Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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July 2

The Oklahoman

"Today is the one-year anniversary of the settlement that brought the then-Seattle SuperSonics to Oklahoma City. What many don't realize is just how difficult it was to move an entire pro sports organization 2,000 miles in roughly four months."We started planning for the 2009-10 season in January," said Brian Byrnes, vice president of ticket sales and services. "Most professional teams are about seven to eight months in front of the upcoming season. That gives you an idea how much time you need. We had roughly 60 days."Byrnes was referring to the skeleton crew those first two months - team chairman Clay Bennett, public relations director Dan Mahoney, chief operating officer Danny Barth, ..."

Thunder arrived on New Year's Eve

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July 2

The Oklahoman

"For team chairman Clay Bennett, one game during the Thunder's inaugural season - a New Year's Eve win over Golden State - will always have special relevance. "I remember thinking, 'We've turned the corner,' from being a purely raw, start-up organization to more of an organization that had found its footing and was beginning to understand our relationship with the community," Bennett said. "That's also when the basketball team began to develop its own identity."The Thunder sold out nearly half its home games. Combined with solid attendance during the Hornets' two seasons in the Ford Center, the Oklahoma City market showed it can support an NBA franchise.One reason the New Year's Eve win was ..."

Relocation brought identity challenges

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July 2

The Oklahoman

""It's not like the Hornets."That was a frequent comment from fans early last season.It was inevitable the Thunder would be compared to the Hornets, who played 71 home games over two seasons in the Ford Center following Hurricane Katrina. Comparisons, though, were unfair due to the challenges of relocating a franchise from 2,000 miles away.Team officials wanted to give Oklahoma City its own identity. They chose to leave the Sonics nickname in Seattle and devised a new nickname, color scheme, logo and mascot."The game presentation was started completely from scratch," said team chairman Clay Bennett. "It was all we could do to put the pieces in place. The most important thing was to support ..."

Contingency plan: Thunder was prepared

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July 2

The Oklahoman

"Four days before team chairman Clay Bennett announced a settlement would bring an NBA team to Oklahoma, Brian Byrnes was in Oklahoma City working on a contingency plan. On June 28, Byrnes arrived in Oklahoma City to develop a bare bones telemarketing system in case U.S. District Court Jude Marsha Pechman ruled in favor of Bennett and his group following a six-day trial.If Pechman ruled for the city of Seattle, Byrnes would return to Seattle.In a sudden turn, a settlement was reached the day before Pechman's ruling."The whole point was to hit the ground running if the team relocated," Byrnes said. "If there was going to be an announcement, we had to be ready to turn on the phones five ..."

Oklahoma City Thunder marks its first anniversary

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July 2

The Oklahoman

columnist Berry Tramel

"Clay Bennett walked into a restaurant in L.A.'s Staples Center three years ago. At the bar sat Lakers owner Jerry Buss. Bennett was on a tour to meet NBA owners, seeking approval from the board of governors to purchase the Seattle SuperSonics. Buss, one of the most flamboyant men who run major-leagues sports, had a word of advice for Bennett: "I just want you to make damn sure you know what you're getting into."Three years later, and one year to the day when Bennett and Co. delivered the Sonics to Oklahoma City, only now is Bennett grasping the ramifications of his decision to join one of American capitalism's most exclusive fraternities.The time demands. The loss of privacy. The ..."

Thunder interested in Orlando free agent center Marcin Gortat

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July 2

The Oklahoman

"Add Marcin Gortat to Oklahoma City's free-agent wish list. The Thunder has expressed legitimate interest in Orlando's reserve center, making the restricted free agent one of a handful of players the team targeted as soon as free agency began late Tuesday night. Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti called Gortat's agent, Guy Zucker, about 45 minutes after teams could begin negotiating with free agents at 11 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday. An offer isn't believed to have been made, but the two sides did have more of an in-depth discussion regarding contract possibilities although the nature of the call was more along the lines of general interest. Gortat, however, appears to be a secondary ..."

