OKC Thunder Blog – Page 34 – NBA Blog

Russell Westbrook says Thunder do not need to consult him on roster moves

Russell Westbrook says Thunder do not need to consult him on roster moves

Here’s the Oklahoman reporting on Thunder star point guard Russell Westbrook, who is content to stick to his role as a star player and not someone that helps make roster decisions:

Years from now, Thursday’s blockbuster trade will likely stand as one of the most important decisions this franchise made over its first decade in Oklahoma City.

And hours before general manager Sam Presti pulled the trigger, Russell Westbrook – one of the franchise’s two cornerstone – said he and Kevin Durant had no desire to be consulted on the decision.

“Not my job,” Westbrook said. “My job is to come out and play. We have a great general manager, great owner and great coach who have done a great job thus far putting this team together. So I’m pretty sure they know what’s best for us.”

When asked if Presti ever comes to them to gather their opinion, Westbrook reiterated his previous answer in the most Westbrook way possible.

“I don’t want to repeat the same answer, so whatever I just said last time use it as that answer,” he said.

Westbrook scores 34, Thunder smack Mavs 104-89

Westbrook scores 34, Thunder smack Mavs 104-89

Here’s the Dallas Morning News reporting on the Mavs, who now have Amar’e Stoudemire to add depth off the bench once they decide to utilize him, which is good, but were treated rudely by the Thunder as the NBA regular season resumed Thursday:

[The Dallas Mavericks] were manhandled 104-89 by the Oklahoma City Thunder, who had traded away four players earlier in the day, none of whom were named Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook or Serge Ibaka.

That Big Three – and mostly Westbrook and Ibaka – were more than enough to pummel the Mavericks, who looked out of sync in the first game back from injury for Rajon Rondo. They never led and trailed by 20-something much of the night.

Worse, Rondo was glued to the bench for a long stretch in the third and fourth quarters. Clearly, the Mavericks offensively remain an unfinished product. They struggled to get their shooting above 35 percent against the Thunder.

When the Mavericks closed the gap to 10 in the fourth quarter, Westbrook scored eight points and assisted on a Nick Collison bucket to rebuild the lead to 99-83 with 2:24 to go. Westbrook finished with 34 points and 10 assists. Ibaka had 21 points and 22 rebounds.

Russell Westbrook wins 2015 All-Star MVP

Russell Westbrook wins 2015 All-Star MVP

Here’s the New York Daily News reporting on Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, who went nuts in the 2015 NBA All-Star exhibition and won the game’s MVP award:

The Thunder point guard scored 41 points in the Western Conference’s 163-158 victory at the Garden, highlighted by an alley-oop dunk that left Westbrook rubbing his head because he knocked it on the bottom of the backboard. With his final free throw just before the buzzer, Westbrook surpassed Michael Jordan’s 40-point performance in the 1988 game. He couldn’t quite catch Wilt Chamberlain’s 42-point record from 1962.

But clearly, he’s in elite company. The upstaged LeBron James was impressed.

“He’s unbelievable. He’s an unbelievable talent in our league. His motor, his athleticism, his demeanor about how he approaches the game, it’s all great,” said James, who led the East with 30 points. “And it’s great for our league. And he showed that tonight, showcased it on the big stage.”

Kevin Durant is getting sick of reporters

Here’s the Oklahoman reporting on Thunder star Kevin Durant, who appears to be getting annoyed by a bunch of reporters these days (he’s perfectly friendly to InsideHoops.com, though. Just saying.)

Kevin Durant is making his feelings about the media clear at All-Star Weekend.

On Friday morning, Durant made national headlines when he expressed his opinion about the media having too much power in selecting postseason NBA awards.

On Saturday, he took things a step further when asked about rampant speculation surrounding Thunder coach Scott Brooks’ job security.

“You guys really don’t know (expletive),” Durant told reporters in his final interview session before Sunday’s All-Star Game.

Durant was later asked what stories he would like the media to focus on more.

“To be honest, man, I’m only here talking to y’all because I have to,” Durant said. “So I really don’t care. Y’all not my friends. You’re going to write what you want to write. You’re going to love us one day and hate us the next. That’s a part of it. So I just learn how to deal with y’all.”

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook doing big off-court things

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook doing big off-court things

Here’s the Oklahoman reporting on Thunder stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, who are stars on the court but also in the world of marketing and sponsorship opportunities:

In addition to his NBA responsibilities, Durant served as host of an outdoor concert with Kanye West as the headliner Thursday night, was the guest of honor at a Manhattan shoe store Friday afternoon as part of his partnership with Nike and had Good Morning America Weekend host Paula Faris riding along with him nearly every step of the way for a feature that is scheduled to air Sunday. Westbrook, meanwhile, took part in a Wall Street Journal subscriber event, made an appearance at Barneys New York, home to his clothing line and filmed a promotional spot for an upcoming major motion picture.

Westbrook is quickly shooting up the list of the NBA’s most sought after players. In addition to his clothing line, Westbrook XO, and his signature eyewear, Westbrook Frames, he also has a signature Jordan Brand shoe set to release in June. Westbrook also has partnered with Subway, U.S. Cellular, Mountain Dew, Zenith Watches, True Religion, Six Star Pro Nutrition and King and Jaxs, a designer underwear company. He’s also endorsed Ozarka Water and BancFirst.

