THERE'S A STORM COMING

Put up your umbrellas, here comes the reign.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Take a look for yourself. It's no new news that the weather is getting heavy at the moment. It's been forecasted from the season before last that the Thunder have weathered the storm of their inaugural year and are now looking as bright as lightening. As Oklahoma City bring more thunder then a Darryl Dawkins highlight reel, things are looking as sweet as chocolate for the freshest NBA franchise. Sure the Thunder are already moving up, but expect them to ascend even further at sonic speed.

Since their expansion from Seattle, the Thunder's growth hasn't been as widely well received as it has in Oklahoma, where the city was given it's first NBA team. Even people outside of Seattle loved the Sonics, but still the powers that be didn't think this city could support an NBA team. With Ray Allen heading for more green, (going to Boston and doing a backwards Frasier) and the Kemp/Payton days now as far out of view as the sky needle the Sonics days looked as dated as Sega. Still, these days nobody appreciates the classics. The city that birthed grunge music, still had a future with the rock however, as the Seattle Storm of the WNBA showed the Thunder and the NBA that glory days could still reign in the state of Washington.

So as the smoke and the fog cleared, people began to get used to those jerseys and the strangest expansion franchise since the Bobcats. Now what we are left with is a uniformed team that has not only become familiar, but a favourite in the league, in more ways then one. In 2010 the Thunder-in six games-almost whetted the eventual champion Lakers in the playoffs and this season, there one place behind them in the Western Conference standings. After a solid, mid-table, season this Oklahoma team proved they where anything but middle of the road, their multiplying wins only being divided by Dallas, the eventual champions. With a few more additions via free agency the Thunder could subtract some of the Mavericks stronghold. It won't be long before this teams confidence adds up along with their record. You do the math.

The cities Thunder have removed their cloud of judgement and showered the L with W's, while receiving 'I owe yous' from critics in return. It's time to give respect where respect is deserved and overdue, the Thunder have earned it. Just look at their roster, they have the pedigree for NBA prestige. In terms of contenders, this cities part of the royal family like London, they got an expansion franchise first too. Kevin Durant is the poster boy, tall, dark and with a handsome game. He's lean and a scoring machine too. He's the reigning scoring champ with 30 per, so there's even more numbers for this arguments crunch. Sure this kids skinny, but his game has the definition. Plus winning is winning, whether an inch or a mile, whatever the diesel. K.D's speedy to boot, leading this fast five, while being as skillful as the sportsmen in Brazil who use their feet instead of hands. Durant has gone from high school lockers to future hall duties, as his legend continues to evolve like this team. As of right now, however K.D is right there with LeBron and 'Melo, looking up to nobody but God's son, Kobe. M.J. Picked the wrong expansion to own. The forefather of modern day Basketball, has to be proud of how the association is being run these days. Forget like Mike, Kevin is the latest great player 'da kids' want to grow up and become.

Oklahoma may start with Kevin Durant, but they don't end with him, there's more to the Thunder then just a few little drops. Take recently named, first time All-Star Russell Westbrook for example. He's far from just another number two, or the zero his jersey reads. Westbrook is one of the leagues leading guards and the NBA is finally getting the point. Russell is so athletic. He doesn't just play like a quarterback, he's built like one and with buckets and dunks to match, this guy will be a highlight in February's and postseasons to come, like Superbowl Sunday. It's not just Green Bay who are packing.

Serious swingman Jeff Green was a serious threat completing Oklahoma's very own bug three, but thanks to a trade with Boston we was replaced with huge centre Kendrick Perkins. Perk gives this team a different element as they look to go in contention's direction. He's strong and built for the playoffs with Finals experience. He's the future and one of the best bigs out West, plus he hates the Lakers. What more could you ask for from a wild West competitor? Still he and his new team are backed up, the dependable, forward/centre Nick Collison has been around since the Seattle days and helps round out a great starting unit, along with Serge Ibaka. The Congolese/Spanish sensation who is feeling at home in Oklahoma as one of the games best, all-round international players.

