oh, the Bobcats clearly have an advantage there."
Someone will have back-to-back wins after this one as neither team has yet to string together consecutive wins.
Wednesday Bolts - 12.3.08
John Lorge on Bleacher Report says get ready from some Griffin: "With the first pick of the 2009 NBA Draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder pick the sophomore from Oklahoma, Blake Griffin. Every basketball fan in Oklahoma, and most across the nation are familiar with Griffin. For those who are not, the 6'10" 251 pound Griffin routinely draws comparisons to Carlos Boozer and occasionally Amare Stoudemire. Boozer was a second round pick; the difference between the two is raw athletic ability."
- Not exactly Thunder news, but Oklahoma news for sure. ESPN has a TREMENDOUS feature on Oklahoma legend Wayman Tisdale. "As Wayman Tisdale tells it, there are a lot of love behind his trademark smile. There's his wife, Regina, whom he loved when he first saw her walk into church on April 17, 1981. They were high school juniors attending different schools in Tulsa, Okla., and she'd never heard of the basketball player who was a nationwide prep star. On their first date, he flashed that smile and made her laugh, igniting a romance that's continued through 27 years and four children." When Wayman made an appearance on the video screen at halftime of an OU football game earlier this year, I had tears welling in my eyes. God bless, Wayman. God bless.
NBA.com Top 10 plays of November. And Kid Delicious checks in at No. 5:
- Coach Brooks' quicker lineup is pumping up the offense, writes Mike Baldwin: "Since "going small” two weeks ago when Brooks replaced P.J. Carlesimo, the Thunder is averaging almost 10 more points a game."
- Jeff Green may see some time on Emeka Okafor tonight: Jeff Green will occasionally be matched against center Emeka Okafor." Okafor is a big, strong guy, but it’s a mismatch both ways,” said Desmond Mason. "Jeff can hold his own. He’s a lot stronger than people think. And Okafor will have problems when he has to come out on the perimeter and guard Jeff.”
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Tuesday Bolts - 12.2.08
A nice statistical breakdown by Joe on "valuing the rock:" Coach Brooks took over the team as the interim coach and immediately began making changes to the way this team rolls. The changes were needed because the Thunder were becoming the laughingstock of the league. Last in field goal %, last offensive efficiency, last in wins…you get the idea.
- Mike Baldwin writes the Thunder are finding some rhythm: "We all needed a win — players, coaches, fans, the organization,” Brooks said. "It felt good. But we have to put it behind us. We have to continue to get better at the things it will take to get more wins.”
- The extra work is paying off for Jeff Green: "To Jeff Green, the differences are quite noticeable. Whenever he had the ball along the 3-point line last season as a rookie, Green said opponents wanted him to shoot it. They urged him to."
- OKC Thunder Fans is totally revamped and ready to go: "Sometime in 2001 I drove by the under construction Ford Center with my son and asked, “Do you think there’s any chance we could ever get an NBA team in Oklahoma City?” He looked at me like I was ten years old and said, “There is no way Oklahoma City will get an NBA team.” I have forgotten his reasoning, but it convinced me, I drove on and forgot about it. Fast forward to September of 2005 and Hurricane Katrina. Shortly after that disastrous storm we began hearing whispers in Oklahoma City that the Hornets might play here while New Orleans was being rebuilt, and this time I dismissed the possibility out of hand. I was wrong, obviously, and for two incredible seasons we hosted the New Orleans-Oklahoma City Hornets."
Monday, December 1, 2008
The potential impact of Russell Westbrook
There's no way we'll know for sure if Sam Presti made the right move with Russell Westbrook for a few years. He's hasn't had the immediate, no-doubt-he-was-the-right-choice impact one Chris Paul had with the Hornets in 2005.
But after 18 games, I'm thinking Presti feels pretty good. In fact, I'm thinking he's feeling really good. I've been a Russell Westbrook fan since the first preseason game. I saw insane athleticism and a freakish ability to get to the rim. No doubt he's still raw, but we have to remember he's played 18 professional games and started his first last Saturday night. As for me, I'm sold. I know he's not there yet, but he will get there. He was drafted for his lockdown defensive ability, but I think he can improve this team even more with his scoring and slashing skills.
Let's pause for an incredible Westbrook dunk:
Experts are digging for comparisons and frankly, are either coming up empty or are all over the place. Some are saying Deron Williams without the polished jumper. Some are saying Jason Kidd because of his rebounding ability. Some are even saying Tony Parker with hops. I can see a little of all three, but Westbrook is a player in his own right. I've never seen a 6-3 point guard out-jump and outrebound fours and fives. Kidd got his triple doubles by playing smart - reading caroms, being in the right spot and getting a body on someone. Westbrook is a triple-double threat because he crashes the glass with reckless abandon and skies for boards like Dwight Howard. He goes up and over people. And he's gotten a good amount of points out of it.
