OKC Thunder Blog – Page 25 – NBA Blog

NBA: Thunder sign Ronnie Price

The Thunder today signed guard Ronnie Price.

He’ll serve as a backup to guard Russell Westbrook, who will have an even bigger role on the team this season than usual now that Kevin Durant left to sign with the Warriors.

Offensively, the Thunder will be a more guard-heavy team than ever next season since they traded power forward Serge Ibaka and landed SG Victor Oladipo.

According to the Oklahoman, “Price and rookie Domantas Sabonis had their contracts finalized in a span of three days, setting the Thunder roster at 15 players – the maximum a team can have on its active roster at any time – but, more importantly, 15 guaranteed contracts for 2016-17. The reported signing of bouncy 6-foot-8 forward Chris Wright to a partially-guaranteed deal will likely place him on the D-League Oklahoma City Blue.”

Price (6-2, 190), spent last season with Phoenix appearing in 62 games (18 starts), averaging career-bests in points (5.3), assists (2.4), rebounds (1.6), steals (1.19) and minutes played (19.5). An 11-year NBA veteran, undrafted out Utah Valley State College (now Utah Valley University), Price has appeared in 530 games (73 starts) with Sacramento, Utah, Phoenix, Portland, Orlando and L.A. Lakers, averaging 3.8 points, 1.8 assists 1.2 rebounds in 13.5 minutes per game.

An eye on the Thunder trade front

Will the OKC Thunder make moves? With Kevin Durant gone, it’s a team built the backcourt of Russell Westbrook and Victor Oladipo, with help up front from Enes Kanter and Steven Adams. Nice squad, but on paper they aren’t the powerhouse they used to be. Yes, even if they did play well without Durant for stretches in the past when Durant was hurt. Here’s the Oklahoman reporting:

The Thunder’s history says there’s still a trade coming. The question: Will it be big or small?

In seven of its eight seasons, the Thunder has made a trade during the period between the end of the July free agent moratorium and the start of the regular season. Some have been minor, like the Thunder dealing Perry Jones to Boston for a second-rounder last year. Some have been major, like sending Thabo Sefolosha to Atlanta in a sign-and-trade in 2014, or James Harden to Houston in 2012.

Antsy for a move? It’s getting late, you say? There’s still more than two months before the Thunder tips off on Oct. 26 at Philadelphia. Harden was traded to Houston four days before the Thunder opened the 2012-13 season, so there’s precedent for the team waiting until much closer to the season to make a deal.

Thunder sign rookie Domantas Sabonis

The Thunder have signed rookie forward Domantas Sabonis.

Sabonis (6-11, 240), was selected with the 11th overall pick of the 2016 NBA Draft following his sophomore year at Gonzaga. The forward earned All-WCC First Team honors as a sophomore after averaging 17.6 points on .611 shooting from the field (239-of-391), 11.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 31.8 minutes in 36 games with the Bulldogs. The forward was named to the All-WCC Second Team, All-WCC Freshman Team, NIT All-Tournament Team and NCAA South Regional All-Tournament Team as a freshman. He played in 35 games in 2013-14 for Unicaja Malaga in the Spanish ACB league.

He was acquired by Oklahoma City on the night of the 2016 NBA Draft along with guard Victor Oladipo and forward Ersan Ilyasova from the Orlando Magic in exchange for forward Serge Ibaka.

The 20-year old is currently competing in the 2016 Summer Olympics with the Lithuania men’s national basketball team.

Enes Kanter disowned by parents for political disagreement

We don’t talk politics, but we’re happy to make observations about the world of political discussion. And that world seems to just… be pulling everyone to one extreme or the other. The result appears to be… more and more division. And, it’s sad. On that front, here’s the Norman Transcript reporting:

Enes Kanter has always been outspoken about his opinions opposing the Turkish government. Now, after a recent coup in Turkey, his parents are making their disapproval official.

The father of the Thunder power forward, Mehmet Kanter, published a letter in multiple Turkish publications Monday saying that he and his family have disowned their son.