Thunder talking with 2 free agents

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July 2

The Oklahoman

"In the opening hour of free agency, the Thunder targeted two players who could help solidify Oklahoma City's inside game for the foreseeable future. Thunder general manager Sam Presti made calls to representatives of forward Paul Millsap and center Marcin Gortat shortly after teams could begin negotiating with free agents at 11 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, according to multiple sources.Millsap, a 6-foot-8 forward with Utah, and Gortat, a 6-foot-11 center with Orlando, both are restricted free agents, giving their teams the right to match any offer Oklahoma City presents.Millsap, 24, and Gortat, 25, are both reserves but are considered two of the best up-and-coming big men in the league. ..."

Thunder enters preliminary talks with Utah's Paul Millsap

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July 2

The Oklahoman

"The Thunder has reached out to representatives for Paul Millsap, the Utah Jazz restricted free agent forward, according to a source with knowledge of negotiations. Oklahoma City entered into preliminary talks with Millsap's camp about 30 minutes into the start of free agency late Tuesday night. Teams were permitted to begin negotiating with free agents at 11 p.m. Central Time. Jazz officials were the first to call Millsap's agent, DeAngelo Summers, but the Thunder was second in line shortly after Utah general manager Kevin O'Connor ignited talks of re-signing the 6-foot-8 Millsap. Early discussions between the Thunder and Millsap's representatives have been described as positive, but there ..."

Emerging face of a franchise

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June 30

The Oklahoman

columnist Jenni Carlson

"Russell Westbrook spent Sunday night walking the red carpet, mugging for cameras and hanging with celebrities. He was among the lucky few with an invite to the BET Awards. Like most star-studded events in Hollywood, it was a tough ticket to come by, but the Thunder point guard scored one.What a difference a year makes.The last week of June 2008, Westbrook was a head-scratching, top-five pick in the NBA Draft, but the last week of June 2009, he is an emerging face of a franchise and a rising luminary in the league. Just think about what Westbrook has done this past week. He not only attended the BET Awards but also appeared on "Rome is Burning" and altered the future direction of his team. ..."

Oklahoma City Thunder's core is growing

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June 30

The Oklahoman

"No matter how many times Thunder general manager Sam Presti or coach Scott Brooks or Kevin Durant or Jeff Green would refute the label, fans and media types would keep it going. The Thunder's core consists of Durant, Green and Russell Westbrook.Before the 2009 NBA Draft, that description seemed largely accurate. But after seeing what the Thunder came away with Thursday night - and combining those additions with the current cast - you can start to see how the pieces are coming together.Presti has acquired 10 players through the draft over the last three drafts and another two cogs in free agency. All 12 could be a part of Oklahoma City's long-term plan.Some will stay longer than others. But ..."

Oklahoma City Thunder's Core is Growing

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June 29

The Oklahoman

columnist Darnell Mayberry

"No matter how many times Thunder general manager Sam Presti or coach Scott Brooks or Kevin Durant or Jeff Green would refute the label, fans and media types would keep it going. The Thunder's core consists of Durant, Green and Russell Westbrook. Before the 2009 NBA Draft, that description seemed largely accurate. But after seeing what the Thunder came away with Thursday night — and combining those additions with the current cast — you can start to see how the pieces are coming together. Presti has acquired 10 players through the draft over the last three drafts and another two cogs in free agency. All 12 could be a part of Oklahoma City's long-term plan. Some will stay longer than others. ..."

James Harden seems to fit in Sam Presti's plan

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June 29

The Oklahoman

columnist Berry Tramel

"James Harden was not necessarily the best player available to the Thunder in the NBA Draft. But he was the best fit. Fit has been the Thunder's favorite buzzword since Sam Presti took over this franchise two summers ago. It's not very exotic to talk about fit — does the piece fit? — but it's absolutely relevant in the building of this franchise. And here's why. The Thunder now has four top-five picks from the last three drafts. That's a rush of top-shelf talent almost unmatched in NBA draft history. Only the Chicago Bulls, with four players from 2000-02, have done such an extreme roster makeover using elite draft picks. Now think about it. Famously talented players who always have been the ..."

Robert Vaden confident of his chances with Thunder

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June 28

The Oklahoman

"Robert Vaden is familiar with the term "money talks." That's why he's confident he can make the Thunder's opening day roster. Oklahoma City acquired the 3-point sharp-shooter out of UAB by giving cash to the Charlotte Bobcats, who selected Vaden late in the second round with the No. 54 overall pick."With the economy being so bad you don't spend money on things you don't want," Vaden said. "They wouldn't have bought the pick if they didn't feel I was a good player."Vaden, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard, and the Thunder's other two NBA Draft picks appeared at a press conference and fan event Saturday afternoon at MidFirst Bank.Vaden averaged 21.1 points in his junior year with the Blazers, 17.6 ..."

