They just won't drop it, are insistent on finding fault with RW

[Plainsman]

Marc Stein finds some scout to tell him what he wants to hear, so they can keep this stirred up ........ they will NEVER admit they were wrong. And there's been a long line of RW critics ( beginning here locally with the fools on the sports talk station ) who are having to eat a lot of words.


Western Conference scout on where Oklahoma City has improved

"The biggest thing that stands out for me is their defense. I was totally impressed, especially with [Russell] Westbrook. In the past, without trying to be cruel, I've seen him defend more with his athleticism than his brain. He was just using his instincts. But it seemed like defensively OKC really knew what was coming last time I saw them. I don't think they've paid as much attention to the scouting report in the past, but that urgency was there [from Westbrook].

"I still don't like a lot of what he does offensively. I know we're all looking at these guys with a magnifying glass, but I did see some frustration. Westbrook wanted the ball at the end of the game. [Kevin] Durant wanted the ball at the end of the game. But the guy I noticed the most was Westbrook. His defensive awareness is the biggest improvement I see.

"I just don't know if they execute down the stretch like a Popovich does with the Spurs or like how Dallas did last year in the playoffs. Are they going to get the ball to the go-to guy at the right time? I'm still not ready to say they'll win the West. I don't know if they're ready to beat teams that are more disciplined, more mature."


http://espn.go.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/dime-120127-29/weekend-dime-views-professional-watchers

[kleese]

I don't have a problem with what that scout said. Fact is, we've yet to win anything substantial and until we do there will be doubters. I'm cool with it....bring it.

[Plainsman]

Its nit picking fodder to keep some drama alive about the team.

[Plainsman]

Hey, OKC presents a real problem for the media, especially ESPN.

We are a very very small media market.

If they stick strictly to basketball, OKC will bore the heck out of most of America. The media has to spin up some drama to create interest, to create viewers/readers, to keep ratings up ........ because this little market can not do this on its own.

And that's exactly what all this RW vrs KD , and RW doesn't do this or that, is designed to do. It started in the playoffs last year when ESPN had to sell the OKC Thunder to America.

Its for drama queens.

And if you can not see that in your self, then you've got a ways to go also. If you have yet to realize that the NBA media just makes chit up , then you've got some learning to do.

Bring it .

[Plainsman]

Course I forgot, Kleese is selling a blog.

Everybody is a fricken drama whore, these days. Anybody who can type, can become an NBA bloggist.

[okcnba]

""I just don't know if they execute down the stretch like a Popovich does with the Spurs or like how Dallas did last year in the playoffs. Are they going to get the ball to the go-to guy at the right time? I'm still not ready to say they'll win the West. I don't know if they're ready to beat teams that are more disciplined, more mature."

Really? We have a problem with this? Seems right on the money to me.

[kleese]

Course I forgot, Kleese is selling a blog.

Everybody is a fricken drama whore, these days. Anybody who can type, can become an NBA bloggist.

What the hell does that mean? My "bring it" comment was directed at the scout and the rest of the media/doubters and the NBA in general.

What I'm saying is until we rings, people will drum up drama and doubts... That's fine, I can handle that. The only other thing he could say would be how awesome we are and how we can't be stopped... Most people will hold on to some doubt until they actually see it.

I have no clue what my blog has to do with this. And "selling" is an interesting term seeing I don't earn a dime from it :)

[cjthunder]

Course I forgot, Kleese is selling a blog.

Everybody is a fricken drama whore, these days. Anybody who can type, can become an NBA bloggist.

That just wasn't necessary at all. I don't know the guy from Adam, but I don't see him selling anything.

[kleese]

I'll try to squash this before it goes any farther... I think Plainsman misunderstood me... I was actually agreeing with him for the most part just saying that if media types want to doubt the Thunder then let them have at it...until we get a ring, there will be doubters/haters. Personally, I like our chances, thus the "bring it" comment.

As for the blog comment, yeah, kind of a low blow in my estimation, however, by posting a blog and linking it here I open myself up to skeptics who think I'm somehow trying to cash in. He is right, anyone with fingers can start a blog and I understand why some people might be spam conscious. It's all good, no worries on my part.

[Plainsman]

""I just don't know if they execute down the stretch like a Popovich does with the Spurs or like how Dallas did last year in the playoffs. Are they going to get the ball to the go-to guy at the right time? I'm still not ready to say they'll win the West. I don't know if they're ready to beat teams that are more disciplined, more mature."

Really? We have a problem with this? Seems right on the money to me.

Well you would, all anyone has to do is follow you on Twitter , and get a good idea where you from.

Look at all your tweets from last night , wudda thought the Thunder got beat by 20 points.

You EVER say anything positive ?

[Plainsman]

That just wasn't necessary at all. I don't know the guy from Adam, but I don't see him selling anything.

Selling is just a figure of speech, how bout " promoting " a blog.

Everybody has a blog these days.

[Plainsman]

Hey, the scout further pushes the idea of some kind of conflict between KD and RW, and now its just moved to the end of the game.