Kevin Hart says Russell Westbrook wears pants that are way too tight

Kevin Hart says Russell Westbrook wears pants that are way too tight

Here’s the Oklahoman with a fun item featuring some hard-hitting analysis from funnyguy Kevin Hart about Russell Westbrook’s fashion decisions:

Comedian Kevin Hart jumped on ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike on Friday morning, and in one part of his interview with Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic was asked about the funniest guys in the NBA.

Hart said he’s spent some time with Thunder All-Stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

“The funniest? I was with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook last night. We had a good time,” Hart said. “Russell had some pants on that I believe made his butt bleed. I’ve never seen jeans tighter in my life.”

Jusuf Nurkic replaces injured Steven Adams in 2015 Rising Stars Challenge

Jusuf Nurkic replaces injured Steven Adams in 2015 Rising Stars Challenge

Denver Nuggets rookie center Jusuf Nurkic will replace injured World Team selection Steven Adams of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2015 NBA Rising Stars Challenge event that will take place Friday, February 13, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

The NBA’s annual showcase of premier first- and second-year players at NBA All-Star 2015 features a new format that pits first- and second-year NBA players from the United States against first- and second-year NBA players from around the world.

Nurkic, the 16th overall pick of the 2014 draft, who was acquired by the Nuggets in a draft-day trade with Chicago, has appeared in 39 games this season, averaging 6.8 points, 6.2 rebounds (second among rookies) and 1.26 blocks (third) in 16.7 minutes. The 20-year-old Bosnia-Herzegovina native spent the 2013-14 season playing in Croatia.

Adams underwent successful surgery on Monday to address a fracture in the fourth metacarpal of his right hand. In 50 games this season, he has averaged 7.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.22 blocks in 24.3 minutes.

Steven Adams out at least three weeks after hand surgery

Steven Adams out at least three weeks after hand surgery

Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams underwent successful surgery today to address a fracture in the fourth metacarpal of his right hand, Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti announced.

The procedure was performed by Thunder team physicians at McBride Hospital in Oklahoma City. Adams will be re-evaluated in three weeks, at which time a further update will be provided.

In 50 games this season (all starts), Adams is averaging 7.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.22 blocks in 24.3 minutes per game. He was recently selected to participate in the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge for a second consecutive season as part of the NBA’s All-Star Weekend festivities.

Thunder sign Nick Collison to contract extension

Thunder sign Nick Collison to contract extension

The Oklahoma City Thunder has signed forward Nick Collison to a multi-year contract extension, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti.

According to Yahoo Sports, it’s “a two-year extension paying close to $8 million.”

“We are excited that Nick Collison will continue his tenure with the Thunder. Since our arrival in 2008, Nick has helped us establish the standards on and off the floor that we work by on a day-to-day basis,” said Presti. “He has accepted various roles, demonstrated professionalism in all aspects of his craft, and shown a commitment to an organizational philosophy that is rare in sports today. Nick is the type of player that will always be valued in Oklahoma City, and we are thrilled he will continue to be a foundational member of the Thunder moving forward.”

Collison, the longest tenured member of the Thunder organization holds career averages of 6.4 points and 5.5 rebounds in 791 career NBA games. Collison ranks among the franchise’s all-time career leaders in rebounds (3rd, 4,370 career rebounds), blocks (6th, 439 career blocks), field goal percentage (2nd, .537) and games played (2nd, 791 career games). The 6-10 University of Kansas product is currently averaging 3.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 15.9 minutes per game this season.

“I’m excited to continue my career with the Thunder, playing here in Oklahoma City. I feel fortunate to be a part of a great organization and to play with a great group of teammates,” said Collison. “Playing in Oklahoma City is unique, it’s a rare combination of a lot of things; great people in the organization starting with ownership, the most loyal fans, the opportunity to win at a high level and a true community impact. It’s been a great professional experience for me since the day I arrived. I’m proud of what we have built together and am grateful to be able to stay with the club and continue our work together.”

Drafted 12th overall in 2003 by the Oklahoma City franchise, Collison was an Associated Press First Team All-America selection and Big 12 Player of the Year as a senior at Kansas. He was also named to the 2003 NCAA All-Final Four Team after leading Kansas to the Championship Game. The Iowa Falls, IA native left KU as the second leading scorer (2,097 points) and third leading rebounder (1,143 rebounds) in school history.

Jeff Teague, Kevin Durant named Players of Week through January 4

Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant on Monday were named NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Dec. 29, through Sunday, Jan. 4.

Teague led the Hawks to a 3-0 week, behind a conference-leading 23.7 ppg, and his 8.3 apg and 2.67 spg were both good for second in the conference. Teague shot .500 or better from the field in all three games, and handed out at least six assists in each contest. On Dec. 30, during a 109-101 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Teague scored 23 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field, and added 11 assists, five rebounds and three steals. At 25-8 (.758), the Hawks stand alone atop the Eastern Conference.

Durant helped the Thunder to a 2-0 week, which included wins over the Phoenix Suns and Washington Wizards, behind a league-leading 39.0 ppg. He added 9.0 rpg and 4.5 apg, and ranked eighth in the West in three-point field goal percentage with a mark of .556 (10-of-18). On Dec. 31, Durant scored 44 points on 13-of-23 shooting from the field and a perfect 12-of-12 effort from the foul line, as the Thunder topped the Suns 137-134 in overtime.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Brooklyn’s Joe Johnson, Chicago’s Jimmy Butler, Dallas’ Monta Ellis, Detroit’s Andre Drummond, Los Angeles Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan and J.J. Redick, Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Phoenix’s Eric Bledsoe.