Thunder draft pick James Harden's road full of obstacles

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June 28

The Oklahoman

"Monja Willis nicknamed her baby boy "Lucky."Lucky because, after two miscarriages before giving birth to her youngest child, she considered James Harden Jr. fortunate to even see the light of day. Nineteen years later, Willis proudly watched her son put on an NBA uniform for the first time after being introduced as the Thunder's newest shooting guard Saturday."I'm just happy for him," said Willis, with a smile that stretched from ear to ear. "He's just blessed to be here."Of course, here is where Harden always thought he'd be. But getting here was never a certainty. He'd have to overcome asthma and attitude problems, neglect from college coaches and James Harden Sr."But hard work and ..."

Will Mullens be like all the previous OKC big men?

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June 27

The Oklahoman

"The Thunder traded its last 25th overall pick to Denver in January for a 34-year-old journeyman point guard and the right to move up nine spots in Thursday's NBA Draft. That was Johan Petro's most significant contribution to the Oklahoma City franchise.With what little profit general manager Sam Presti was able to turn from the seldom-used 7-foot center from France, he spent it on another 7-footer Thursday when he acquired B.J. Mullens - via the 25th pick.Thunder fans are now wondering just how much value this latest center project has. They have every right to be leery.Although an interior player with rebounding, shot-blocking and post-defense skills was the Thunder's most pressing need ..."

Thunder fans soak it all in on NBA Draft night

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June 27

The Oklahoman

"The moment Thunder fans had been waiting for has come and gone. After weeks of speculation, the NBA Draft is done. Coordinators estimated about 1,500 people watched from the Thunder's official team watch party at the Riverwind Casino as Oklahoma City selected Arizona State guard James Harden.Although Harden has shared the national spotlight the last couple of weeks, there were mixed reactions from fans. Several fans figured Oklahoma City would take Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio at No. 3."I thought they'd take Rubio and then trade," said Keith Dwayne Warrior of Guthrie. "If I had been in the position to do some picking, I would have been strongly leaning toward Jordan Hill because we ..."

Hype, rumors didn't sway Thunder GM Sam Presti's draft decision

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June 27

The Oklahoman

"As the clock inched past midnight Thursday, the last place Thunder general manager Sam Presti wanted to be was precisely where he was at that particular moment: In front of reporters, answering questions. For the better part of two months, these media folk who surrounded Presti essentially told him what to think and whom to pick for that night's NBA Draft.Like all good general managers, Presti wisely ignored what was hashed and rehashed."We can't pay attention to that," Presti said of rumor, innuendo and flat-out falsities that arise at the end of each spring. "We have to focus on what we're doing."Presti picked Arizona State shooting guard James Harden with the No. 3 pick; traded up one ..."

Thunder selects James Harden with the third overall pick in the NBA Draft

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June 26

The Oklahoman

"James Harden pounded his cream three-piece suit and bow-tie-covered chest and smiled.The Oklahoma City Thunder had just made the Arizona State shooting guard the third overall pick in Thursday night's NBA Draft. Harden is now the newest member of the Thunder's talented young core, joining Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook. The Pac-10 Player of the Year seemingly will become the team's shooting guard of the future and serve as the answer to the Thunder's perimeter shooting problems last season.The Thunder passed on Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio, who is widely considered the second best prospect behind former Oklahoma forward Blake Griffin. In doing so, Oklahoma City avoided a ..."

Thunder draft pick B.J. Mullens likely will take time to develop

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June 26

The Oklahoman

"B.J. Mullens is a project. He started only two games his freshman year at Ohio State. But at a time when there are few quality NBA centers, Thunder general manager Sam Presti felt fortunate an athletic 7-footer was available late in the first round."Physically he has great gifts," Presti said. "He can also shoot the ball. Sometimes big guys take a little bit longer... The thing that really stuck out was he has a little bit of an edge, a chip on his shoulder. He really wants to invest and get better."Mullens and Hasheem Thabeet were the only two centers taken in the first round Thursday night. Next year's draft also is expected to be void of quality center prospects.Earlier this week there ..."

