Links from around the league as the Spurs and Thunder kick start the Western Conference Finals..
- Jeremy Lin's ability to play to the level of elite point guards such as Tony Parker and Russell Westbrook in a playoff series will dictate his level of success with the Knicks, says Jared Zwerling (Twitter links). Zwerling adds (link) that one of the best things going for Lin is that he's healthy now and has the entire offseason to prepare for a bump in minutes.
- Jeff Goodman of CBSSports.com (via Twitter) praises Thunder GM Sam Presti's draft record. While drafting Durant was a no-brainer, Russell Westbrook (4th overall, 2008) and Serge Ibaka (24th overall) weren't exactly slam dunks.
- The Bobcats could interview Pacers assistant Brian Shaw as soon as next week and plan to meet with Lakers assistant Quin Snyder in Chicago before the NBA pre-draft camp, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard.
- Matt Moore of CBSSports.com tips his cap to the Magic for targeting Thunder vice president Troy Weaver and Spurs assistant GM Dennis Lindsey.