What’s good everyone? Just figured I’d check in and see what’s going on with y’all. We just wrapped up a four-game home stand and are in Dallas for a game against the Mavs tonight. I’m sure you guys all saw our tough loss against the Spurs on Wednesday night. We don’t like to take moral victories, but I’m proud of how we bounced back from a bad start and made it a game.

Anyhow, since I practically live at the arena during the season, whether it’s at the Ford Center or on the road, I figured I’d let you guys in on my game day routine. I really don’t have any rituals, but I guess you can say there’s a routine to it.

It really starts after our team’s morning shoot around. Once I come home I have to play my brother in NBA Live on the XBox. I’ve got to play one game of that. That’s always fun and that’s one thing I have to do on game days.

I don’t ever take naps on game days because any time I used to I’d just get sluggish. I like to get to the arena nice and early to get a workout in. I like to put up a bunch of different shots – slashing shots, curls, three-pointers. Stuff I do in the game I like to work on beforehand.

After that I always take a seat on our bench for a few minutes and that’s when I’m just chilling out. I might know some people on other teams. Like when the Bobcats came to town last month that’s when I had a chance to catch up with one of my good friends D.J. Augustin, who I played with at Texas. I usually wait for fans to get into the arena so I can sign some autographs for them. I love to sign stuff for the people who come out to see us. I’m just doing them a favor because they’re doing one for us as well.

After that, I head back to our new locker room, take a seat at my stall and read the scouting report. I ALWAYS read the scouting report. Then I’ll just listen to my music and chill out, get in my little mode I guess. I listen to a lot of R&B, a lot of rap, but mostly R&B. Then an hour before game time, me and some of my teammates head to the team chapel. I have to do chapel before every game, no matter where we’re playing.

And finally, I do have a little ritual once I’m on the court. Right after player introductions, when everyone’s taking the court for the opening tip, I go straight to the scorer’s table, where I’ll untie tie my shoes. I do that before every game and right after halftime. I really don’t know why I do it, but it’s become a habit.

Then, it’s game time.

Do you all have daily routines you have to follow before school and work? Let me know in the comments section, and be sure to check us out tonight against the Mavs.

Fans: Be sure to check out Kevin on Twitter and Facebook.

What’s good everyone? I’ll tell you one thing, it’s good to be home after spending so much time on the road. Even though we came up short against a tough Hornets team last night, it was good to be at home playing in front of our home crowd. We’ll get back to work today and try to get better.

I tweeted about this a few days ago, but I figured I’d talk more about it on my blog. Y’all know how badly I want to play for Team USA this summer and in the future.

I think I’d be a good addition to the team because as a third-year player I have more experience in the league, and plus I’ve been attending the USA Basketball minicamps for the last three summers. The first two years I was kind of figuring everything out and I think now I’m more experienced that I can at least try to help on that Team USA. It would be a blessing and an honor to play on the team. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.

When I wasn’t picked for the last Olympic team I was kind of upset with myself. I thought back to the minicamp and how maybe I could have played harder on one possession. Maybe I could have done a little bit more to be on that team. But it wasn’t my time, and hopefully my time is this summer at the World Games. So I’ll be praying for it. I know I can go out there and contribute to the team.

Just to have USA across my chest and play with best players in the world, I couldn’t ask for anything more, especially in the summertime. You play against them throughout the year but to play with those guys throughout the summer, it’s that preparation that’s going to make me better. I’ve learned a lot of different things from them, how to be a leader, how to work hard every day. Just to be with them every day would be good for me.

I’m already familiar with the offense they run and their defensive principles since I’ve been a part of the minicamps for the last three years. Hopefully I’ve paid my dues and I’ll get picked for the team, but like I said if I don’t hopefully before I’m done playing I’ll be able to be a part of it. I hope I get a call, but as for now I’ve got to continue to work and get better.

Well, I just wanted to get that out there. Thanks for listening, everyone. Talk to you soon.

Fans: Be sure to check out Kevin on Twitter and Facebook.

What’s good everyone? We just finished up a quick two game road trip in the midwest. We had a nice win against the Bulls last night. If you watched the game, I’m sure you saw Russ have another big game. I think he should be an All-Star this year. What do you all think?

