Rapid reaction: Oklahoma City flies past Phoenix 126-97 for easy home win

"Yes, if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past four or five years, it’s that Sam Presti and Scott Brooks really have no clue what they’re doing. So hopefully a newspaper article by Todd, who’s never coached or played in the NBA will help." In my own words-Todd.

@ Todd you always criticize the bloggers, but have not said anything is wrong with the Thunder players and coach even in their loses. Are you just a narrow minded fellow who’s concern only is selling Thunder uniform, specially the Westbrook jerseys that might not be sold if Westbrook gets traded?

"BTW, Jenni Carlson that was a good article to cover regarding how to lived as rookies in the NBADL. I hope it opens the eyes of Presti and Brooks." Yes, if there's one thing we've learned over the past four or five years, it's that Sam Presti and Scott Brooks really have no clue what they're doing. So hopefully a newspaper article by someone who's never coached or played in the NBA will help.

Good to know what the Thunder's developmental League has to offer and how the new players deal with. The Thunder management mentality, including coaches are to maintain a certain rotation in games that when the game is lost, then bring in the new recruits to get playing time. For me, why not give each and everyone the chance to show their wares on the court for coaches and manager to see for themselves their improvement as professionals and potentials in helping the team defensively and offensively. BTW, Jenni Carlson that was a good article to cover regarding how to lived as rookies in the NBADL. I hope it opens the eyes of Presti and Brooks The question is; Will they be given that chance by their coach or will they be given their chance after two or more years as Brooks has done? These youngsters are eager to get going right away, just as the fact that Presti and the scouts had an eye on them for so long, but they should have an orientation on how to attain that chance going to the big league and not get stucked on the minor league. Its the job of the coaches to point them in the right direction to succeed on this quest of the rookies. Supposing the coach or coaches don't use them the right way and after one or two chances they are nt again played, that imposes a mark to the player that they are not good enough to play. Even Brooks had his chance to play in the big leagues, but during that time he had some setbacks. He should not duplicate those bad times he had if he had them. He should shy away from that system, but introduce a better one these players to get the experience right away, even for a contending team like the Thunder, just as what Popovich is doing right now. In his case, he has to do it because of his aging players and the eventual replacement of the older players who will retire. He is now trying to intrigrate to his tried system the new player, in order to transition them smoothly!

Well, at least no comparisons between the way in which LeBron James eats his meals and KD & Russ eat theirs. So maybe there's still hope.

Miami Heat's mid-season grade today: By Michael Wallace ESPN.com The Thunder should also be graded according from coach to players. MIAMI -- With the All-Star break looming, the defending champion Miami Heat sit in unfamiliar territory at the season's midway point during the Big 3 era: atop the Eastern Conference. “And we know we still haven't played our best basketball yet,” three-time league MVP LeBron James said. “There's been some ups and downs. We've had some struggles. But for the most part, we like the direction we're headed.” With James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh set to anchor the Eastern Conference's All-Star team, guided by coach Erik Spoelstra next week in Houston, Miami is halfway to its goal of repeating as NBA champion. Let's chart the team's progress with our mid-term report card that grades each player on the roster. Grades are weighted and determined by specific player performance based on expectations entering the season. Starters LeBron James: What else is there really to say? He came to Miami three seasons ago as the centerpiece of the so-called Big 3. But that no longer applies. He stands alone as a clear-cut sensation. He has gone Beyonce. He's still the best player on the planet, still the most unselfish superstar in the league and still getting better each month of the season. Already shooting a career-high 55.5 percent from the field this season, LeBron has upped that number to a ridiculous 60 percent over the past 11 games. Grade: A+ Dwyane Wade: He asked not to judge until around the All-Star break, based on his recovery schedule from offseason knee surgery. Don't expect the nightly dominance from Wade. But he can deliver it just about every other night. Turnovers have become a concern recently, but he's making far more explosive plays as he regains strength and confidence in his legs. Like James, Wade is also shooting a career high from the field and remains one of the most efficient guards in the league. Grade: B Chris Bosh: So far, it has been a season of playing to the extremes for Bosh, who is capable of being the best post player in the East one night and a 6-foot-11 invisible man the next. Bosh went as far as to apologize to Heat fans after Sunday's game in Toronto for inconsistent play. His rebounding and scoring are at or near career lows, but so are his opportunities in Miami. That said, he's also shooting at a career-high clip and is again an All-Star. Grade: C+ Mario Chalmers: Despite recently fashioning himself as a top-10 point guard in the league, there are many nights when Chalmers isn't even the best at his position on the team. His overall shooting numbers aren't impressive, but his 72 steals are second-most on the team. Instead of solidifying his role as a clear-cut starter in this league, Chalmers' biggest task is fending off backup Norris Cole. But just when you count him out, he responds. Grade: C- Udonis Haslem: Having re-emerged in the starting lineup to help address the Heat's recent rebounding woes, Haslem has yet to recapture the shooting touch and production on the boards that have defined his gritty career as a key member of two championship teams. Multiple injuries in recent seasons have quietly caught up with him and his production has been in steady decline. Haslem's leadership, accountability and intangibles remain valuable. Grade: C- Bench Rotation Ray Allen: How long ago does it seem when Allen made three game-winning shots in the first couple of weeks of the season? His consistent impact hasn't been the same the past few months. Allen leads the team with 72 three-pointers, and he ranks among the NBA's best at 42 percent from deep.

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