The Thunder's bench is no turbulent spot either. With strength that results in game-winning number, from Royal Ivey, to Eric Maynor, to Daequan Cook. Or dunk-tastic, spark-plug Nate Robinson, or solid, big backup Nazr Mohammed. These pine polishers help Oklahoma shine from the woodwork when their starters begin to get splinters. All in all this Oklahoma team may almost reside in the middle of the West, but there about to ascend to the top of it and the NBA as a whole. They are more than that team that used to be Seattle or the Phoenix Suns of 2011. They are right with L.A. and Texas' two, top teams in contention, almost like they are the Sacramento Kings of the early new millennium.

The Thunder are rumbling more than their favourite bison. With this spell, things could get more dramatic then those old, Terrence Howard, playoff commercials. Sure with the WNBA's Storm in Seattle you can expect great, but with the Thunder in the NBA you can expect an upset next year like no presents under the tree. Expect them to be a regular Christmas Day feature too as they bring the headlines and headliners into prime-time. That will be tears you see, not rain pouring down, as the heavens of great basketball open up the floor. The Thunder have already made their city proud and now the rest of the United States are watching, even Seattle. Oklahoma have already made a name for themselves in the league but it won't be long before their names are engraved in some serious hardware. Sure it's still a real shame this squad couldn't do this in Seattle (no offence OKC town), but the forecast has changed and is still precipitating. People are talking about the weather in Oklahoma and it's going to be thunder all year round.

See Also

Kevin Durant-'THE NEXT ONE'

http://basketball244882.blogspot.com/2011/07/next-one.html

Russell Westbrook-'I AM THE WEST'

http://basketball244882.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-am-west.html

THE NEXT ONE

Kobe & LeBron better make way.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Do you believe in David and Goliath stories and legends? You know the kind where a big, strong force is moved by something much smaller? Where a skinny man, shows what's buried deeper inside? The ability to develop and stand next to the big boys of the nation a-la Captain America? Sure in the league of the NBA there are two perennial stars of stars to marvel at; Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Still, however as the debate between who is better rages on, these two corners of the association will have to make room for one more like 'Bron's teammates in South Beach. Right now not much touches the NBA's puppets, except the man who'll be pulling the strings in years time as the next Godfather of the association; Kevin Durant.

Kevin Durant is the future. Now, just like rap's greatest Jay-Z and the late, great Notorious B.I.G. we 'aint saying Durant's better then the leagues two biggest talents, but he's the closest one. LeBron may be the MVP with a valuable team, closer to playing for the NBA's most high award, but Kevin can outscore the King and he and the Thunder may just be able to get to his throne quicker with his lightening, fast play. Kobe may have the rings and the legend, but Kevin's next in line for a championship as he lays the path of his own, unique legacy. Durant and his Oklahoma City Thunder almost caught the Lakers two playoffs ago and Kobe can't keep up with Durant's youth much longer. They almost showed this years champion Dallas who the real Mavericks are. Just wait, with franchise partner and one of the strongest points in the league; Russell Westbrook and a great team of players,(from former Celtic Perkins to Africa's Ibaka) coaches and fans behind him behind him there really is a storm coming, with a forecast of 'reign' and we aren't talking about Seattle's Storm. This is Oklahoma's team and time now.

Kevin has taken this former Seattle team from the bargain basements of sale to the top of peoples 'League Pass' expense accounts at super Sonic speed. Motoring this Oklahoma, 'Ford Centre' inhabitants forward with his keys in the ignition. Affecting change like he had shares in Starbucks (they still did the Sonics and the city of Seattle wrong by the way). Waking up a city that missed it's one-year rental Hornets like strong coffee, stinging the notion of a one and done year. This 'Durantula' has climbed up the leagues web, keeping his smooth as silk team right with him as his spindly arms string together all sorts of powerful, hammer-of-Thor dunks for his Thunder team when he runs the break like a gazelle and no one else in the NBA kingdom. The points, wins and newspaper headlines keep on pouring out for Oklahoma City. Special K is more then a basketball serial killer, or scoring machine. He's the complete, franchise player and leader like fellow, former scoring champ Allen Iverson before him. Unquestionably this guy is answering the critics and showing fellow top scorers that 30 points per game is the new 20.

