Q&A With Thabo Sefolosha
Reached by phone at his home in Chicago, newly acquired Thunder guard Thabo Sefolosha said he looks forward to joining the team and promised to do whatever he can on the court to help Oklahoma City win.
Sefolosha, 24, is regarded as a exceptional defensive player who can do a little bit of everything on the offensive end but is an inconsistent shooter. He was stuck in a jammed backcourt in Chicago and never really got a chance with the Bulls after they selected him 13th overall in 2006. But because of his youth, professionalism and all-around skills, the Thunder think he has the potential to be a mainstay in Oklahoma City. Here’s what he had to say about the trade and joining a new team for the first time in his career.
DM: What was your reaction to today’s trade?
TS: I welcome the trade. I think it’s going to be a good situation for me. I’m happy to come and play with some very good young players. It’s a lot of talent on this team so I hope I’m going to be able to help the team and showcase my talent.
DM: Do you expect to start right away? What has the Thunder coaching staff and front office told you about what they expect from you?
TS: I haven’t talked to the coach yet. I’m just ready to come and work hard and hopefully get a spot in the starting five. But I just want to come and play hard and bring with the team whatever the coach asks me to and play with passion and intensity.
DM: You haven’t received much playing time in your three years in Chicago despite being drafted 13th overall in 2006. Do you look at this trade as a new beginning?
TS: Yeah. That’s how I look at it. Obviously the backcourt here in Chicago was a little bit crowded so I understand this trade on the Chicago Bulls part. So I see it as a fresh start, coming into a young team where I really think I can fit in and I’m really excited about that.
DM: What do you know about the Thunder?
TS: I heard it’s really good management over there. They’ve got some very good draft picks. So it’s a good situation, I’m sure.
DM: How would you describe your game? What can fans expect to see?
TS: They can expect to see me playing hard every night, playing defense and doing whatever I can on offense. Just trying to help the team whatever way I can.
DM: What are your travel plans? Will you come to Oklahoma City or will you join the team on the current road trip?
TS: I don’t know. I haven’t talked to the GM or the coach yet so I don’t know exactly what the plan’s going to be.
DM: How did you find out about the trade?
TS: It’s funny because I didn’t have my phone with me. I was just at home relaxing and my brother came back from school and said, ‘Oh, I heard you got traded.’ And I was at practice earlier today. And when he came and told me that I went and checked my phone and called John Paxson. That’s how I found out.
DM: What were your emotions after you found out?
TS: It was mixed because I’ve got my family here. I’ve got my brother going to school here and everything. So I was happy as far as basketball. But it’s my first time going through a trade like these and having to trade cities during the season. So I’m just a little bit anxious about that, but as far as basketball I’m sure it’s going to be a great situation.
DM: Can this situation with the Thunder be what you need to take the next step in your career?
TS: I hope so. That’s how I should look at it because they have a spot for me over there. Even if it’s not in the starting five I really hope to bring something to this team.
DM: Anything you want the fans to know about you?
TS: Not much. Just that I’m excited to come to Oklahoma. That’s about it.
-DM-
Thunder To Waive Mo Sene
After making two deadline-day trades that bumped its roster to 16 players, the Thunder is expected to waive seldom-used reserve center Mo Sene, according to a league source with knowledge of the team’s plans.
NBA teams are allowed to carry only 15 players, and the acquisition of Thabo Sefolosha and Malik Rose pushed the Thunder’s roster over the limit.
Sene is in the final year of a deal that pays him $2.2 million this season. The Thunder will be responsible for the remaining portion of Sene’s contract. Sene will be placed on waivers for 48 hours, but it’s unlikely a team will claim him off waivers. After 48 hours, Sene will become an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team. Sene is averaging 3.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in five games this season.
