Griffin, Ibaka Talk Dunk Contest
No surprise in Saturday night’s slam dunk contest. Blake Griffin went home as the winner.
But the other three participants, Serge Ibaka, DeMar DeRozan and JaVale McGee, were strong dunkers and didn’t disappoint. They brought some excitement to the competition and pulled out a few things we hadn’t seen before. Griffin and Ibaka talked about their experiences immediately after the contest.
-DM-
Blake Griffin On Wilson Holloway
LOS ANGELES — Former OU star and Clippers rookie Blake Griffin during his media session at All-Star Weekend today spoke about the loss of friend and former teammate at Oklahoma Christian School Wilson Holloway.
Griffin grew emotional as he discussed Holloway’s passing and said he will dedicate all that he does here to Holloway.
Griffin also said Tuesday’s game against the Thunder in Oklahoma City will be “bittersweet” because he must now return to Oklahoma to attend Holloway’s funeral, which is scheduled for Monday. Griffin goes on to talk about Holloway’s spirit, and how he wouldn’t want anyone to feel sorry for him or upset because of his passing.
Said Griffin: “He’s better now. He’s not hurting.”
-DM-
Harden Added To Rookie Challenge Roster
Oklahoma City Thunder guard James Harden has been named as a replacement for Friday night’s Rookie Challenge at NBA All-Star Weekend.
Harden will step in for Sacramento guard and reigning Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans on the Sophomore squad. Evans has battled plantar fasciitis for much of this season and missed Tuesday’s game against the Thunder in Oklahoma City because of the injury.
Harden was the next leading vote-getter by the league’s assistant coaches for the game’s 18-man roster. Each team was permitted to submit one ballot.
With his inclusion, Harden now becomes the fourth Thunder player scheduled to participate in events at All-Star Weekend.
Serge Ibaka is also a member of the Sophomore team. Ibaka will compete in Saturday night’s slam dunk contest as well. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook were named to the Western Conference All-Star team. Durant, now a two-time All-Star, also is one of six participants in Saturday night’s 3-point contest. Westbrook, a first-time All-Star, will find out Thursday night if fans voted him among four other players that will compete alongside New Orleans guard Chris Paul in the Skills Challenge on Saturday night.
Evans is averaging 18.3 points this season, ranking second behind Golden State’s Stephen Curry’s 18.4-point average among second-year players. In last year’s Rookie Challenge, Evans scored a team-high 26 points and shared MVP honors with San Antonio’s DeJuan Blair after they led the Rookies to a 140-128 win over the Sophomores. It was the first time since 2002 that the Rookies defeated the Sophomores.
Harden, who scored 22 points off the bench for the Rookies in last year’s game, is averaging 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 steals in 25.7 minutes this season.
The rest of the Sophomore team includes Toronto’s DeMar DeRozan, Chicago’s Taj Gibson, Philadelphia’s Jrue Holiday, Milwaukee’s Brandon Jennings and Portland’s Wesley Matthews.
This year’s Rookie team will include L.A. Clippers forward Blake Griffin and Washington guard John Wall, the last two No. 1 overall selections. Griffin, the top pick in 2009, is considered a rookie this year after missing all of the 2009-10 season because of injury. Joining Griffin and Wall are Clippers guard Eric Bledsoe, Kings center DeMarcus Cousins, New Jersey forward Derrick Favors, New York guard Landry Fields, Minnesota guard Wesley Matthews, Detroit center Greg Monroe and San Antonio guard Gary Neal.
-DM-
Breaking Down The 3-Point Contest Field
Two of the favorites for this year's 3-point contest are Paul Pierce (left) and Ray Allen.
Kevin Durant will participate in his first 3-point contest at All-Star Weekend this year.
And he’s got stiff competition.
The six-man field also includes Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Daniel Gibson, James Jones and Dorrell Wright. Who ya got?
That’s today’s question of the day.
Who do you think will win this year’s 3-point contest?
JOHN ROHDE
It’s going to be a rewarding couple of weeks for Boston’s Ray Allen. After passing Reggie Miller (thank goodness) to become the NBA’s all-time 3-point shooter, Allen will cruise to this year’s 3-point title. A darkhorse pick might be Miami’s James Jones. The Thunder’s Kevin Durant could get hot, but remember, he is a combined 1 for 18 from 3-point range at Staples Center this season.