I've said it before, but once a jumper comes along, look out. Like seriously, look out. There's a limited few players than can keep up with Westbrook. His cross is lightning quick and he can get in the lane in a blink. Sometimes he's a little weak with the rock and gets caught in the air with no where to go, but those are clear signs of inexperience. In three years, he'll have learned and will be making smart plays.
I remember back in June nobody was thrilled about picking Westbrook. Everybody was very ho-hum after the pick. There was a lot of pining for Jerryd Bayless, D.J. Augustin or Kevin Love. So almost a quarter of the season in, how does Westbrook stack up to the guys some wanted more? (I realize some numbers are inflated or should I say, deflated, because of their role on the team. Bayless is playing on a contender while Westbrook is on a team where playing time is more important than wins and losses.)
Bayless
6.1 minutes per game
1.3 points per game
1.1 rebounds per game
0.7 assists per game
0.1 steals per game
Augustin
29.4 mpg
12.9 ppg
2.2 rpg
4.3 apg
0.5 spg
Love
22.9 mpg
8.6 ppg
6.3 rpg
1.0 apg
Westbrook
26.9 mpg
12.3 ppg
3.3 rpg
4.1 apg
1.78 spg
Now let's just toss in rookie superstud Derrick Rose to compare. But since Rose is averaging about 12 more minutes per game, let's use per 48.
Rose
23.3 ppg
5.2 rpg
7.6 apg
1.26 spg
Westbrook
21.9 ppg
6.0 rpg
7.2 apg
3.17 spg
Interesting, eh? As I was writing this and looking at other players, I think I found my comparison. Russell Westbrook reminds me most of Derrick Rose - as crazy as that is. Rose is clearly on track to superstardom, but Westbrook really isn't getting the pub. And he's having a darn fine rookie campaign. The biggest tick on Westbrook is field goal percentage. He shoots just 35 percent from the field and 26 percent from three whereas Rose hits almost 49 percent from the field and almost 37 percent from three. But like I said, let that jumper come and Westbrook is an All-Star waiting to happen. Mark it.
One more dunking interlude:
The thing about Westbrook is that he didn't specifically fill a need. He's not exactly a point guard and he's not exactly a two guard. That's why there was the outcry when he was picked. And I think that's why he hasn't really made an incredible impact in the win-loss column. He will absolutely make a difference down the line, but he's not a game changer... yet. As Dr. Lawyer Indianchief of FreeDarko said, "Westbrook just has insane Dwyane-Wade-like upside and is fast becoming my favorite player in the league. Now if the Thunder could only dump their supporting cast for better three-point shooters, we would have a serious team on our hands. Westbrook can get in the lane with the best of them, and Durant is JUST STARTING HIS CAREER NOW. In an email to Shoals and the Recluse last night, I officially proclaimed him "freed." Screw Glenn Robinson and Shareef Abdur-Rahim. This is the bizarro-KG-Dirk-assassin that we all were watching at Texas. It will take a year still for that player to emerge, but I could finally see the remnants last night, beginning to be reassembled."
Anyone else have to change their shorts after reading that? Kevin Durant's shooting percentage is starting to soar and I think a lot of that is directly relative to the difference Westbrook is making. Westbrook leaped (pun intentional) to the "Royce's favorite player" spot after I caught a glimpse of his awesome ability. And like the good doctor said, Oklahoma City could have a serious thing going in a year or two if a few precise pieces are added. I can't wait.
But after 18 games, I'm thinking Presti feels pretty good. In fact, I'm thinking he's feeling really good. I've been a Russell Westbrook fan since the first preseason game. I saw insane athleticism and a freakish ability to get to the rim. No doubt he's still raw, but we have to remember he's played 18 professional games and started his first last Saturday night. As for me, I'm sold. I know he's not there yet, but he will get there. He was drafted for his lockdown defensive ability, but I think he can improve this team even more with his scoring and slashing skills.
Let's pause for an incredible Westbrook dunk:
Experts are digging for comparisons and frankly, are either coming up empty or are all over the place. Some are saying Deron Williams without the polished jumper. Some are saying Jason Kidd because of his rebounding ability. Some are even saying Tony Parker with hops. I can see a little of all three, but Westbrook is a player in his own right. I've never seen a 6-3 point guard out-jump and outrebound fours and fives. Kidd got his triple doubles by playing smart - reading caroms, being in the right spot and getting a body on someone. Westbrook is a triple-double threat because he crashes the glass with reckless abandon and skies for boards like Dwight Howard. He goes up and over people. And he's gotten a good amount of points out of it.