In other news, the Thunder has announced the deal with New York for Rose but have yet to announce the trade with Chicago for Sefolosha. But I have confirmed the Sefolosha trade and just got off the phone with Sefolosha. He said he is excited to join the Thunder and looks forward to starting a new chapter in his career in Oklahoma. I’ll post more of his reaction here soon.
-DM-
Thunder Acquires Bulls Guard Thabo Sefolosha?
According to a report on SI.com, the Thunder has acquired guard Thabo Sefolosha from Chicago in exchange for a 2009 first-round draft pick.
Sefolosha, a 6-7 wingman, is in his third season from Switzerland. He holds career averages 5.0 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 183 games.
Sefolosha, 24, was the 13th overall pick in the 2006 draft. He’s known as an athletic and versatile player who can rebound, defend and has a nice mix of offensive ability. Sefolosha fits the mold of a young player that Thunder general manager Sam Presti covets who can grow with the team’s current young nuclues of Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook.
Sefolosha is making $1.9 million this season and has one year remaining on his contract at $2.7 million for 2009-10.
Sefolosha is likely to start at shooting guard, replacing rookie guard Kyle Weaver.
-DM-
Thunder Trades Wilcox for Rose
According to an ESPN.com report, the Thunder has agreed to trade Chris Wilcox to New York in exchange for the expiring contract of Malik Rose.
Rose is earning $7.6 million this season and is a player GM Sam Presti is familiar with from his days as a member of the San Antonio Spurs front office.
Rose played with the Spurs from 1999-05. Presti was with theSpurs from 2000-07.
When asked after practice if Wilcox and Joe Smith would join the team in Phoenix, Thunder coach Scott Brooks said, ”I do not know that right now. As of right now I’m assuming that may take place.”
-DM-
Trade Deadline Looms
The deadline is now about 1 1/2 hours away.
But it’s beginning to look like the Thunder will stand pat. GM Sam Presti holds firm in his approach that he won’t make a move unless it absolutely makes the team better, either via a young player that he likes and feels can grow with the team or a deal that will further improve the team’s cap situation by adding more future flexibility.
Presti just finished speaking with the media right before the end of practice, where I am currently sitting inside the teams training facility watching the players shoot their customary post-practice free throws.
I’ll post the comments from Presti soon and will follow up with comments from coach Scott Brooks, Kevin Durant and Nick Collison. Chris Wilcox and Joe Smith are not at practice today.
-DM-
Thunder Resinds Chandler Trade
Tyson Chandler is going back to New Orleans.
The Thunder on Wednesday night rescinded its trade with the Hornets because of concerns from the medical staff that were raised during Chandler’s physical. NBA teams aren’t allowed to discuss a player’s medical condition, but Yahoo Sports, citing league executives, reports the medical condition is turf toe.
Chris Wilcox and Joe Smith will now return to the Thunder, and OKC will regain the draft rights to DeVon Hardin, the 50th overall pick in the 2008 draft.
“Yesterday we were excited to add Tyson, but at the same time we have to make tough decisions,” said Thunder general manager Sam Presti. “There were some things in the medical process and outside consultants that gave us some concern.
“We have to listen to the people (conducting) our medicals. We feel the right decision for us was to move in another direction. We’re disappointed it did not work out. At the same time we look forward to having both Chris and Joe back in Thunder uniforms.”
Chandler had surgery on his left big toe on April 20, 2007, two days after the Hornets played their final game as the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets. He missed the final eight games of that 2006-07 season because of the toe injury. Chandler has missed 20 games this season, including the past 14 with a sprained ankle, and was slowed by a toe injury earlier this season.
The most recent two messages on Chandler’s Twitter.com page, posted Tuesday afternoon, read, “OKC….I’m back!!! I’m looking forward 2 helping get this franchise back (where) we belong!!! See you at the top!!” and “I want 2 thank all my fans in the N.O…We had a great run. I love & will miss you all!!!”
