Since it hasn't been done yet I guess I will do a write up about the Team USA camp that we had three representatives at in Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green. Like many other articles written about our trio this will speak mostly about the star in KD because he was clearly from all reports that I have read the best play for the overall camp and one of the best two with Rudy Gay in the scrimmage which ended 100-81 in favor of Kev's team which also featured RW0.
In the game Kevin went 5 for 12 from the field and 1 for 4 from 3-point range, while hitting 9 for 9 from the foul line. He also grabbed 8 boards, dished out 4 dimes all in 23 minutes. Russell went 3 for 5 from the floor, 1 for 2 from 3 adding 4 assists, 3 rebounds and 3 steals in his 20 minutes of action. Jeff Green started and played 25 minutes going 2 for 8 from the floor, 1 for 4 from 3 and 3 for 4 from the stripe for 8 points; adding 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal.
Hoopsdaily.com (same people as nbadraft.net) recap of the game can be found here: http://www.hoopsdaily.com/content/rudy-gay-and-kevin-durant-impress-usa-showcase
In reading this and other recaps of this game I cannot say that I am all that surprised by the way it was described in that we know the strengths and weaknesses of our players and it appears those were on display in this scrimmage. Maybe I am spoiled already at this point by KD but nothing I read in the recap really surprises me so I want to take a minute to talk about the most heartening thing I read in there and that was the description about Green. I am of the belief that the value of players like Green do not always show in the box score on any given night and while I like everyone else here would love for him to have hit a few more of his shots, grabbed some more boards and the rest, but to hear that against some of the best young players in this country he is still a matchup problem is very heartening for me. Russell has the athleticism and we saw improvement in his decision making in Orlando and lets hope that continues even if it wasn't always evident in this particular scrimmage. In regards to the comment on the end about who would and who wouldn't make the team, I don't think at least this time that RW0 is going to or even should make it when you are talking about CP3, D-Will and D-Rose in front of him. I could see but don't expect Green to fill almost like the Prince role on the last club, but you never know there.
Other quotes that I found were in an article by probasketballnews.com writer Sam Amico about Kevin at the camp.
I could watch Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant play all day. He's just that exciting. I could have said the same thing about George Gervin, a high-scoring star in the 1970s and early '80s with San Antonio -- even though Gervin was a little before my time. Still, Durant reminds me very much of what I saw of Gervin, with his slender frame, smooth style and ability to score on anywhere, anywhere, anytime.
I am glad that he gets paid and I write this for free since I made the same comparison last week
It just goes to show that Durant is becoming a more complete player, and you have to like that if you root for the Thunder. You also have to like how he seemingly plays with more confidence by the minute, developing a winning mentality while displaying a real passion for the game.
These are the kinds of quotes that are constantly coming this summer in regards to KD and what make me the most excited about him and the future of this organization because his leadership and dedication are things that will not only make him better but continually make this team and organization better. He has yet to let any of his success or accolades get inside his head and blow him up in fact it has been the exact opposite as the more smoke people blow at him the more humble he responds. Kevin talks about he needs to continually get better as a teammate, leader and defender.
If that is the attitude of your star then you know that your team is in great shape because they will not settle for less from their teammates and teammates will want to rise to not disappoint their leader. We all know the improvements that KD made from year 1 to year 2 and we also know that he has been a workout warrior this summer added 12 pounds of muscle to his frame and you combine that to the leadership he is showing and the accolades he is getting for just those things from Coach K on down and this will be yet another step forward for Kevin and will make him a tremendous asset for team USA in winning the World Championships in 2010 and bringing home another gold medal in 2012.