Durant’s return coupled with the emergence of Russell Westbrook to the next level will put the Thunder amongst the hierarchy of the league once again.
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“I heard Melo, Kevin Durant, Kobe”, Smith added. How long will it take to get his defensive values ingrained into this team is still unknown, but rest assured coach Donovan will pound it in one way or another to establish his defensive identity, as he calls it. Other than suggestions that Kevin Durant may be interested in going home, there have been no concrete reports yet that he’s even considering leaving Oklahoma City. After media day responsibilities Monday, they will begin practicing Tuesday – many teams doing it twice a day. So that’s an important part of this process for Billy [Donovan] and the players as they go through this.
Westbrook said the injury situation a year ago helped the Thunder improve their depth, and that could be a factor this season. Based upon the depth of the furrows in his forehead at his recent press conference, I think Thunder GM Sam Presti concurs. We adopted an approach in 2008, it has served us well because I think it has kept our focus on the things we can control. The issue in the past has been focus, but during his MVP season he played well on that end.
Prized free agent signings LaMarcus Aldridge and David West fortify the frontcourt alongside Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard, but keep an eye on the backcourt. “Probably. You also have to factor in where you want be at a certain point and where the schedule is and where there are opportunities to take a few time”.
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CAVALIERS: If Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love look fully recovered from their injuries in the postseason, it will calm Cavs fans worked up over the team’s inability to work out a contract extension with Tristan Thompson yet. She will be about eight rows behind Derek Fisher and the Knicks bench. Rajon Rondo? This team could be really talented, and really moody.