Its all about drama from anybody with ESPN.

Period.

[Plainsman]

""I just don't know if they execute down the stretch like a Popovich does with the Spurs or like how Dallas did last year in the playoffs. Are they going to get the ball to the go-to guy at the right time? I'm still not ready to say they'll win the West. I don't know if they're ready to beat teams that are more disciplined, more mature."

Really? We have a problem with this? Seems right on the money to me.

Ohhh btw, I no longer download your stupid podcast either. That was a waste of time.

[Fast | Break]

""I just don't know if they execute down the stretch like a Popovich does with the Spurs or like how Dallas did last year in the playoffs. Are they going to get the ball to the go-to guy at the right time? I'm still not ready to say they'll win the West. I don't know if they're ready to beat teams that are more disciplined, more mature."

Really? We have a problem with this? Seems right on the money to me.

I'm right there with you. Looks like we're a bit thin-skinned around here if we can't take that as constructive criticism, and it's true.

[Thunder in NY]

The stuff is true about RW. However, as long as he plays the ferocious defense that he has played this year I will not mind taking some moronic shots.

[okcnba]

Well you would, all anyone has to do is follow you on Twitter , and get a good idea where you from.

Look at all your tweets from last night , wudda thought the Thunder got beat by 20 points.

You EVER say anything positive ?

I was frustrated with the Thunder defense over the first 2 quarters (which was when I was tweeting), check out my comments in the chat, I was possitive when they started locking down on the defensive end. Also look at what I said during the Detroit game. We went into Golden State and played pretty poor defense on the 3pt line for 3 quarters, I found that frustrating since we have traditionally (this year) been a good 3pt defensive team. What's with the hostility? Aren't these forums for discussion?

[okcnba]

Also, the guy you are criticizing largely complimented Westbrook as well. So I'm not sure I get your point, are we not aloud to look at where we could improve on even when we're winning?

[okcnba]

I'm right there with you. Looks like we're a bit thin-skinned around here if we can't take that as constructive criticism, and it's true.

"A bit thin skinned" might be a bit of an understatement when it comes to our fan base. Our hi levels of insecurity are about the only things that I can really criticize about us as a group, aside from that I think we're the best fans in the NBA.

[the worm]

What's going on with Plainsman in this thread? Did your cat die or something?

Alot of anger in those posts.

Worm Life.

[the worm]

And in regards to the actual quote, don't see what the big deal is about?

As okcnba said, seemed like he was complimenting Westbrook more than ripping him.

It's almost like you're searching for any potential slight to the Thunder from the media.

Worm Life

[Thunder in NY]

Yeah, I'm not liking how you can't say anything negative about the team on this forum. Its supposed to be conversation and not attack the guy who doesn't think the team is perfect.

[Plainsman]

Yeah, this guy rips the team on Twitter during the game, then when someone rips him .................... its below the belt.

You boys just ate the cheese.

This was all of this guy's Tweets, notice the last one , and when its turned on him, he starts squealing like a pig caught under the gate. And its nothing new.

Maybe if you get that frustrated, you should not be expelling your emotional regurgitation for public consumption. I've never enjoyed looking at someone's vomit, whether physical or its their emotion based blather and drivel.

Hey, its time to get off Russell's back, its 5 year and 80 MILLION dollars time to get off his back.

And ESPN is just a bunch of drama queens, looking for ratings.



OKThunderground Thunder Ground Radio
@
@dailythunder people tend to treat you like you act
20 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply

OKThunderground Thunder Ground Radio
Even when Perk scores e essentially screws up
20 hours ago

OKThunderground Thunder Ground Radio
Boooooo to our 3pt d. Boooooo
20 hours ago

OKThunderground Thunder Ground Radio
Terrible play by the thunder. Just terrible on both ends. Could see it coming
20 hours ago

OKThunderground Thunder Ground Radio
I know we just extended our lead by 4, but our 3pt coverage looks terrible
20 hours ago

OKThunderground Thunder Ground Radio
Don't worry thunder, we know playing defense is hard
21 hours ago



OKThunderground Thunder Ground Radio
Let's make a list of possible punishments for perk for every time he decides to try and score when covered
21 hours ago

OKThunderground Thunder Ground Radio
Why r we doubling down low against state? Makes no sense!
21 hours ago

OKThunderground Thunder Ground Radio
Consecutive 15+ point games? Stats that don't matter!
21 hours ago

[Plainsman]

Yeah, I'm not liking how you can't say anything negative about the team on this forum. Its supposed to be conversation and not attack the guy who doesn't think the team is perfect.

What part of 16 and 3 do you have a problem with ?

Ya know, if it was 3 and 16 , then you might have a point.

I know, its redundant.

[Plainsman]

And in regards to the actual quote, don't see what the big deal is about?

As okcnba said, seemed like he was complimenting Westbrook more than ripping him.

It's almost like you're searching for any potential slight to the Thunder from the media.