Before the Bulls game I found out the NBA named me the Western Conference player of the week. Pretty neat, huh? It’s very humbling. I got Rookie of the Year, so it feels really good to get awards in this league. They’re not easy. It’s truly an honor.

I just want to thank my teammates. Like I’ve always been saying, they get me the ball and always trust me to make shots. Trust, confidence…that’s all helped me become the player I am today. I can’t emphasize how much I thank my teammates for this. They’re the best.

I also wanted to thank you guys for supporting me and the team this season. You’re the best fans out there. Talk to you soon!

Fans: Be sure to check out Kevin on Twitter and Facebook.

What’s good everybody? Sorry I haven’t posted in a while. We’ve been kinda busy, on the road a lot and then had the holidays.

But I’m sure you all have seen that we’ve been playing pretty well as of late. We won five straight games before losing at Milwaukee last night. It was our longest winning streak of the season and of my career with the organization. We had a little bit of a slip up last night against the Bucks, but overall, everyone on this team has been playing so well.

My shot’s also been falling recently, and a media member told me last night that I broke the franchise record for consecutive 30-point games with seven. I’ve just got to give thanks to my teammates, man, I can’t emphasize how much they put their trust in me and their confidence in me to score points and rebound and block shots. I just try to do everything for them. They play so hard every night and I just do my best to keep up with them. I can’t thank my teammates enough. They’re the best teammates in the world to play with and like I said they trust me so much and as a player that’s all you need, your confidence from your teammates and that trust and the sky’s the limit.

I’m just happy I’m a part of this team and hopefully as a group we continue to get going and get better. But it’s not all about me. It’s about this whole organization and how they trust in me. I’m just blessed and excited to be a part of this group and I’m excited to be a part of something that’s going to move forward in the future. Hopefully everything continues.

It’s a lot of fun when you’re winning but we know we can’t get satisfied or complacent. We all know we’ve got a long ways to go before we get to where we want to be. We all know that. It’s always fun to come in and win games. We have more tough tests ahead the rest of the season so we’ve just got to be prepared.

As for me, I’ve just been getting things within the offense and trying to make shots with my teammates. They put me in good positions to score so I do my best at making shots. I work after practices and after shoot arounds to hone my shots. I put in maybe 20 to 30 minutes of good work after every practice. I just try to get better each day. I never try to take days off and I never get satisfied with what I’ve done so far. I have a long ways to go to become the player I want to be, and I know that and I’ve just got to continue to work.

Well, it was good to get back on the blog. Let me know what you guys think about the way we’ve been playing. I love your feedback. Take care everyone!

Fans: Be sure to check out Kevin on Twitter and Facebook.

What’s good everyone? Hope you all saw our win last night over the New Jersey Nets. We beat them 105-89 on the road for our third straight win. It’s our longest winning streak of the season. It’s a long season, but I’m so excited with the way we’ve been playing.

I hope tonight will be just as good for us. We’re in D.C. right now. As most of you know, I grew up just outside of here. So it’s good to be back! I feel like I haven’t been here in years. I haven’t been home since September. We’re just here for a day, but even if it’s for a couple of hours it feels good. It’ll be fun to play in front of my friends and family.

I’m sure a lot of people are going to be hitting me up for tickets, but I’m going to let my mom and my brother handle that for me. I’m just worried about coming in and playing. They all respect that I’ve got to get my rest for game day and they all understand that.

So I’ll be ready to play. Our game against the Wizards starts tonight at 6 p.m. OKC time, so if you’re in the area, buy a ticket and come check us out. If not, watch us on TV. We beat the Wizards at home earlier this season, but we don’t overlook any opponent. Should be a good game!

Fans: Be sure to check out Kevin on Twitter and Facebook.

What’s good everyone? We had a good win at home last night against the Bobcats. We did what we were supposed to do on our home court, now it’s time to take get back to work on the road.

I’m sure you all heard about the newest member of the Thunder family, rookie guard Eric Maynor, who we got in a trade with the Utah Jazz on Tuesday.

I know Eric a little bit. One of my close friends back at home played with him at VCU and I got to know him through him. He’s pretty cool.

This is my first time playing with him, though. I’ve watched him play when he was in college. Of course, everyone knows him from putting Duke out of the NCAA Tournament in the first round a couple of years back and hitting that big shot. He’s got a reputation as a big-game player and I’m glad he’s on our team now.

