PLAYER NEWS: --F Kevin Durant has spent the summer working hard on his game and his body. He practiced with Team USA in Las Vegas and even found time to organize 6 a.m. pickup games before summer class at the University of Texas. "I don't play around, whether it's outside or in a real game," he said. "I want somebody who's never seen me before up close to leave and say, 'K.D. can play a little bit.'"
-- F D.J. White helped tip off Thunder's community outreach initiatives for the 2009-10 season with a visit by to Westwood Elementary School for a Reading Timeout.
White read a story to the school's 75 first graders, and encouraged them to spend at least 20 minutes a day reading on their own. White's appearance is first of many community appearances by Thunder players in September.
--C Nenad Krstic took a lead role in Serbia's impressive 66-57 win over Spain in the European championships. Krstic scored 17 in the victory over an NBA-laden Spanish team that included Pau Gasol and Ricky Rubio.
MEDICAL WATCH:
--G Thabo Sefolosha (dislocated finger) didn't play the last several games of the season as a precautionary measure. He didn't need surgery.
--G Kyle Weaver (thumb surgery) is expected to be fine by training camp.
DRAFT PICKS:
James Harden, G, 6-5, Arizona State (first round) -- Expected to challenge for a starting spot as a rookie. Physical with high basketball I.Q. Can score, get to the rim and defend.
B.J. Mullens, C, 7-1, Ohio State (first round) -- A definite project who started only two games during his freshman and only season in college. Good hands and athletic.
Robert Vaden, G, 6-5, Alabama-Birmingham (second round) -- Averaged 17.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists as a senior. Fastest player in UAB history to reach the 1,000-point scoring plateau.
