OKC loud links: Monday roundup

Various and sundry.

Morning Tip | Sports Illustrated

Aldridge's weekly mandatory reading. He does touch a bit on the OKC situation, addressing both James Harden and Eric Maynor.

5 Things You May Have Missed | NewsOK

Mayberry touches on some of the things we've gleaned so far in this preseason. My favorite - addressing Perry Jones III for his diverse skills. I'll write this - there is no better singular way for PJIII to earn guaranteed rotation minutes than to commit himself to becoming a lockdown defender in the mold of Scottie Pippen. It worked for guys like the Celtics' Avery Bradley, and it can work for PJIII as well.

Westbrook's Brand New Play | ESPN

Arnovitz notes that Russell Westbrook's signing with the Jordan Brand is not just a simple signing, but underscores the influence that Jordan still has over the league. Given MJ's legendary competitiveness, he could not have chosen a more appropriate young student.

Aldrich: 10 Year Vet? | SB Nation

Yeah, I can see it too, but it comes with one caveat. To become a 10 year veteran, you have to be able to do at least one identifiable thing well. What would that be for Cole Aldrich?

Favorite Legend? Durant Takes Bird | Thunderous Intentions

Recently Kevin Durant was asked which NBA legend he would most like to play with, and without hesitation he went with Larry Bird. That makes perfect sense, not the least of which we learned over the summer when Durant and LeBron James learned how to compliment each other on the court perfectly.

Daryl Morey: Success or Warning Sign? | the Dream Shake

Here is a pretty good fisking of a story about how the Rockets' GM, Daryl Morey (aka "Dork Elvis") is proving that 'analytic GM's don't really work out.

Michael Jordan's McD's BBQ Sauce Can Be Yours | Ball Don't Lie

A gallon of 'McJordan' can be yours for the low, low price of $10,000.

Previews of the Roundtable: Southwest | Hickory High

The Spurs still get the nod, but their legendary defense slipped notably in the playoffs last season.

Season Preview: Atlantic Division | Behind the Basket

Brooklyn Nets, favorites?