MIKE SHERMAN
I like Rohde’s darkhorse pick, James Jones. If he has an advantage over the rest of the field, it’s that he gets the most practice shooting contest-like 3-pointers. As ESPN’s Tom Haberstroh points out here http://proxy.espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/miamiheat/post/_/id/4330/james-jones-selected-to-3-point-contest, Jones had been assisted on every one of his 93 treys through Monday night. Setting his feet and shooting is about he does for the Miami Heat, and he does it very well (42.7 percent).
Did Coaches Get All-Star Reserves Right?
Blake Griffin (left) made the cut. But Kevin Love is among the players snubbed by coaches for All-Star reserve selections.
Let the debate begin.
All-Star reserves were announced Thursday night, and the Thunder, for the first time in the franchise’s Oklahoma City-era history, fielded two All-Stars. After Kevin Durant was voted in as a starter, Russell Westbrook made the cut as a reserve.
Meanwhile, a few players were noticeably missing from the list. Some have legitimate beefs. Others, not so much. But where did the coaches execute and where did they error? We ask our panel in today’s question of the day?
Did the coaches get the All-Star reserves right?
JOHN ROHDE
There are only two iffy calls, but Tim Duncan and Ray Allen are worthy selections. Allen deserved to be chosen ahead of New York’s Raymond Felton. When the Knicks were on an early roll, Felton was a solid pick. The Knicks have since faded. Duncan is a good choice because he can start at center since the West doesn’t have one. More important, the Spurs deserved more than one player given their league-best 40-8 record. The Celtics had four players and the Heat three. Presumably commissioner David Stern will pick Kevin Love as Yao Ming’s replacement, which is unfortunate for Portland’s LaMarcus Aldridge. Tough call for the commish.
BERRY TRAMEL
Sure. Why not? This is a conference with 13 all-stars and 12 spots. So unless someone comes up gimpy between now and the next two weeks, someone is going to be left out. Will it be Kevin Love or LaMarcus Aldridge? Should it have been Russell Westbrook or Deron Williams or Blake Griffin, all named to the team Thursday? There is no right or wrong answer. Heck, Steve Nash didn’t make the team, which I think is bogus. The All-Star Game shouldn’t be for whoever’s had the hottest three months. It should be for all-stars, and Nash qualifies, in my book. So I cut the coaches some slack. You want someone else on, fine. Just say who has to come off.
Monday Morning Mailbag
Sharpshooter Daequan Cook has heat up on the court and lit up our mailbag.
What a week!
Since we last emptied our inbox, the Thunder has lost on a buzzer-beater, gone into overtime twice (three times if you count double-OT) and hosted the Miami Heat.
Over that same span, Serge Ibaka has found the doghouse, Daequan Cook has found his stroke, Russell Westbrook registered his third triple-double of the year and Kevin Durant had a career night in the midst of averaging 35.5 points and 10.7 rebounds in four games.
Ready to do it all over again?
The Thunder has an abbreviated three-game schedule this week, hosting New Orleans on Wednesday before a road back-to-back set at Phoenix and Utah. It’ll be hard to top last week’s excitement. But with this team, you just never know.
Let’s get to the mailbag.
Where can we find stats/info on Pleiss? What team is he playing for and how is he playing? Are the Thunder keeping in touch with him and watching his development closely? – Daniel.
Eurobasket.com has stats that seem to be accurate and updated regularly. It looks like in 21 games Pleiss is averaging 9.3 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 20.6 minutes. The name of his team is Brose Baskets. And, yes, the Thunder’s front office keeps close tabs on him. Several front office executives have traveled across the water to check in with Pleiss and monitor his development. I hear he’s doing quite well. The Thunder has made it a point to maintain positive relationships with the international clubs that their draft picks play on. That was the case with Serge Ibaka and, to a lesser extent DeVon Hardin and Robert Vaden. It’s been no different with Pleiss.
This might be the elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about, and I don’t mean this as a slight against Westbrook (I think he is a great, explosive player). But do you think the fact that he is not a “true” point guard holds the team back at all? Sometimes he gets into hero mode which takes others out of rhythm and Maynor sometimes seems to do a better job of getting everyone involved. Is this an issue for the Thunder or am I overreacting? – Timothy.
You’re overreacting. Westbrook’s hero-mode mentality looks terrible at times. But no one has any complaints when that style takes over and wins games. Besides, how many “true” point guards are there in the league today? Three? Four? Maybe. The NBA has changed. John Stockton isn’t walking through that door. I will say that Westbrook has fallen in love with his pull-up jumper. I wrote last year that it was much better even though the stats didn’t indicate as much. But this year, Westbrook has become more consistent and the numbers bear out that fact. Now, he forces it too much at times and that does in fact hurt the team. But he’s not the only one who takes bad or rushed shots. The bottom line, though, is Westbrook helps this team much, much more than he hurts it. And he’s got to be on the floor, doing exactly what’s brought him this far.
