Then you stop and remember that he already knows three or four other languages, I think it is. Sort of takes the whole “dumb jock” thing and hurls it straight out the window, doesn’t it. In multiple languages no less.

I used to think Jeff Green had the best chance to best the Thunder’s next “big star” after Durant. And I still like Jeff Green. But then Westbrook stepped out of his phone booth and flew off toward All Star land. It’s still very early and he’s still very young, but I’m starting to wonder if Ibaka might turn out to be the Thunder’s Next Big Thing. You combine his compelling story with his play on the court – and maybe toss in a foul-line leap or two – you’ve got the makings of a pretty good Next Big Thing.

I think that’s about what it was like for him. He knew it was over, so he just did a nice little throw-down to polite applause, and walked off the court. I doubt that’s the dunk he originally had planned, but there wasn’t any point. I think he said later something about needing a boat or a plane to top what Griffin did. That’s about what it would have taken.

Griffin’s dunk by itself wasn’t anything out of the ordinary, which is actually kind of eye-opening when you’re talking about Blake Griffin and dunking a basketball. But the sparkle factor was off the charts.

Even MJ and Dr. J started inside of the line.