Chandler was in Oklahoma City for Tuesday’s game against the Hornets but wasn’t in the building because the trade occurred earlier in the day. It is believed Chandler flew back to New Orleans to pack up some of his belongings and was set to board a flight back to OKC on Thursday. Thunder officials were preparing to make the customary rounds with Chandler on Thursday morning, getting pictures of him in his new jersey and recording videoboard promos with the 7-foot-1 center before introducing him to the media on Thursday afternoon.
The rescinded trade, however, now leaves the Thunder disappointed and devoid of the game-changing defensive center it thought it scored from the cost-cutting Hornets. It’s unclear if Presti will make a move before Thursday’s 2 p.m. trade deadline, but his history as the team’s GM would indicate he will not make a reactive move because this one fell through.
The most recent example of this came when Presti signed Utah restricted free agent guard C.J. Miles to a four-year, $15 million offer sheet last July only to see the Jazz unexpectedly match. Presti was content on going into this season without pulling the trigger on a deal for another up-and-coming shooting guard.
But the Thunder has reclaimed three assets in Smith and Wilcox’s expiring contracts and Hardin’s draft rights that could make OKC players one final time before the deadline. The Thunder still is trying to unload the contracts of backup point guard Earl Watson (due $6.6 million next season) and reserve guard Damien Wilkins (due $3.3 million next year). A deal combining some form of Watson and Smith or Wilcox and Wilkins could unfold in these final hours.
If the Thunder is to make a move, don’t be surprised if OKC is a party in a three-team trade. Presti has been involved with two three-team trades since being named GM two years ago, including one at last year’s deadline that unloaded the unwanted contracts of Wally Szczberiak and Delonte West on Cleveland and saved the franchise $7 million in salary cap space for this year.
-DM-
Salmons To Chicago
There goes that idea.
Sacramento forward John Salmons has been traded to Chicago, according to NBA.com’s David Aldridge. The Kings also will send center Brad Miller to the Bulls in exchange for forwards Andres Nocioni and Drew Gooden.
The Thunder reportedly were interested in trading for Salmons, and a deal seemed to be gaining steam leading up to Thursday’s trade deadline. He would have likely slid in at the shooting guard position and rounded out the Thunder’s starting five.
OKC on Tuesday acquired Tyson Chandler from New Orleans, and Chandler is likely to become the team’s starting center.
I know that the Thunder is still working diligently to get something done before 2 p.m. Thursday, with Earl Watson and Damien Wilkins being the players the franchise would like to include in a deal and Desmond Mason, Mo Sene and Robert Swift all have expiring contracts that could help facilitate a possible trade.
Stay tuned.
-DM-
Hornets 100, Thunder 98
Observations, news and notes from Tuesday’s game……….
* Here’s how bad of a start the Thunder got off to. Early in the first quarter, Rasual Butler had five points on 2-for-2 shooting with three rebounds and one block. Your OKC Thunder had one point on 0-for-4 shooting with zero rebounds.
* When Jeff Green stepped to the free throw line with 6:46 remaining in the first quarter, a Thunder fan seated behind the press table screamed, ‘Let’s go, Uncle Jeff.’ The nickname originated from LeBron James, who joined the TNT broadcast crew for the Rookie Challenge last Friday. James said Green’s game reminds him of that uncle you used to play in the back yard and called him Uncle Jeff. Wonder if Uncle Jeff will take off in OKC?
* Russell Westbrook picked up his second foul with 5:42 left in the first and never could get it going much after that.
* Westbrook was getting ticked at the officiating all night. Chris Paul was using little sneaky moves to bait Westbrook into fouls and Westbrook didn’t like it.
* When Peja Stojakovic hit a 3 from the right corner to give the Hornets a 24-9 lead, I leaned over to a Thunder employee and said, “This game’s over.” The Thunder employee said, ‘It’s a little premature for that don’t ya think? They’re shooting 77 percent from the field. That’s not gonna continue.’ And I replied, “That just means they’ll shoot 50 percent for the game.” I was wrong. The Hornets shot 49.4 percent.