Durant shares more with Kevin Love then a first name. He's part of an exciting breed of next generation players who are going to take the worldwide league to more Magic/Bird, Kobe/LeBron popular heights. He's already proven his global worth, leading the charge in last years World Championships, just wait to see him carry the flag for Team USA in the Olympic Games next year in London. The globe is listening to more then just his brand of headphones. We don't even know this guys ceiling yet, but right now it's looking as beautiful as the Sistine Chapel. The sum of Kevin's part add up to something huge. With some Kob' and 'Bron in him, and the scoring and competitive killer instinct of Mike, this guy really is an heir apparent. Still, however with the addition of a cool, calm, but fire-inside, Tim Duncan demeanour in him and a body and versatility type of a young Kevin Garnett this guys multiplying talents can he'll divide double teams and subtract the opposition. On the whole however-despite the influences-Durant is his own man and a one-of-a-kind player. He is an establishing legend, who is already being the benchmark that younger, drafted players are being compared to and this guys only 22.

This do it all, all-star guy is the kind of player that on his best day could win the 'Slam Dunk', three-point and skills contest at the All-Star weekend. He's already won the quickly defunct game of 'H.O.R.S.E.' showing this top scorer can do more then just outscore everybody, he can shoot from anywhere too. Still Kevin Durant's not concerned with February like jilted lovers and broken hearts. This lone man wants to still be in the heart of NBA partners come late Spring and right now him and his Thunder are in matrimony with Dirk and his dangerous Dallas team for the West and leagues best once Kobe and the Lakers dynasty retires. Then all that will be left is the king and his men and although LeBron James really is the best, Durant will have no problem taking his talents to South Beach and seeing what he can leave with.

It may take a few more years for this man to show the league that the real heat belongs in Oklahoma-besides he has the Texan titans to deal with-but right now one thing is clear, Kevin Durant is here and his legend is here to stay as his legacy continues. We are witnessing someone before his time, take the league by storm. The opposition better stay in doors, K.D.'s got more then a foot in, he's kicking it in like the Notorious one and everyone knows his name. The Thunder's top man has hit the league with a lightening bolt and he's about to strike once again.

See Also

RUSSELL WESTBROOK-'I AM THE WEST'

http://basketball244882.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-am-west.html

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER-'THERE'S A STORM COMING'

http://basketball244882.blogspot.com/2011/02/theres-storm-coming.html

THERE'S A STORM COMING

Put up your umbrellas, here comes the reign.

By Tim David Harvey



Take a look for yourself. It's no new news that the weather is getting heavy at the moment. It's been forecasted from last season that the Thunder have weathered the storm of their inaugural year and are now looking as bright as lightening. As Oklahoma City bring more thunder then a Darryl Dawkins highlight reel, things are looking as sweet as chocolate for the freshest NBA franchise. Sure the Thunder are already moving up, but expect them to ascend even further at sonic speed.

Since their expansion from Seattle, the Thunder's growth hasn't been as widely well received as it has in Oklahoma, where the city was given it's first NBA team. Even people outside of Seattle loved the Sonics, but still the powers that be didn't think this city could support an NBA team. With Ray Allen heading for more green, (going to Boston and doing a backwards Fraiser) and the Kemp/Payton days now as far out of view as the sky needle the Sonics days looked as dated as Sega. Still, these days nobody appreciates the classics. The city that birthed grunge music, still had a future with the rock however, as the Seattle Storm of the WNBA showed the Thunder and the NBA that glory days could still reign in the state of Washington.



