Live from Las Vegas: Thursday's Blog
When the media was allowed to watch the final 30 minutes of the scrimmage, it wasn’t long before the Thunder trio was on the floor together.
I’ll revisit that moment along with what managing director Jerry Colangelo said about the Oklahoma City triumvirate and how the Thunder has still managed to foster a family environment here in Las Vegas later this evening on thunder.nba.com.
GREEN EAGER FOR OPPORTUNITY
When Amar’e Stoudemire (contract) and David Lee (finger) out of the mix, forward Jeff Green got another opportunity to show how he would be a good fit for the USA Basketball roster headed to the World Championship later this summer.I had a nice conversation with Green about his first three days of camp and how he’s basically being asked to fulfill the same role he has in Oklahoma City. Coach Mike Krzyzewski lauded Green for his play in the scrimmage and also explained how a player with Green’s versatility would translate to international competition.
“I thought Jeff had a really good day today,” Krzyzewski said.
Green will be the main feature story on thunder.nba.com on Friday afternoon/early evening, so be on the lookout.
THURSDAY'S PRACTICE
Krzyzewski dedicated a portion of Thursday’s practice to defensive schemes and roles in the hour before a scrimmage against the Select Team.“We went from going to tryouts to practicing and trying to put our system in a little bit better,” he said.
Krzyzewski later added: “Guys got to know what we want them to do and how it fits their skills. I thought we had a great effort today.”
MORNING NOTES
Time: 9:32 a.m.The way Thunder head coach Scott Brooks sees things, it doesn’t get much better than this in terms of player development for Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook.
Having the biggest presence at USA Basketball training camp speaks to the job the Thunder has done with its player development both during a season and over the summer. But the long term effect this week and possibly a month of international competition could have on the trio’s development heading into training camp is something that won’t be fully appreciated until the 2010-11 regular season is underway.
“I think it’s a great opportunity,” said Brooks, who is in town through Friday. “Anytime you can play against the best players you get better. You don’t get better by playing against me and my buddies on Saturday morning. You get better by playing against the best players and they have an opportunity to do that this week and in the weeks to come.”
LEARNING FROM THE VETS
Just because Kevin Durant is being asked to take on a leadership role this summer doesn’t mean he isn’t soliciting advice or taking notes from some of his elders.Asked if he’s trying to pick anyone’s brain throughout the week and Durant didn’t hesitate.
“Lamar Odom,” he said. “He can still do the same things he did back then (with the Clippers). He’s more of a type of player I am. He’s also a two-time champion so it’s good to have him around.”
Odom is the only player in camp with Olympics experience; he was a member of the 2004 bronze medal team in Greece.
FRIENDS AND NOW TEAMMATES
Russell Westbrook and Derrick Rose have been pals since their collegiate years, and both have spent the last two summers working out together in Santa Monica, Calif.Rose credited Westbrook for helping him grow as a player and become a better shooter this summer.
“He’s always shooting,” Rose said. “Russ is a good shooter. If anything, he’s a big reason why I’m shooting my jump shot a lot better. I’m having confidence in my jump shot. I know if I can beat him I can beat some players in the NBA at shooting. He hits open shots. He’s a big motivation to my game.”
LATER TODAY
Today’s media availability was bumped to the end of practice, so we’re hoping to have a practice report up hopefully before you punch the clock, plus a feature story later in the evening.Contact Chris Silva
