The NBA Finals are all knotted up at one game apiece, Bradley Beal looked good in his workout with the Wizards and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is set to work out with the team today. Lots to get to in today's links:
- In addition to MKG, the Wizards will also work out Austin Rivers, Terrence Ross and Czech prospect Tomas Satoransky. I wonder if Jan Vesely will show up to cheer on his fellow countryman. Anyway, Kidd-Gilchrist thinks the Wizards are a playoff team with him alongside John Wall and Nene. [Wizards Insider]
- Mike came away impressed following Beal's workout yesterday.
- On the other hand, Beal was far less impressed with his seatmate on the flight to D.C., none other than the Rev. Jesse Jackson. [SB Nation DC]
- Here's a roundup of coverage of Beal's workout: [Wizards Insider | Washington Times | Washington Examiner | CSN Washington]
- Hollis Thompson also worked out for the Wizards yesterday, and could be a target when the team picks in the second round. [Wizards Insider]
- Here's some highlights of yesterday's workout plus Beal's interview with the team's website.
- Here's video of media interviews with Beal and Thompson after the workout.
- Rashad Mobley offers his thoughts on Thomas Robinson and his workout with the Wiz. [Truth About It]
- Craig Stouffer has more on Robinson, his workout with the Wiz and his desire to play in his hometown. [Washington Examiner]
- The Wizards have released their summer league schedule. [SB Nation DC]
- Ted Leonsis is trying to make Verizon Center a bit more flashy. [D.C. Sports Bog]
- BNIE analyzes the arguments for and against amnestying Andray Blatche.
- Most of you think Wall had a good sophomore campaign, but think it could have been better.
- Frank Hanrahan can't really think of what Nene should improve on this offseason. Just stay healthy big fella. [CSN Washington]
- Here's another player review of Vesely. [Wiz of Awes]
- I wonder if Sam Cassell talks as much trash when he's in the presence of ladies. [D.C. Sports Bog]
- The Heat got out to a dominating lead early in Game 2, but the Thunder slowly clawed their way back pulled to within one possession in the final moments. In the end they fell short and LeBron James hit two clutch free throws (completing a 12-for-12 night at the stripe) to seal the 100-96 victory and pull the Heat even in the series. In many ways it felt like the Thunder simply ran out of time against the Heat, and if Twitter is any indicator, for many the outcome of an otherwise excellent game was clouded by a controversial non-call on James which could have sent Kevin Durant to the free throw line with a chance to tie things up. Recaps: [SB Nation | Washington Post | SI | Daily Dime | Yahoo! Sports | AP]
- After Game 2, it's LeBron 1, Durant 1. [Yahoo! Sports]
- Mike Wise writes that LeBron came through when it mattered last night. [Washington Post]
- The Thunder nearly pulled off another comeback, but the Heat bore down when it mattered most. [SI]
- Steve Perrin was among the many to cry foul over the internet following the non-call at the end of Game 2. [SB Nation]
- Did everyone forget that a) NBA referees are never perfect and b) usually swallow their whistles at the end of critical games? [Yahoo! Sports]
- The Heat switched around their lineup for Game 2, starting Chris Bosh at center. Should the Thunder consider a similar change for Game 3 in Miami? [SI]
- James Harden is often considered the third piece of the Thunder's Big Three. But Tom Ziller thinks that when the time comes for Sam Presti to choose between Harden and Serge Ibaka, he should go with the shot-blocking big man. [SB Nation]
- J.A. Adande wonders what it is that drives Durant. [ESPN]
- Ronny Turiaf loves to remind us that, above all, basketball is fun. [Ball Don't Lie]
- Bomani Jones writes that David Stern upstaged the NBA Finals with his Jim Rome interview. [SB Nation]
- Is the interview another sign that Stern is wearing out his welcome as the league's commish? [Yahoo! Sports]
- Then again, the league's TV ratings have never been higher despite a run of bad news. [SI]
- This is a couple days old now, but Wise also wrote this great column wondering whether Durant is the best player ever from the D.C. era. Sounds like the local authorities agree with me that Elgin Baylor is still the standard, though Durant has a lot of time to play catch-up.