The circumstances that he came in with, catching three planes and getting traded as a rookie after 20 games, it was tough. He came in and controlled the game for us and got the ball to people in good spots and if we would have made more shots for him he maybe would have had nine or 10 assists. He played well and I know once his feet get under him and he becomes more comfortable with our offense, he’s going to excel. We’re glad to have another guy that we can depend on to backup Russell. He’s a scorer but he knows in this league that he has to defend and distribute the basketball. But he can score when we need him to, and he’s versatile in his game. He gives us a different dimension to our offense. Him and Russell are going to be phenomenal for us.

Well, that’s it for now. Did everyone get what they wanted for Christmas?

Fans: Be sure to check out Kevin on Twitter and Facebook.

What’s good everyone? We’re in L.A. today getting ready to play the Lakers. It’s gonna be another tough one against a tough, tough team. Make sure you check us out tonight.

This summer I filmed some stuff for Nike Basketball’s “The Leap” series. Here’s part 1. Check it out and tell me what you think.

Fans: Be sure to check out Kevin on Twitter and Facebook.

What’s going on everyone? It was another tough one for me and the team last night. We just have to get back to work and find a way to bounce back. Keep supporting us and sending us words of encouragement.

We’re getting close to Christmas. Has everyone gotten their Christmas shopping done yet? I’m about get on that.

The only person I got a gift for so far is my brother. We’re on this long road trip and we’ve got an off day today in L.A. so that’s probably when I’m going to do most of my shopping. I’ve never been a big Christmas shopper, not until I got into the league. I’ve got to shop for my mom, my grandmother and I’ll leave the other one on the low J I’ve got to get something for my dad and my two close friends. I’m going to have one of my friends go with me and give me a little bit of flavor.

I’ve usually asked people what they want these last three years. People are like, ‘you don’t have to buy me anything, just give me some money.’ That’s the easiest thing I can do, I guess. But I want to go Christmas shopping so I can pick out some things I think my family would like, and I think that’s pretty cool. I like to go out and surprise my family, like my mom did for me. I’ve got a lot to make up for what she got me for Christmas but hopefully I get it done and it should be fun. It’s always fun going shopping for family. I know my mom’s style. She’s big on purses and boots and coats and stuff. I’ve got a lot to do.

I might get myself something. I’m going to start now. I may not get it until the end of this season or summer but it’s going to be my Christmas gift.

I already have a Christmas tree at my house, though. These ladies who help decorate some houses did it for me. Just the inside of my house is decorated. I don’t have any lights outside. It’s just a Christmas tree, some lights inside. It’s nice. I like the whole Christmas spirit. I missed it last season because I think we had to go to Detroit. Probably in the next couple of days we’re going to start putting some gifts under the tree. On Christmas Day we’ll have a big dinner. I think my grandma’s coming out, my dad, my little brother in high school will probably come out. We play the Bobcats the next day so I might invite D.J. Augustine over, my best friend in the league, so it should be a good little time. My guy Jimbo, he cooks for the whole team, so he might come over and cook a nice meal for us.

Oh, and I love Christmas music. I don’t know why but I just feel good when I have Christmas music on. That’s something I’ve always loved.

I have so many memories from Christmas from when I was a kid. I remember when I was eight, I woke up and there was no tree, nothing. Man, I cried the whole day. My mother said she couldn’t afford to give us Christmas. My grandmother came and picked us up and took us to the movies and said this was our Christmas present. I was like, dang. I went to my aunt’s house and that’s where all my Christmas presents were. So I love Christmas because I just like to see people happy, especially since we had some tough times growing up and a couple of my relatives passed away. It was always tough for us growing up. It was my mom, me and my brother and of course as a kid you wanted a lot of stuff and was kind of greedy. Sometimes we had Christmas, most of the time we did, but there were a couple of times we didn’t. I remember I used to always make my Christmas list right after Thanksgiving. I used to ask for games, a lot of Sega games. My mom brought my PlayStation for the first time, I remember that. I used to mainly get shoes, clothes and video games.