Kevin Durant’s Greatest Achievement
What's next for No. 35?
On Wednesday, Kevin Durant had a career night with 47 points and 18 rebounds.
On Thursday, he was named an All-Star starter for the first time.
The awards and accolades just keep pouring in for the Thunder’s fourth-year star. Since being drafted second overall in 2007, Durant has won Rookie of the Year, led the league in scoring, earned All-NBA First Team honors, carried his team to the playoffs, finished as runner-up in MVP voting, carried Team USA to a gold medal in the FIBA World Championship and, last but not least, won back-to-back H-O-R-S-E competitions.
What’s been the most impressive? Our panel tackles that topic in today’s question of the day.
What has been the most impressive achievement in Kevin Durant’s career?
JENNI CARLSON
Making Oklahoma City forget about Chris Paul. Folks here loved that guy when the Hornets were in town. Could they ever be so smitten with another? Um, yes. Kevin Durant has won people over with his game and his personality. He has that hard-working, credit-deferring style that is beloved here. That he was able to come in and capture hearts in Oklahoma City so quickly speaks to his talent and his persona.
BERRY TRAMEL
Kevin Durant’s most impressive achievement thus far has been his acceleration into the NBA’s holy of holies. Think about it. When it comes to NBA superstardom, Durant ranks only behind LeBron and Kobe. Durant already has passed Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, all those Celtics, Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, Steve Nash and whoever else I’m leaving out. I would say Durant, Dwyane Wade and Dwight Howard are about even at No. 3 on the list. And Durant is just in his fourth season and hasn’t even won a playoff series yet. Amazing. But that’s a testament to his skill, his demeanor and his attitude. He’s what everyone is looking for.
JOHN ROHDE
Kevin Durant is a franchise’s dream, not only for what he does on the court but for what he doesn’t do off it. This guy doesn’t mess up. Ever. He doesn’t even mis-tweet. There isn’t an athlete out there who hasn’t messed up at least once on Twitter — except Kevin Durant. This kid has the entire state of Oklahoma in the palm of his hand, and he went to the University of Texas. This is bordering on ridiculous.
MIKE SHERMAN
Leading his team to the playoffs at age 21 brands Kevin Durant as a winner, the most coveted distinction for any athlete. It’s the mark of an elite player. It puts him in the same club as Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James, Tim Duncan, Dwight Howard, Kevin Garnett. And it sets him apart from other young stars. Isiah Thomas didn’t do it. Dirk Nowitzki didn’t do it. Paul Pierce didn’t do it. Kevin Durant did, and proving himself as a leader and a winner before his 22nd birthday is clearly his most impressive accomplishment.
DARNELL MAYBERRY
Cue Frank Sinatra because Durant’s biggest achievement to date isn’t anything he’s done on a basketball court. Durant’s most impressive feat is how he’s done it his way. Durant has dared to be different and been unafraid to step away from the status quo. That’s no simple task when you walk into the big business world of professional basketball as an 18-year-old pup. Durant has remained true to himself, his family and his friends. The glitz and glamour of the NBA has not changed him. He loves the game, not the lifestyle, and remains as gentile a superstar as you will ever meet. Everyone, from fans, to media members, to arena employees, to teammates to coaches and front office staffers, seemingly can tell a heartwarming story about something gracious and genuine Durant has done for them. That’s who he is. And none of the awards or accolades has tarnished that tremendous trait. Like Sinatra, Durant has faced it all and stood tall and done it his way.
-DM-
Should Kevin Love Be An All-Star?
Is there room for both Blake Griffin (left) and Kevin Love on the West All-Star team?
He’s averaged 23 points and 19 rebounds against the Thunder.
And going into tonight’s third meeting, Minnesota forward Kevin Love is only a shade under those averages on the season, with 21.4 points and a league-leading 15.6 rebounds against the entire league.
Yet there is a great debate about whether the third-year bruiser should be on this year’s All-Star team. Naysayers point to the Wolves’ 10-34 record, the second worst record in the NBA. Supporters choose to simply point to Love’s production.
It’s time for our panel to weigh in.
Should Love be an All-Star?
