With the NBA season over, Oklahoma City Thunder players had their final say about everything, from Kevin Durant’s obsession with basketball, to James Harden’s state of mind about his future with the team. Full audios are available below, plus news on Dwyane Wade, draft picks and more.
Royce Young has the exit interview of the following players: Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Nick Collison, Nazr Mohammed.
- Scott Brooks teaches his team how to be classy.
- John Reid believes the Hornets will match any offer for Eric Gordon: “New Orleans appears ready to match any offer Gordon might get on the open market, even if means extending him a maximum-money contract of five years worth $80 million, league sources said. Gordon was acquired in last December’s trade involving Chris Paul going to the Los Angeles Clippers. But Gordon played in just nine games because of knee and back injuries.”
Dwyane Wade may miss the Olympics, depending on his knee situation: “I’ve got to make a decision on what my knee needs and what’s best, because my career and finishing my career strong is what’s important to me,” Wade said. “And I know, yeah, the Olympics are coming up. It’s something I really want to do. But at the same time, if I have to make a big decision, if something has to happen surgery-wise, that will have to be a step I have to take. My loyalty and my commitment to Miami Heat basketball is the No. 1 thing.”
- Plenty of players could take less money to join the Heat, says Alex Kennedy: “Steve Nash, Chris Kaman, Grant Hill, Andre Miller, Ray Allen and Jermaine O’Neal are among the players who Miami could target with their mini mid-level exception, according to sources close to the situation. Those players can likely make more money elsewhere, but may be willing to take less to join the HEAT.”
- Rick Bonnell on the possibility of swapping picks between the Bobcats and the Cavaliers: “After calling some sources with lottery picks Saturday, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if the Charlotte Bobcats and Cleveland Cavaliers swap draft picks in Thursday’s draft. In that sort of a deal, the Bobcats would pick fourth and 24th and the Cavs would move up to No. 2″
Ethan Sherwood-Straus on why the mockery of James Harden is unwarranted: “What about the playoffs? Well, despite his much maligned Finals performance (and yes, it was mediocre), Harden was first among all two-guards in win share average this postseason. He was third among all guards in this stat, mostly because Ty Lawson and Darren Collison posted fine marks in very few minutes. The bearded one was also third in PER behind such schlimazels as Dwyane Wade and Kobe Bryant. Obviously, James Harden stinks.”
- Matt Steinmetz explains why Michael Kidd-Gilchrist won’t fall to the Warriors: “I can’t see that happening. I just can’t see him falling past No. 5. And even if he’s on the board at No. 5, I’d be surprised. All the way to No. 7? Can’t see it. Now, there’s talk of a slide for some reason – and he’s certainly been slipping in some mock drafts – but the only reason I’m hearing for that is his shooting. Apparently, he can’t. But that’s not exactly breaking news. Any self-respecting scout who watched Kidd-Gilchrist play a dozen games knows that.”
- Baron Davis made a “movie” of sorts with NOC.
For Dan Le Batard’s epic rant, click here.
For Mark Cuban schooling Skip Bayless, click here.
For all blog items, click here.