So as the smoke and the fog cleared, people began to get used to those jerseys and the strangest expansion franchise since the Bobcats. Now what we are left with is a uniformed team that has not only become familiar, but a favourite in the league, in more ways then one. Last year the Thunder-in six games-almost whetted the eventual champion Lakers in the playoffs and this season, they are one place behind them in the Western Conference standings. At 32 and 17, sitting at 0.653, OKC are more than just good for fourth place. They are no middle of the road team. Sure they are 10 games behind the first placed San Antonio, but the Spurs are the leagues best this season. Besides the Thunder are first in their Northwest division and they're multiplying wins are subtracting the Lakers and second place Dallas' hold on them. It won't be long before this teams confidence adds up along with their record. You do the math.

The cities Thunder have removed their cloud of judgement and showered the L with W's, while receiving 'I owe yous' from critics in return. It's time to give respect where respect is deserved and overdue, the Thunder have earned it. Just look at their roster, they have the pedigree for NBA prestige. In terms of contenders, this cities part of the royal family like London, they got an expansion franchise first too. Kevin Durant is the poster boy, tall, dark and with a handsome game. He's lean and a scoring machine too. He's the reigning scoring champ with 30.1 per, so there's even more numbers for this arguments crunch. Sure this kids skinny, but his game has the definition. Plus winning is winning, whether an inch or a mile, whatever the diesel. K.D's speedy to boot, leading this fast five, while being as skillful as the sportsmen in Brazil who use their feet instead of hands. Durant has gone from high school lockers to future hall duties, as his legend continues to evolve like this team. As of right now, however K.D is right there with LeBron and 'Melo, looking up to nobody but God's son, Kobe. M.J. Picked the wrong expansion to own. The forefather of modern day Basketball, has to be proud of how the association is being run these days. Forget like Mike, Kevin is the latest great player 'da kids' want to grow up and become.



Oklahoma may start with Kevin Durant, but they don't end with him, there's more to the Thunder then just a few little drops. Take recently named, first time All-Star Russell Westbrook for example. He's far from just another number two, or the zero his jersey reads. Westbrook is one of the leagues leading guards and the NBA is finally getting the point. Russell is so athletic. He doesn't just play like a quarterback, he's built like one and with buckets and dunks to match, this guy will be a highlight this February like Superbowl Sunday. It's not just Green Bay who are packing.

Heralded as a smart guy in college and with the brains for the pros, Oklahoma's number 22, makes these stadium fillers more then a two man show. Not offensive to high scoring and a steal on defence, Jeff Green rounds out this big three, that despite the lack of hype, could match up with Miami or Boston if the stakes where upped. Speaking of the four, the dependable, forward/centre Nick Collison has been around since the Seattle days and helps round out a great starting unit, along with Nenad Krstić. The Serbian postman who is feeling at home in Oklahoma after being delivered from New Jersey.

The Thunders bench is no turbulent spot either. With strength that results in game-winning number, from Royal Ivey, to Eric Maynor, to Morris Peterson, to D.J. White, to Daequan Cook. These pine polishers help Oklahoma shine from the woodwork when their starters begin to get splinters. All in all this Oklahoma team may almost reside in the middle of the West, but they're about to ascend to the top of it and the NBA as a whole. They are more than that team that used to be Seattle or the Phoenix Suns of 2011. They are right with L.A. and Texas' two, top teams in contention, almost like they are the Sacramento Kings of the early new millennium.

The Thunder are rumbling more than their favourite bison. With this spell, things could get more dramatic then those old, Terrence Howard, playoff commercials. Sure with the WNBA's Storm in Seattle you can expect great, but with the Thunder in the NBA you can expect an upset this year. That will be tears you see, not rain pouring down, as the heavens of great basketball open up the floor. The Thunder have already made their city proud and now the rest of the United States are watching, even Seattle. Oklahoma have already made a name for themselves in the league but it won't be long before their names are engraved in some serious hardware. Sure it's still a real shame this squad couldn't do this in Seattle (no offence OKC town), but the forecast has changed and is still precipitating. People are talking about the weather in Oklahoma and it's going to be thunder all year round.