James Harden pick means Russell Westbrook can rest easy

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June 26

The Oklahoman

columnist Berry Tramel

"When David Stern announced the name, "James Harden," groans ricocheted around The Oklahoman newsroom. Same with the Thunder draft party at Riverwind Casino, various Internet chats and probably all over Boomtown. But rest assured, somewhere in Los Angeles, Russell Westbrook smiled wider than the Santa Monica Freeway.All that pillow talk from general manager Sam Presti? All those assurances from the Thunder that yes indeed, Westbrook is the Thunder's point guard?Not hollow words.Ricky Rubio, the dashing Spaniard, the Ringo Starr lookalike, will take his no-look passes and Latin flair elsewhere. Westbrook is the Thunder quarterback of the present and the future.Which is perfectly fine. ..."

Thunder weigh assets of Rubio, Arizona St. guard

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June 25

Houston Chronicle

"ames Harden is about as likely to be selected in the top five of tonight's NBA draft as the sun is to rise. Figuring out which team will take the 19-year old-shooting guard out of Arizona State is far more complicated. On Tuesday, the Washington Wizards struck a deal sending the fifth overall pick and forwards Etan Thomas, Darius Songaila and Oleksiy Pecherov to the Minnesota Timberwolves in return for guards Randy Foye and Mike Miller. Now that Washington is out as a potential destination, that leaves Oklahoma City, which picks third, and Minnesota, which owns the fifth and sixth selections. Both teams could use help at shooting guard, but pairing last season's Pac-10 player of the year ..."

Thunder to get second lottery pick?

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June 24

The Oklahoman

"ESPN reported late Tuesday night that one rumor "that won't go away" is the Oklahoma City Thunder obtaining Phoenix's No. 14 pick in Thursday night's draft. According to the report, the Thunder would return the unprotected first-round pick in 2010 that general manager Sam Presti acquired as part of the Kurt Thomas trade two years ago when the team was in Seattle. The report went on to say if the Thunder obtains Phoenix's first-round pick Oklahoma City could be leaning towards selecting B.J. Mullens, the Ohio State center."

NBA Draft rumors: Thunder's trade options waning

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June 24

The Oklahoman

"It appears highly doubtful the Thunder will swap first-round picks with Detroit and move up to No. 15. There were reports the Pistons, trying to clear cap space, might give up their first-round pick if a team would take Amir Johnson's expiring contract in a trade. But a source told ESPN that Detroit plans to keep the pick and still be aggressive in free agency. And the Pistons sent Johnson to Milwaukee for Fabricio Oberto.Oklahoma City could still be involved in other trade talks, but those opportunities could be dwindling with news Minnesota might end up with the No. 2 pick. When the Thunder is on the clock, general manager Sam Presti might have to decide whether he wants toHasheem ..."

Deal heats up race for Ricky Rubio

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June 24

The Oklahoman

"Just when it seemed the Thunder had become serious about going all in for Ricky Rubio on Tuesday afternoon, Oklahoma City appeared to lose ground in the race for the Spanish point guard sensation by Tuesday evening. The Washington Wizards have reportedly agreed to trade the fifth overall pick in Thursday's NBA Draft and three players to Minnesota in exchange for Randy Foye and Mike Miller. It's a deal that would give Minnesota four first-round picks - Nos. 5, 6, 18 and 28 - or enough to entice Memphis at No. 2 to trade down and allow the Wolves toRubio.The deal, which was first reported by Yahoo! Sports, came just hours after The Oklahoman confirmed a Yahoo! Sports report that the Thunder ..."

Thunder shouldn't break up Jeff Green, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant

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June 24

The Oklahoman

columnist Berry Tramel

"Sam Presti has made offers to the Clippers for Blake Griffin. You know he has. Wouldn't be doing his job if he didn't. The Clippers have counter-offered. You know they have. Wouldn't be, well, it's the Clippers, so forget I said anything. But the end result is almost certain to keep Griffin in LaLa Land and we might never know how far the Thunder was willing to go to keep Big Blake in his hometown. We do know where the Thunder should draw the line. At Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook. Do not break up the cornerstone trio of Kevin Durant, Green and Westbrook. They are too promising. Too talented. Too good together. I know that seems goofy to say about a trio that led OKC to 23 wins last ..."

