OKC in the news: Westbrook starts, media highlights, Saturday highs

As the big event of the All-Star Weekend approaches tip-off OKC Thunder in the news reflects back on a busy Saturday of action.

OKC Thunder in the news for Sunday, February 18 reflects back on an eventful day of events, interviews and updates. First of all, Russell Westbrook will start Sunday, players offered plenty of sound bites via Media Day, and All-Star Saturday Night served up hits and misses.

Westbrook will start:

Can’t say I’m surprised by this announcement. Although the choice was left up to Team LeBron head coach Dwane Casey, the Raptors bench master has always shown great respect of Westbrook’s talents.

Moreover, Casey rewards players on his own roster who always compete and bring effort. Casey simply loves hard workers – just ask DeMar DeRozan or OG Anunoby.  So, this was about as much as a no-brainer choice for the Toronto coach as he’ll make all day Sunday.

Still, tapping Westbrook for the start is a nice gesture from Toronto’s coach and it does put two players together familiar with each other’s habits (regardless of their off court status).

Highlights from All-Star Media Interviews:

Westbrook shuts down LA fans chanting for George:

The funniest part of Russell Westbrook’s All-Star media session came while he was answering a question and fans starting chanting “we want Paul”.  Russ shut them down saying “That’s out! Paul ain’t going nowhere. It’s over for that.” See, as I said earlier Thunder Nation, Russ would make it his personal mission to stay on top of this type of situation.

Again, as I pointed to yesterday in the top stories coming from the weekend, I do expect Westbrook will do everything in his potential to try to get George the MVP award.

Now that he’s in the starting rotation it will be trickier. But, knowing how Casey works, this too for me means Casey will either sub out Russ first to reinsert him with George or he’ll bring in George first and keep Russ out longer. Either way, Casey will find a way to play the OKC Thunder duo together.

When they do take the hardwood together, look for Russ to be hooking up George repeatedly. Following George’s frigid shooting in the JBL three point competition last night, PG joked he needed Russ passing him the ball.

Paul George speaks of sharing experience with Russ:

And, on his summer decision:

George makes it clear wherever he chooses to sign it will be for the long term. This is yet another tidbit in what will be the biggest summer since ‘the departure’. At least OKC Thunder fans know if George elects to return it will be with a view to a long tenure in OKC.

James addresses the elephant in the room:

Coming into the weekend social media blew up when a TV reporter (I won’t bother tweeting her name or comments because I think that was precisely what she was looking for with her ridiculous ignorance suggesting LeBron James and Kevin Durant should “shut up and dribble”).

In spite of the her thirst for attention it was obvious LeBron would be questioned about it. James responded as a super star of his ilk should citing the fact he is a role model for children. Kudos to James for taking the high road on this one.

I may not always like the King’s manner in dealing with basketball drama, but on this I fully support him. James easily could have shut down this attention seeker by calling into question her facts (he did finish high school) and the sheer number of people’s lives he’s affected through his charity and philanthropic efforts.

Kevin Durant pays Embiid credit and himself:

Pay attention to what Kevin Durant says precisely in response to his comments about Joel Embiid. It’s not surprising KD is enamored with Embiid. After all the big man is arguably the most engaging player on and off the court since Charles Barkley who possessed the rare ability to endear people to him with his charm and even his shade.

Yet, the Interesting point Durant makes is saying Embiid will take over the NBA — when he (KD) is finished. In other words KD is low key saying he’s the best player in the NBA. This season James Harden might have an argument about that fact.

Or that “king” considered to be the best player on the planet. LeBron James is producing stats not just at an elite level, but closer to his MVP years. Even his former OKC Thunder partner Westbrook may offer debate let alone his teammate Stephen Curry.

Durant probably never heard a ‘hard no’:

Hey, I get it, this sport is just as much about confidence as it is about talent, so I can’t blame KD for his belief. But, like previous occasions I’m not sure you throw that statement out to the masses.

Between this comment, his statement of “over reacting” to the Westbrook situation (color me confused KD – you put Russ in the reaction position, not the other way around) and his seemingly endless public speaking guffaws (or fake twitter account tweeting – yeah that’s shade), perhaps it’s time you hire a better PR group to manage you or teach you to manage yourself.

Ultimately, I don’t believe KD is a bad individual or a vindictive guy. My personal perspective on this situation is he’s doing what he knows. Trying to put myself in his shoes, this is someone born with such rare talent and gifts it’s very likely his and his closest group’s worlds revolved around him. Let’s put it this way – how often in his life do you think he was ever told no?  I mean a hard no, not a no like you’re second. Rather, a no that defined a time in his life.  A “no”followed by – you didn’t make the team. So, as much as I give KD a hard time for his decisions, I do try to keep that in mind.