* A lot of questionable calls in this game. But the charge call on Kevin Durant with 1:45 left in the first was the most laughable I’ve seen this season. Antonio Daniels was not only not set, he was moving about three different ways, up, to his right and backwards, when Durant made contact with him.
* Earl Watson absolutely “Deebo’d” Butler early in the second quarter when he just snatched the ball out of his hands. Butler ought to be ashamed to have the ball ripped out of his hands like that.
* Nenad Krstic told me in Portland that he would focus more on rebounding. Looks like he wasn’t kidding. He had six rebounds midway through the second quarter, three on the offensive end, and finished with a team-high 10 for the game.
* After Hilton Armstrong missed an ill-advised 17-footer in the first half, I leaned back over to that same Thunder employee and said, ‘The Hornets won’t shoot 50 percent if Hilton Armstrong keeps shooting.’ Armstrong proceeded to miss a layup, get a sweeping hook blocked by Krstic and miss a dunk all within a matter of five minutes.
* It soon became evident that Hilton was the best player for the Thunder. That’s right, the Thunder. It seemed whenever he was on the court the Thunder would make a run. Hilton checked back into the game with 2:23 remaining in the first half and was called for an offensive foul on an inbounds play when he blatantly pushed off to free himself to catch the pass with 45 seconds remaining. It led to a 3-pointer at the other end by Kyle Weaver that cut the Hornets lead from 11 to eight. Weaver’s layup with 1.4 seconds then cut a once 16-point lead to six.
* The Thunder unveiled its mascot, Rumble, at halftime. I was impressed with the costume and his energy. I was not impressed with him on the drums and his two missed dunk attempts. Although the one off the ladder gets an A for effort. But as one Thunder employee said to me after the intro, “How’s he gon’ miss two dunks on opening night?’ Another employee soon leaned over and said, “I guess that missed dunk was the theme of the first half.” I’m sure Rumble will have a better showing next Tuesday against the Lakers. But on this night he sucked the energy out of his own coming out party with the botched dunks.
* Scott Brooks took out Durant with 9:09 left in the fourth after he got hot. It looked to be a curious decision, but I figured with the under nine minute timeout coming, Brooks would stick him right back in after the timeout. That would make it a smart substitution, giving Durant essentially five or so minutes of rest while missing only a few seconds of actual game time. But Brooks didn’t pull him just until the timeout and it then became a curious decision. Brooks did, however, reinsert Durant at the six-minute mark, and the Thunder held on fine without him. But leaving a hot Durant in the game might not have been a bad idea to see just how much he can light it up.
* Durant’s 47 set a new career-high. And a career night again left him deflated in defeat.
* David West finishes with 37 points and 13 rebounds and no one’s talking about him after the game.
* Got to think that game-winner by Paul would have turned out a little different had Tyson Chandler been lurking in the lane.
-DM-
Thunder-Hornets live blog, 7 p.m.
BREAKING NEWS: THUNDER ACQUIRES TYSON CHANDLER
The Thunder has acquired center Tyson Chandler from New Orleans in exchange for Chris Wilcox and Joe Smith, according to a league source with knowledge of the negotiations.
The Thunder will also include the draft rights to Devon Hardin, the 50th overall pick in the 2008 draft.
Chandler, 26, is one of the league’s best young defensive-oriented centers but has been hampered by chronic foot injuries this season. Chandler is averaging 8.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 32 games this year but averaged 11.8 points and 11.7 rebounds in 79 games last year.
The 7-foot-1 center became too expensive for the Hornets, who are in cost-cutting mode and face at $76 million payroll next season. Chandler has two years remaining on his contract after this season worth $24.6 million. He can opt out of the final year of his deal before the start of the 2010-11 season.
Wilcox and Smith both have expiring contracts, which will help New Orleans clear room on its salary cap next season.
-DM-