Worm Life

Yeah OK, slick , gotcha .

[Thunder in NY]

What part of 16 and 3 do you have a problem with ?

Ya know, if it was 3 and 16 , then you might have a point.

I know, its redundant.

The regular season means nothing for the Thunder anymore. They are basically guaranteed a top 3 seed for the next four years barring any major injury. Just because the team is 16-3 doesn't mean it can't improve. There are still holes on this team and if it wants to get to a dynasty level team then a few players have to change their games slightly. But I know, we can't say anything bad about the Thunder or their players.

[slimjimzv]

Plainsman, attack the points and stop attacking the people. You're coming across as bitter and petty.

[DwightSchrute]

Maybe if you get that frustrated, you should not be expelling your emotional regurgitation for public consumption.The irony is strong.

[Plainsman]

The irony is strong.


Ohhh baloney, take your serious crap down the hall ..............


I don't want to talk to you no more, you empty headed animal food trough wiper

I fart in your general direction.

Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries.

No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time.

[Colonel Thunder]

It's just a flesh wound.

[Plainsman]

It's just a flesh wound.

Yeah, I know :)

Not to keep this going , or anything, but in this January 16th, NBA Today podcast, Ric Bucher openly wonders ... " nobody will be listening to this podcast " , and OKC media market is " not LA, not even close " ........... and this comes after they spent 15 minutes on KD vrs RW.

Hey , call me a cynic and a skeptic, but this is by design.

Bucher takes an interesting tack here, in that he says RW is better than KD, though I don't think he really believes that himself. And in the end, it's still KD vrs RW , and it becomes 15 minutes of RW getting bashed and Bucher defending him.

........the OKC media remarks, are somewhere near the 15:15 mark.

http://espn.go.com/espnradio/play?id=7467384

As I said above, the Thunder presents ESPN with a problem. The same problem that thrilled them when they traded the media market of Seattle for OKC.

And then Friday in Oakland, KD was asking a SF media guy, why the media likes to talk " KD vrs RW " . He doesn't get it either.

http://www.csnbayarea.com/blog/warriors-talk/post/Durant-Who-cares-whos-better-between-Wes?blockID=640004&feedID=5986

And I say, its because of what I said above, its keeping this drama stirred up , simple as that.

We gonna have to listen to this dramatic soap opera, all season long.

[okcnba]

Yeah, I know :)

Not to keep this going , or anything, but in this January 16th, NBA Today podcast, Ric Bucher openly wonders ... " nobody will be listening to this podcast " , and OKC media market is " not LA, not even close " ........... and this comes after they spent 15 minutes on KD vrs RW..
The Rick Bucher/Ryan R podcast wasn't that bad. Context is kind of important. Immediately before saying "nobody ELSE (a very important word you left out) will be listening" Ryan says "But THunder fans will be happy." I've heard them say that on the NBA today podcast MULTIPLE times about MULTIPLE markets... not to long ago they spent 10 minutes talking Toronto Raptors and he said the exact same thing, so let's not get over sensitive. The "not LA, not even Close" comment was in regards to how this team and franchise will be accepted and loved by NBA fans outside of our market...can we be a green bay packers type of following because market size WE AREN'T LA, NOT EVEN CLOSE. Again, I'm not sure what you're upset about here.
Primarily the two criticize Westbrooks decision making (mental makeup) and shot selection but ultimately praise him for his athleticism and overall basketball improvement since his time at UCLA... again, really struggling with the problem you're seeing.
This story (Russ/KD Feud) has stayed around because it's had legitimate legs. In last year's playoffs Russ' decision making and shot volume/selection was at the very least suspect. TNT analysts and blog writers were actually the first to pick up on that story though (not espn). Then you had the poor play of Westbrook and the early season bench incident and whether you like it or not people will be interested in the story (Really, our own Darnell Mayberry was the one who pushed this story the strongest).
You have to admit, it has MASSIVELY quieted down since Russ signed his new deal. The article you quoted to start this thread was 90% praise for Russ and commenting on his general improvement since having supposed problems with KD.

Bottom Line: We WANT people talking about us, it means we're relevant. Think of how many articles on Kobe's "being finished" were written in our playoff round against the Lakers 2 years ago. Think of all the "LEbron bumps coach" articles were written during last year (and the countless other articles about the heat). When you win, the magnifying glass centers on you. Think of it this way, there is just as much evidence (if not more) of an early Rubio/Randolf feud as there is a Durant/Westbrook feud. But no one is talking about that... because of their market size? No! Because everyone loves Minnesota and hates Oklahoma City? No! Because, although young and exciting, the T-Wolves still aren't relevant and aren't winning.

I say bring on the constant questions about Russ and Kevin. And while they're busy asking those questions our dynamic duo can continue to collectively tear the entire NBA a new one game after game!

[TheThunderRolls]

Well it is obvious that Russ and KD don't like each other, can not play together in a winning style and therefore the Thunder is unlikely to sign Russ to a long term deal.............. oh,wait. :D