Embiid center of many stars thoughts:

Like Durant, other stars like Lou Williams had Joel Embiid front and center in their responses. Lou Williams called Embiid the best trash talker in the NBA. As much as Sweet Lou might have a point, I think he might be ignoring his own teammate. Granted Patrick Beverley is injured, so potentially LouWill hasn’t experienced it first hand yet.

But, I’d say Embiid tends to do his shade talk more from a humorous perspective whereas Beverley’s is completely to annihilate you. Perhaps that’s a biased hot take given PatBev remains the man who ended Westbrook’s iron man run from the entirety of his playing days with the dirty cheap shot taken in the postseason.

Jimmy Buckets crashes Raptors chat:

In one of the funnier interviews Jimmy Butler who played with the Raptors (DeMar DeRozan/Kyle Lowry) backcourt in the Rio Olympics crashed their interview. Earlier this morning DeRozan tweeted out being depressed. This likely due to the adversity DeRozan has been dealing with off the court this season as his Father and Mother both battle health issues.

Touching on that fact, for those who aren’t more familiar with the Raptors star take the time to read this ESPN piece by scribe Mark Kriegel on DeRozan and his tough early life.

James Harden:

The leading man to capture the MVP this season, James Harden is appearing in his sixth All-Star Game. Harden gave first timers the best advice – just have fun.

All-Star Saturday Night hits some highs

Since the league chose to reformat the Skills Challenge it’s been far more entertaining. And, this year the guards were dialed in on recapturing the title. Spencer Dinwiddie made sure to turn that hope into a reality. Full roundup with videos here.

The three point competition hit both highs and lows.  On one hand eventual champion Devin Booker showcased why he’s on the precipice of greatest in the NBA. Booker set a new record scoring 28 points in the final round. The previous best was registered by eventual second place finisher Klay Thompson (as well as Steph Curry) with 27 points.  On this evening however, Thompson came close with 25, but it failed to be enough to match Booker’s 28 to force another round.

On the other hand, Thunder Nation who’ve bore witness to Paul George’s recent hot streak from the perimeter were hoping George could translate that prowess into the competition. PG seemed to take it all in stride and laughed about it with his cohort Westbrook. Full recap with videos here.

Slam Dunk Competition hits high note:

Of the trio of Saturday events the Slam Dunk was probably the most entertaining. Unfortunately, as much as it pains me to agree with Shaq, I’m old school in wanting dunks completed on their first attempts. When they aren’t it waters down the creativity and spontaneous reaction.  Case in point, can you imagine Vince Carter’s dunk fest requiring multiple attempts or the showdown in Toronto?

For better or worse these guys need to build up their mindsets to channel the energy and adrenaline in the building. That said, there was at least one dunk per participant which offered creativity, something new or jaw drop worthy.  Like the Toronto evening the right person won, but the best dunk came courtesy of the runner up. Here’s your full recap with some amazing slo motion video examples.

One side note moving forward is Aaron Gordon was on hand in the audience though he was unable to participate. Zach LaVine sat with the analysts and hinted he may still have something to show once his leg is feeling back to fully 100 percent healthy.

Moving forward thoughts of another appearance by Nance, Mitchell, Smith (knowing he’ll need to hit his first attempts) and the two modern day version of MJ vs Nique (LaVine vs Gordon) sure might offer the potential for a repeat of the Toronto event which was by far the best dunk competition in recent memory. To the powers that be – let’s make that happen.

Predictions:

My predictions were either spot on or a horrible miss. I called for Markkanen to meet Murray in the final with Dinwiiddie as the dark horse (half check.)

My worst event was the three point contest where I called for Klay to make the finals, but saw PG or Lowry possibly upsetting. That will teach me NEVER to pick with my heart. Hopefully, that fact doesn’t mess up my MVP pick today. Once more it pulls for a sentimental favorite or a hometown hero.

In the slam dunk I nailed it calling for a Mitchell win with Nance making the finals and providing a sentimental choice.

Prior to the game check out my full picks and hot takes on Team Steph vs. Team LeBron.

Hall of Fame Finalists announced:

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced their 13 finalists. They include:

• Steve Nash
• Chris Webber
• Grant Hill
• Jason Kidd
• Ray Allen
• Maurice Cheeks (former player and current assistant to Billy Donovan)
• Rudy Tomjanovich
• Hugh Evans
• Katie Smith
• Tina Thompson
• Kim Mulkey
• Charles “Lefty” Driesell
• 1954-58 Wayland Baptist University

On tap for today, part two of the hot takes heading into the stretch will be forthcoming. The game occurs later this evening and TI will also have articles on the new power rankings, as well as the top lines from Adam Silver’s annual address.  Make sure to check back throughout the day as TI keeps you in the loop for all things OKC Thunder and All-Star festivities.