JOHN ROHDE
Show me some Love. Hard to argue with someone who leads the league in rebounds (15.6), offensive rebounds (4.9), defensive rebounds (10.7), consecutive double-doubles (30), season double-doubles (39 in 44 games) and also steps outside to shoot 43.5 percent from 3-point range (11th in the league). Yes, he plays on a lousy team (10-34) and lousy teams miss more shots, which leads to more available rebounds, blah, blah, blah. Keep in mind New Orleans, Chicago, New York and the Thunder don’t shoot it so hot, either, and they’ve got players starting in the All-Star Game. The last time the league’s leading rebounder was not selected as an All-Star was Ben Wallace nine years ago, but he was averaging 7.6 points. Four years before that, it was Dennis Rodman, who averaged 4.7 points. Love is averaging 21.4 points. Love has to be selected, plus he played at nearby UCLA.
JENNI CARLSON
Kevin Love isn’t a sexy selection to the All-Star Game. And no, that isn’t some sort of commentary on his looks. The guy isn’t a sexy selection because he’s not a high-flying, sky-walking, monster-dunking big man. Oh, he’s got ups, but he isn’t known for his flashiness. All he does is get the job done. And what a job he does. He not only leads the league in rebounding but also averages over 20 points a game. Those are All-Star numbers, and Love is an All-Star-worthy player. But because of the mostly workman way he goes about his job — and the fact that he plays for the lowly Timberwolves — he’s easy to overlook. Here’s hoping the coaches don’t forget him when it comes to their All-Star choices. He should be an All-Star even if he isn’t a highlight reel waiting to happen.
DARNELL MAYBERRY
Put him in. And trust me, that says a lot coming from me. No, my vote doesn’t mean jack. But nobody loathes rewarding good players on bad teams more than me. But that’s how good Love’s been. Houston coach Rick Adelman said it best when recently asked about Love. Does his phenomenal numbers come from hard work, and does he do it every night? Yes and heck yes. My only reservation is the Wolves’ woeful record and the precedent coaches might set going forward if they find a way for Love to be on this year’s team. The definition of an All-Star is a player who not only is an incredible individual talent, but also one who leads his team. Love certainly has the credentials in the first category. But with the Wolves sporting a 2-21 road record, how much is Love really leading?
-DM-
Coach Brooks Skeptical Of Coach Durant
Thunder coach Scott Brooks is leery of the dunk contest team of Serge Ibaka and coach Kevin Durant.
A film crew shooting for NBA Entertainment was at practice today getting footage of Serge Ibaka and Kevin Durant preparing for the dunk contest at next month’s All-Star Weekend. Their presence sparked several questions about Ibaka’s participation.
And Thunder coach Scott Brooks is one guy who isn’t quite sold on Ibaka’s arsenal.
“I have no clue what he’s going to bring,” said Brooks, who plans to be in Los Angeles to support his players. “The only dunks I’ve seen were in the game. And those are great for us, but they’re not All-Star, dunk-championship dunks. There is not enough creativity right now. But he must have something.”
A reporter then asked Brooks about Durant serving as Ibaka’s official coach.
“That’s Serge’s problem right there,” Brooks joked. “KD has one dunk, the one-handed tomahawk. That’s all he brings to the table. That’s not going to be championship dunk ready either…I’m serious. I don’t know what he’s going to do. I’m worried.”
Undeterred by his coach’s concern, Ibaka said he is excited about the competition and labeled Durant a good teacher. Ibaka admitted that he hasn’t shown many dunk contest type dunks but assured they were coming.
“We’re starting right now,” Ibaka said. “Tonight, I will come back and try to do some stuff and have some new ideas.”
But don’t ask Ibaka to reveal any of his dunks.
“It’s top secret,” Ibaka said. “It’s a surprise.”
Footage of Ibaka and Durant’s preparations can be seen here in the coming days.
-DM-
Is Charles Barkley Coming To OKC?
Could Hall of Fame NBA forward Charles Barkley finally be on the verge of keeping his word and coming to Oklahoma City?
That’s what the former five-time All-Star and league MVP said Monday night at halftime of the Thunder-Lakers game on TNT.
Barkley, now an analyst for the network, responded to a column that appeared in The Oklahoman on Jan. 13 that called him out for never visiting the city as he said he once said he would. Barkley originally said in 2006 during All-Star Weekend in Houston that he would make a trip to Oklahoma after calling the state “a vast wasteland” and “no place for black people.”
TNT host Ernie Johnson began the halftime show by asking Barkley about the column, which was written by Jenni Carlson, and whether Barkley would keep his word.
“Has it been five years?” Barkley asked. “Well, you know what? Jenni, you are a hundred percent correct. Now that you’ve got my good friend Scott Brooks there, and the great Maurice Cheeks, who I played with in Philly, I’ve got to come to Oklahoma City?”
When Johnson asked when he’s going to come, Barkley did not respond.
-DM-