“I apologize to the Turkish people and the president for having such a son,” he wrote, according to Daily Sabah, a pro-government, anti-Gulen, English-speaking Turkish publication.

Steve Kerr says Kevin Durant is no villain

The Warriors won 73 games last season, reached the NBA Finals, and then this offseason added superstar Kevin Durant as a free agent. Durant joined the team that beat his Thunder squad in the Western Conference Finals. Here’s ESPN.com reporting Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s words:

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr says it’s “absurd” to cast Kevin Durant as a villain because he left the Oklahoma City Thunder as a free agent and joined the Warriors this summer.

“To think of Kevin Durant or Steph Curry or any of our guys as villains, it’s kind of absurd. Especially Kevin,” Kerr said Sunday in an interview on ESPN Radio’s TMI with Michelle Beadle and Ramona Shelburne. “This is one of the most likeable people in this league. He’s just an awesome human being. What he did in Oklahoma City was just amazing for that community.

Kerr added: “Circumstances kind of dictate, I guess, that some people are going to see him as a villain. But it’s only because he decided to go elsewhere to play. He wanted to change his scenery, he wanted a new challenge. More than anything he wanted to play with our guys. He loves Draymond [Green] and Steph and Klay [Thompson] and Andre [Iguodala]. Seeing those guys in New York, he loved seeing the chemistry that exists and he wanted to be a part of it.”

Thunder sign Russell Westbrook to contract extension

The Thunder have signed guard Russell Westbrook to a contract extension, the team announced Thursday.

It is reportedly a three-year deal worth $85.7 million.

“I am grateful to extend my contract with the Thunder and continue to play with the only organization that I have played for and have loved being a part of since I was drafted into the NBA,” said Westbrook. “I’m really excited about moving forward with this group of guys and continuing to play in front of the best fans in the world.”

This past season Westbrook appeared in 80 games (all starts) and averaged 23.5 points (eighth in the NBA), 10.4 assists (second in the NBA), 7.8 rebounds and 2.04 steals (fifth in the NBA) in 34.4 minutes to become just the second player in NBA history (Oscar Robertson) to average at least 23 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds for a single season.

“On behalf of the Thunder organization and the entire State of Oklahoma I want to congratulate Russ and offer my sincere appreciation for not only his profound presence and skill as a player, but for his high character, personal integrity and extraordinary leadership,” said Clayton I. Bennett, Thunder chairman. “We are thrilled he will continue with us and we look forward to exciting days ahead for the Oklahoma City Thunder.”

According to the Oklahoman, “Westbrook could have forced a trade. Could have sat tight this coming season, then bolted in free agency next summer. He did neither. He showed that he wants to be in OKC. Doesn’t mean forever. Doesn’t mean for the rest of his career. Durant taught us to tread lightly in looking too far into the future. But for now, Westbrook wants to finish what he started, wants the challenge of doing what he and Durant failed to do together. Wants to fight the good fight.”

During the 2015-16 season, Westbrook recorded 18 triple-doubles, equaling the most in the NBA since Magic Johnson accomplished the feat during the 1981-82 season. Westbrook also notched seven triple-doubles in March, the most by an NBA player in a calendar month since Michael Jordan in April of 1989.

“Russell has been an outstanding leader of this team since he was drafted by our organization eight years ago. His competitiveness, character, and unique athletic ability have propelled him to the forefront of the game,” said Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti. “Russell personifies many of the traits that are synonymous with Oklahoma and Oklahomans. We are excited that Russell has chosen to continue to build the legacy of the Thunder with us as we move forward together.”

A five-time All-Star and two-time All-Star MVP, Westbrook received All-NBA First Team honors at the conclusion of the 2015-16 season. This past year, Westbrook was twice named the Western Conference Player of the Month, and his 54 double-doubles represented the most for a guard since the 2007-08 season (Chris Paul).

In eight seasons with the Thunder, Westbrook holds career averages of 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 1.73 steals in 34.0 minutes per game. The UCLA product has helped guide the Thunder to the Western Conference Finals in four of the past six seasons.

