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Tulsa WNBA team, which moved from Detroit, named Tulsa Shock

After months of anticipation, the new WNBA Tulsa franchise officially unveiled its identity today with the announcement of the new team name, logo and colors. The new franchise will be named the Tulsa Shock and its colors black, red and gold. The logo features a basketball on top of “Tulsa Shock” with a lightning bolt through it.  The “Tulsa” lettering has an Art Deco inspiration which was influenced by the city’s rich history in Art Deco architecture.

The Tulsa Shock, formerly the Detroit Shock, moved to Tulsa in October 2009. In November, the team decided on a short list of three potential names which included Fire, Tempo and Shock and then gave the fans an opportunity to vote for their favorite on the team’s Web site – www.wnba.com/shock.  The name “Shock” received the highest amount of votes with 38 percent.  Tempo finished second with 32 percent and Fire was third with 30 percent.

The Shock’s new president, Steve Swetoha, believes the familiarity WNBA fans have with the Shock name will go a long way in developing brand recognition for the team and lends itself well to promotions and marketing opportunities.

“I think its clear the Shock name resonated with fans because of the championship history it invokes, as well as the feelings of speed and power it brings. Our new name and identity fits perfectly with the style of play Coach Richardson brings to the team,” Swetoha said.  “It’s the same name with a whole new meaning.”

“The Tulsa Shock – I love it,” head coach Nolan Richardson said.  “Having an identity gets me more excited because I know we’re one step closer to tip-off, and we’ll look good when that day comes.”

Tulsa Shock uniforms are not finalized at this time.  The team will unveil the uniforms this spring.

Tulsa WNBA team, which moved from Detroit, named Tulsa Shock

DJ White out 6-8 weeks after thumb surgery

DJ White out 6-8 weeks after thumb surgery

Oklahoma City Thunder forward D.J. White underwent successful surgery today to repair an avulsion fracture in his right thumb. White suffered the injury during the Thunder’s practice on Tuesday, January 19th in Minnesota.

This season White is averaging 4.8 points and 1.9 rebound in eight games for the Thunder. The 6-9 forward has also appeared in six games for the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League. In those contests White averaged 18.3 points, 11.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game in 38.9 minutes per contest.

White is expected to miss 6-8 weeks recovering from the surgery.

Knicks believe OKC hotel was haunted

Lots of NBA basketball talk revolves around minor things like offense, defense, wins, and losses. While those trivial things are perhaps worthy of at least partial attention, there’s not enough emphasis on haunted hotel discussion.

That’s right. Teams have to worry about whether the hotel they’re staying in is filled with ghosts. Or at least that’s a concern some Knicks players had when visiting Oklahoma City to play the Thunder.

Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reports:

For two days, several players had trouble sleeping because they were convinced that their downtown hotel is haunted.

“I definitely believe it,” Jared Jeffries said. “The place is haunted. It’s scary.”

Eddy Curry claims he slept for only two hours Sunday night because he couldn’t stop thinking about ghosts roaming the hotel.

For years, guests staying at the Skirvin Hilton have reported ghost sightings and strange noises.

The Thunder should urge all visiting teams to stay there. That’s a pretty sweet advantage!

Thunder recall DJ White

Oklahoma City Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti announced today that the team has recalled forward DJ White from the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League.

White appeared in six games (six starts) for the 66ers since he was originally assigned to Tulsa on December 26. The 6-9 forward averaged 18.3 points, 11.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per contest while with Tulsa.  He tallied four double-doubles and scored 20 or more points twice.

Thunder recall Byron Mullens from D-League

Oklahoma City Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti announced today that the team has recalled center Byron Mullens from the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League.

Mullens appeared in 11 games (11 starts) for the 66ers since he was originally assigned to Tulsa on November 21. The 7-0 center averaged 15.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.27 blocks per contest while with Tulsa.

Thunder assign DJ White to D-League

Oklahoma City Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti announced that the team has assigned forward DJ White to the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League.

White has appeared in eight games this season for the Thunder averaging 4.8 points and 1.9 rebounds in 9.1 minutes per game.

White, who was assigned to Tulsa three times last season, appeared in six games for the 66ers in the 2008-09 season. He averaged 18.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 31.3 minutes per contest.

Jazz trade Eric Maynor and Matt Harpring to Thunder

Jazz trade Eric Maynor to Thunder

Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor announced today that the team has acquired the draft rights to Peter Fehse from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for the contract of Matt Harpring and guard Eric Maynor. The Jazz roster now stands at 12 players.

“Trading Eric was a difficult decision,” said general manager Kevin O’Connor. “But, along with Matt’s contract, it greatly helps reduce our luxury tax responsibility. Fortunately with Deron and a proven backup in Ronnie Price we feel that we have depth at that position.”

Harpring will not report to Oklahoma City.

“We are pleased to add Eric Maynor to our organization,” said Oklahoma City Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti. “Eric possesses a work ethic and team first mentality that we feel will help us in our continued growth.”

“This was a difficult decision as we appreciate Shaun and Mike’s contributions to this basketball team on and off the floor,” added Presti. “We wish them nothing but continued success.”

Fehse (6-11, 205, Germany), was originally selected by the Oklahoma City franchise in the second round (49th overall pick) in the 2002 NBA Draft. The forward/center currently plays for Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels in the German League. From 2004-2008 Fehse suited up for the New Yorker Phantoms, also in the German League.

Prior to being drafted, Fehse played for SV Halle’s youth teams, the German Junior National Team and the German Under-20 National Team.  Fehse played for Mitteldeutcher BC in 2003-04 and with the Frankfurt Opel Skyliners in 2002-03 but appeared in just one game.

Harpring (6-7, 230, Georgia Tech), who has not practiced or played during the current 2009-10 season, has appeared in 665 games (349 starts) over 11 seasons with Orlando, Cleveland, Philadelphia and Utah, owning career averages of 11.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 26.4 minutes per game.  He was originally signed by the Jazz as a free agent on August 15, 2002. Harpring has seen action in 474 games (191 starts) over seven seasons with Utah and has averaged 11.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in 25.8 minutes per game.

Maynor (6-3, 170, Virginia Commonwealth) was selected by the Jazz in the first round (20th overall pick) in the 2009 NBA Draft. The guard has seen action in 26 games this season (two starts) and is currently averaging 5.2 points and 3.1 assists.

InsideHoops.com editor quick take: This is a great deal for the Thunder, who add yet another talented young player to their roster.  The deal helps the Jazz save money.

Read fan reaction and share your own opinion in this forum topic.

Tulsa 66ers sign DeVon Hardin

The Tulsa 66ers announced today that they have acquired center DeVon Hardin. Hardin (6-11, 250) was a second round pick of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2008 NBA Draft (50th overall).

“We are thrilled to add DeVon to our roster in Tulsa,” 66ers Head Coach Nate Tibbetts said. “As part of the Thunder family, we are excited for the opportunity to develop a player our organization selected in the 2008 draft, both on & off the court.”

Hardin will be in uniform for tonight’s game at Austin, and will wear number 44. In order to make room for Hardin on the roster, the 66ers released guard Byron Eaton.

Kyle Weaver out 4+ months

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Kyle Weaver underwent successful surgery today to repair damage sustained due to a dislocated left shoulder.

This season Weaver is averaging 6.0 points, 1.7 assists, 1.0 rebound, 1.0 block and 10.0 minutes in three games.

Rehabilitation is estimated at a minimum of four months and his status will be updated as necessary.

Earlier today it was revealed that the Thunder will be without Kevin Ollie for around four weeks.

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