Thunder schedule pre-draft workouts

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June 23

The Oklahoman

"The Oklahoma City Thunder has scheduled another round of pre-NBA Draft workouts for Tuesday. The group, all forwards, is highlighted by Arizona's Chase Budinger. Here's a quick look at the rest of the group:Player: Position: Height,: SchoolAntonio Anderson, Forward, 6-6, MemphisDwayne Anderson, Forward, 6-6, VillanovaChase Budinger, Forward, 6-7, Arizona"

OKC Thunder meet with Ricky Rubio

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June 21

The Oklahoman

"The Sacramento Bee is reporting that representatives from the Oklahoma City Thunder met with NBA Draft prospect Ricky Rubio on Saturday In his Sacramento Kings blog, reporter Sam Amick said the 18-year-old point guard and the Thunder met in Los Angles. Rubio was supposed to work out for the Kings this week, but became ill and was unable to participate. He is expected to head to New York City for the draft sometime Sunday."

Presti might be in the mood to deal

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June 21

The Oklahoman

"Two of the Thunder's biggest needs are shooting guard and center. General manager Sam Presti might address both Thursday night in the draft. Trying to figure out Presti's intentions is like trying to predict Oklahoma's weather. Based on reports around the league, Presti is leaning toward James Harden or Stephen Curry.If that's the case, how does Presti also address center, since UConn's Hasheem Thabeet will be long gone by the time he picks again at No. 25?Detroit might be willing to trade its first-round pick if a team takes Amir Johnson.The deal makes sense for both sides.Johnson earns $3.67 million next season but comes off the books in 2010-11. A forward taken out of high school four ..."

Every day is Father's Day for Thunder coach Scott Brooks

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June 21

The Oklahoman

columnist Jenni Carlson

"Scott Brooks wears his heart on his wrist. Ever since he first became a father, the Thunder coach has worn woven bracelets on his right wrist. Right now, he has three. One is for wife, Sherry, one is for son, Chance, and one is for daughter, Lexi. They are his heart. On this Father's Day, Americans are taking time to celebrate fatherhood. Brooks does that every day. "I take it very serious, my role as a father," he said. He knows, after all, what it's like when someone fails to take it seriously. Brooks was the youngest of seven children, and before he was old enough to remember, his father left his mother. Contact was rare, and support was non-existent. That left the family living in dire ..."

International NBA Draft prospects lack star power

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June 20

The Oklahoman

"Quick, name three international prospects in this year's NBA Draft. Here's a hint, two of them are named Ricky Rubio and Brandon Jennings. Go.If you're struggling, you're not alone. This year's international crop, much like the entire 2009 class, lacks star power, franchise-changers and overall depth.But there are a precious few from overseas who will hear their names called during Thursday's draft, and one of the less heralded players might be announced as the Thunder's pick at No. 25.Thunder general manager Sam Presti has proven he'll search near and far for hidden talent.He made his big break as a front office executive with San Antonio in 2001, when he urged the Spurs toTony Parker ..."

Thunder GM Sam Presti wired a bit differently

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June 20

The Oklahoman

columnist John Rohde

"If you're throwing a poker party, you had best steer clear of inviting Thunder general manager Sam Presti. He'd know what you're thinking before you thought it yourself. He'd know everybody's odds of winning and losing on every hand. He'd always have enough chips stacked in front of him to make you think twice. He'd know when to hold 'em, when to fold 'em, and would do so with little change of expression. Getting a read on Presti would be difficult because the man has no tell. Behind those chic eyeglasses is the ultimate poker face. The NBA Draft is just five days away, and we're all wondering what Presti is thinking. Those who know Presti best have always wondered. "Reading his mind is ..."

Draft profile: Hasheem Thabeet

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June 20

The Oklahoman

""He reminds me a little of Brandon Roy. When you watched him in college, he didn't look like an elite athlete because he was using his knowledge of the game, not his athleticsm. Then he gets to the combine and does really well in all the athletic testing. Everyone was wowed. Harden's like that. He's got sneaky athleticism." - NBA executive. "James Harden will be a good NBA player. He's a good shooter who can make open shots. He has the length and perimeter abilities to be an adequate defender. He's really smart. He will be a good NBA player but in a different year he might not even be a top 10 pick." - NBA scout. "He grew up around crime and gangs but James doesn't have a tattoo or ..."