One of the coolest gifts I received was a Michael Jordan jersey. I was in eighth grade and he played for the Wizards, and I had some Timberland boots that matched. The Wizards had the brown in their jerseys and I had some tan boots and I was fresh going to school. Everybody was like, dang that’s a nice little outfit you got on. So that was probably one of the best.

What about you guys? What are some of the coolest Christmas gifts you have given or received? And do you all like Christmas music, too?

Merry Christmas everyone!

Fans: Be sure to check out Kevin on Twitter and Facebook.

What’s good everyone? Hope you all are doing well. We had a tough loss to the Mavs on Wednesday, but we’re going to try and bounce back tonight against the Pistons. Make sure you tune into the game tonight.

Okay, I know NBA All-Star Weekend isn’t until February, but I just wanted to let you all hear it from me first: I will NOT be participating in the Slam Dunk Contest. I was offered a spot in the contest not too long ago but politely turned it down. But hear me out on this one.

My agent came to me last week and asked me if I wanted to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest and I was like…‘Nah.’ I’m just not a dunk contest dunker, you know what I mean? I don’t even do any good dunks in games. I can’t jump as high as those guys, either, so I’ll leave that up to the Rudy Gays and the Dwight Howards to show off in the Dunk Contest. I’ll pass on that.

Don’t get me wrong, though. I was really honored to be asked. There’s a lot of great dunkers in this league and they decided to put me out there, to call on me but I had to gladly say ‘no thank you.’ Besides, I think it’s more fun to watch than to be in.

But I’ve always been a fan of the dunk contests growing up as a kid. I remember all of them. My favorite had to be in 2000, with, of course, my favorite player Vince Carter, who was playing with the Toronto Raptors then. Vince won that one. That’s when he brought out the between-the-legs dunk and put his arm in the rim. He also did the 360 windmill. He brought a lot of dunks that I don’t think a lot of people had seen before, so I’d say that was my favorite one.

What are some of your favorite dunk contest memories? Let me know in the comments section.

Fans: Be sure to check out Kevin on Twitter and Facebook.

What’s good? Not sure if you all heard, but Nike is going to be releasing my new sneaker, the KD II, in January. But you guys can get a sneak peak of it during tonight’s game against the Dallas Mavericks. The game will be on ESPN, so you’ve got to check it out and tell me what you think. The colorway we will be wearing tonight is called the “Creamsicle”.

First off, just to have your own shoe is a blessing. To have Nike on your feet is also a blessing. On top of that, some of my teammates are going to wear my new sneakers tonight, too. It’s great to have that kind of support. For my teammates to represent my shoe feels good. A lot of people are going to see a lot of orange tomorrow, so I’m glad they decided to wear it. They liked it a lot. I brought them out in the summertime to wear, they’re excited and we can’t wait to play in them tonight.

Also, I wanted these sneakers to be affordable for everyone, so they’re only going to cost $85. I remember growing up when I couldn’t afford the Vince Carters or the Jordans or guys who had their own shoes. I always wore the team Nikes, like the Uptempos. I remember one of my teams had the Shaqs. I just had a couple of pairs. I couldn’t really get the Jordans that I wanted but it was always good just to find a shoe to play basketball in. So this time, I thought to myself that I want people to afford it and 85 dollars is the perfect price and hopefully people will start to buy them.

The KD II is different from my first sneaker, although there’s some similarities. The sneaker has a strap on it at the mid sole. It’s not a high top but it’s a mid, almost. It’s a great fit. It has the same bottom as the KD1s that show how I grew up and my workout plans and things like that. It’s pretty cool. One of the numbers on the sole is 108, which is the house number for my grandmother’s house. I used to sit outside of her house almost every day after the school. Another number is 20746, which is the address number of the post office where my mom used to work at across the street from my old house. Those are just some things from my childhood that mean a lot to me.

I gave out the first pair of KD II creamsicles to a guy named Brendan. He was the first person to come and donate at my Giving Tree event last night, so I hooked him up with a pair of shoes. My folks at Nike Basketball are also going to give out a pair tonight during the game, so make sure to follow them on Twitter.

Man, I’m pumped for tonight’s game and for you guys to see my new sneaker. Remember, they don’t come out until January. You can tell me what you think of the KD II in my comments section. Be honest!

Fans: Be sure to check out Kevin on Twitter and Facebook.