This Russell Westbrook thing will drag on for a while, won’t it?

Good (late) morning! Filling in for your fearless leader today. Let’s basketball!

WE’RE IN NO RUSS: You ready for some conflicting Russell Westbrook reports that really aren’t conflicting? Here you go! Anthony Slater of the Oklahoman reports that Westbrook is “ready” to take on the challenge of leading a Thunder team without Kevin Durant. On the other hand, a source told Celtics Blog that Westbrook won’t commit to a contract extension. Both of these things can be true! This is the game of chicken everyone will play until Westbrook is traded or taken off the market. Get ready for many more rumors.

MEANWHILE: European reports suggest the Thunder will sign 2013 draft pick Alex Abrines to a three-year, $18 million deal. Abrines, a sweet-shooting small forward that was drafted with a pick acquired in the James Harden trade, has been playing for Barcelona in the ACB.

AW MAN: Could this be it for Kevin Garnett?

THE THIBS BOWL IS UPON US: Tom Thibodeau’s current team (Minnesota) vs. Tom Thibodeau’s former team (Chicago). That’s your Summer League final after both teams advanced in the semis. Summer League MVP Tyus Jones dominated to lead the Wolves over the Suns, while the Bulls rallied from a double-digit halftime deficit to defeat Cleveland. One day, the winner will win an NBA championship and we’ll remember Summer League as the first step.

YES PLEASE: I’m still not 100-percent sold on Ben Simmons, but these Summer League highlights are eroding my skepticism.

TECHNICALLY ACCURATE: Warriors president Rick Welts raised some eyebrows when he told CBS Radio that Kevin Durant made no long-term commitment to the franchise. He’s right in the sense that Durant only signed a two-year deal with a player option. I wouldn’t read too much into this.

STILL NOT OVER IT: Pat Riley continues to be really hard on himself for letting Dwyane Wade go.

WHO NEEDS TIM DUNCAN ... when you can have Dunking NBA 2K Gregg Popovich?

INTERESTING: Before committing four years and $64 million to Ian Mahinmi, the Wizards could have signed Zaza Pachulia for two years and $20 million, according to CSN Washington. Once the Wizards passed, Pachulia went to Golden State. Right move? That’s a tough one.

ALSO INTERESTING: Should the Spurs run the Triangle?

Tom will be back later this week. Talk then.