I've said it before, but once a jumper comes along, look out. Like seriously, look out. There's a limited few players than can keep up with Westbrook. His cross is lightning quick and he can get in the lane in a blink. Sometimes he's a little weak with the rock and gets caught in the air with no where to go, but those are clear signs of inexperience. In three years, he'll have learned and will be making smart plays.
I remember back in June nobody was thrilled about picking Westbrook. Everybody was very ho-hum after the pick. There was a lot of pining for Jerryd Bayless, D.J. Augustin or Kevin Love. So almost a quarter of the season in, how does Westbrook stack up to the guys some wanted more? (I realize some numbers are inflated or should I say, deflated, because of their role on the team. Bayless is playing on a contender while Westbrook is on a team where playing time is more important than wins and losses.)
Bayless
6.1 minutes per game
1.3 points per game
1.1 rebounds per game
0.7 assists per game
0.1 steals per game
Augustin
29.4 mpg
12.9 ppg
2.2 rpg
4.3 apg
0.5 spg
Love
22.9 mpg
8.6 ppg
6.3 rpg
1.0 apg
Westbrook
26.9 mpg
12.3 ppg
3.3 rpg
4.1 apg
1.78 spg
Now let's just toss in rookie superstud Derrick Rose to compare. But since Rose is averaging about 12 more minutes per game, let's use per 48.
Rose
23.3 ppg
5.2 rpg
7.6 apg
1.26 spg
Westbrook
21.9 ppg
6.0 rpg
7.2 apg
3.17 spg
Interesting, eh? As I was writing this and looking at other players, I think I found my comparison. Russell Westbrook reminds me most of Derrick Rose - as crazy as that is. Rose is clearly on track to superstardom, but Westbrook really isn't getting the pub. And he's having a darn fine rookie campaign. The biggest tick on Westbrook is field goal percentage. He shoots just 35 percent from the field and 26 percent from three whereas Rose hits almost 49 percent from the field and almost 37 percent from three. But like I said, let that jumper come and Westbrook is an All-Star waiting to happen. Mark it.
One more dunking interlude:
The thing about Westbrook is that he didn't specifically fill a need. He's not exactly a point guard and he's not exactly a two guard. That's why there was the outcry when he was picked. And I think that's why he hasn't really made an incredible impact in the win-loss column. He will absolutely make a difference down the line, but he's not a game changer... yet. As Dr. Lawyer Indianchief of FreeDarko said, "Westbrook just has insane Dwyane-Wade-like upside and is fast becoming my favorite player in the league. Now if the Thunder could only dump their supporting cast for better three-point shooters, we would have a serious team on our hands. Westbrook can get in the lane with the best of them, and Durant is JUST STARTING HIS CAREER NOW. In an email to Shoals and the Recluse last night, I officially proclaimed him "freed." Screw Glenn Robinson and Shareef Abdur-Rahim. This is the bizarro-KG-Dirk-assassin that we all were watching at Texas. It will take a year still for that player to emerge, but I could finally see the remnants last night, beginning to be reassembled."
Anyone else have to change their shorts after reading that? Kevin Durant's shooting percentage is starting to soar and I think a lot of that is directly relative to the difference Westbrook is making. Westbrook leaped (pun intentional) to the "Royce's favorite player" spot after I caught a glimpse of his awesome ability. And like the good doctor said, Oklahoma City could have a serious thing going in a year or two if a few precise pieces are added. I can't wait.
Monday Bolts - 12.1.08
FreeDarko weighs in on Scotty Brooks: "The bottom line is that the Thunder already look and feel better under Scotty Brooks, who I must namedrop, as one of the few NBA guys I actually made friends with during my few years working for the Timberwolves. When I was 11 years old and working my first game, Brooks hit me with a $20 bill and actually chatted with me -- I felt a connection with him ever since that point. He was one of the true nice guys in the league, and also was a tough little bastard -- someone that Barkley would go to war for in their Sixers days and someone who played some key stretches during the Rockets' mid-90s title runs. Brooks has been city-hopping for a while, and may in fact be the next great coach. He provides the toughness of Scott Skiles, but also knows when to loosen his grip."
- Start looking over this list and begin coveting players for the upcoming offseason: Among the interesting players - Ben Gordon (Chicago), Zydrunas Ilgauskas (Cleveland), Jason Kidd (Dallas), Allen Iverson and Rasheed Wallace (Detroit), Carlos Boozer (Utah).
- Ball Don't Lie has OKC is the same spot, but J.E. Skeets can't stop a certain Russell Westbrook dunk.
- Mike Baldwin/Darnell Mayberry says it's finally Westbrook's time to arrive: "Before trotting out Russell Westbrook for his first career start Saturday night, Thunder coach Scott Brooks gave the rookie point guard the same advice he offers to all his players. "You have to play hard before you play well,” Brooks said."
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