As a member of the U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Team, Westbrook won a gold medal at the 2012 games in London. Additionally, Westbrook helped lead the USA Men’s National Team to a gold medal at the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey.

Selected No. 4 overall in the 2008 NBA draft, Westbrook was named to the NBA’s All-Rookie First Team; during the 2014-15 season, Westbrook led the NBA in scoring after averaging a career-best 28.1 points per game.

Westbrook received the 2014-15 Seasonlong NBA Cares Community Assist Award as a result of his community involvement and philanthropic efforts. Westbrook and his Why Not? Foundation have opened numerous reading centers throughout Oklahoma City public schools. “Russell’s Reading Rooms” provide underserved children with books, engaging students of all ages in reading. Westbrook’s charitable efforts have included hosting Thanksgiving meals, holiday parties and shopping sprees for Oklahomans in need, granting wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation and participating in food distribution events, hospital visits and Thunder FIT clinics.

Cameron Payne undergoes foot surgery

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cameron Payne had a procedure today to fix a fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot, team Executive VP and General Manager Sam Presti announced.

Selected in the lottery of the 2015 NBA Draft (No. 14 overall) out of Murray State, Payne averaged 5.0 points, 1.9 assists and 1.5 rebounds in 57 games during his rookie season. Payne recently topped all scorers in the Orlando Summer League, averaging 18.8 points to go along with 4.0 assists and 4.5 rebounds in four games.

Payne is expected to be ready for the start of 2016-17 season.

Thunder sign guard Alex Abrines

The Thunder have signed guard Alex Abrines to a multi-year contract.

Abrines was originally selected by the Thunder with the 32nd overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft and this past season, Abrines appeared in 37 games with FC Barcelona where he averaged 8.9 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists. During EuroLeague competition Abrines shot 41.7 percent from 3-point range.

“We are pleased to welcome Alex to the Thunder organization,” said Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti. “He brings a unique blend of international experience and skill for his age. He will continue to add depth and versatility to our core of perimeter players.”

At the conclusion of the 2015-16 season, Abrines was named the EuroLeague’s Rising Star, as voted on by the league’s coaches. Additionally, Abrines received All-Spanish Liga Endesa Honorable Mention honors this past year after helping lead FC Barcelona to the Supercup and a spot in the League Finals.

“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to join an organization like the Oklahoma City Thunder,” said Abrines. “I look forward to meeting my teammates and contributing any way that I can as a member of the team.”

A member of the Spanish National Team, Abrines previously won a gold medal at the 2011 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship and a bronze medal at the 2012 FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship.

Mitch McGary suspended for drug violation

OKC Thunder power forward Mitch McGary was suspended without pay by the NBA for five games for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program.

McGary’s suspension will begin with the next NBA regular season game that he is eligible and physically able to play.

McGary played 15.2 minutes per game as a rookie, averaging 6.3 points and an impressive 5.2 rebounds. But last season, his second in the league, he was mostly an observer, playing just 3.6 minutes in 20 games.

Victor Oladipo added to 2016 USA Select Team

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Victor Oladipo was named to the 2016 USA Men’s Select Team.

Members of the USA Select Team will train daily with the USA National Team from July 18-21 at UNLV’s Mendenhall Center.

Oladipo was named to the 2015-16 USA Basketball National Team and participated in the 2015 USA Basketball Showcase where he recorded 25 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals in 23 minutes of action for the USA Blue Team. Named a member of the 2014 USA Select Team, Oladipo trained with and against the 2014 USA National Team that was preparing for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Originally the second overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, Oladipo averaged 16.0 points, a career-high 4.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, a team-high 1.61 steals and 33.0 minutes in 72 games (52 starts) with Orlando this past season. The third-year guard has appeared in 224 games (167 starts) with Orlando, averaging 15.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.63 steals in 33.2 minutes per game. The Indiana University product was named to the 2013-14 NBA All-Rookie First Team.

Oladipo was acquired by the Thunder on draft night last month from the Orlando Magic along with forward Ersan Ilyasova and the draft rights to forward Domantas Sabonis.