OKC Thunder schedule pre-draft workouts for Friday

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June 19

The Oklahoman

"The Oklahoma City Thunder has scheduled another round of pre-NBA Draft workouts today. The group is highlighted by former Oklahoma player Taylor Griffin and former USC forward Taj Gibson. Workouts are closed to the media and the public. Here's a look at who will be in town for the workouts: Player--Position--Height--School * Taj Gibson--Forward--6-9--USC"

Ricky Rubio to visit Oklahoma City?

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June 19

The Oklahoman

"Ricky Rubio's visit to Sacramento has officially come to an end, the Sacramento Bee is reporting, and now the question is whether the Spanish point guard and his representatives will come to Oklahoma City to meet and greet Thunder officials. Rubio flew back to Los Angeles from Sacramento today, leaving California's capital city without working out for the Kings after becoming ill. What's growing more and more evident is Rubio doesn't appear likely to workout for any of the additional teams he might visit over the next week."

The draft is easy for the Kings: Take Ricky Rubio

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June 19

The Oklahoman

columnist Ailene Voisin

"Arco Arena should be in lockdown mode. Doors barred. Windows covered. Sentries posted at the gates. Passwords and access codes revised.Ricky Rubio of Spain is in town, and the Kings absolutely cannot let this kid escape.Resolve his contract issues, facilitate a trade if necessary to preclude Memphis or Oklahoma City from stealing him before the Kingsat No. 4, promise him the world, and then give him the damn ball.At the mere age of 18, encased in a rangy, maturing body that stretches to almost 6-foot-5 and continues to sprout muscles at odd angles, Rubio already answers a host of critical questions confounding the Kings.His presence in Sacramento would be transformative whether he becomes ..."

Is James Harden a perfect fit for Oklahoma City Thunder?

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June 17

The Oklahoman

"Count Scott Pera among those who think James Harden is the perfect fit for the Thunder. Pera coached the Arizona State All-American shooting guard in high school and college. "When the ping pong balls fell the way they did, I was ecstatic," Pera said. "He wouldn't need to go in there and shock the world and save the franchise. Kevin Durant is there. Jeff Green is there. Russell Westbrook is there. "(Harden) is what those guys are not and they're what he is not." The Thunder's evaluation of Harden continues Wednesday when the 6-foot-5 swingman comes to Oklahoma City for a workout. Oklahoma City's two biggest needs are a center to anchor the defense and another 3-point shooter to stretch ..."

Thunder Notebook: Assistant coaches coming

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June 15

The Oklahoman

"Still down one assistant coach because of Paul Westhead's departure following the firing of P.J. Carlesimo and subsequent promotion of Scott Brooks and hiring of Ron Adams, the Thunder could have one more assistant's position to fill. The team is expected to move on without one of its four remaining assistants and has already begun interviewing candidates. The new additions could be announced in the near future. According to one league source, the positions could be filled before the June 25 draft, and at least one of the hires is likely to be an offensive-minded coach.MASON FULLY HEALED Desmond Mason's right knee is 100 percent healed, and the Thunder forward can resume all basketball ..."

NBA draft: A big dilemma for Thunder

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June 15

The Oklahoman

columnist Darnell Mayberry

"The new premium on point guards was pointed out in the NBA playoffs. Players such as Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Tony Parker, Chauncey Billups, Rajon Rondo, Derrick Rose, Aaron Brooks, Mike Bibby, Rafer Alston, Mo Williams and Andre Miller all enjoyed incredible success throughout much of their postseason stints.The list of centers who had significant impacts on their teams? Well, that cluster is considerably more concise."The game has changed to where it's not being played with true centers anymore," said one NBA scout. "But you could give yourself a considerable advantage if you're one of the few teams that have one."Fortunately for Oklahoma City, the Thunder already has Russell ..."

Tyreke Evans may be risky pick

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June 13

The Oklahoman

columnist John Rohde

"Many questions surround Tyreke Evans.Is he a point guard, or a shooting guard? Is he both, or neither?Is he truly a bad outside shooter?Is he the next Derrick Rose, or did he just happen to play at the same college?Is he good enough now, or is he a project?Is he your answer, or does he bring you more questions?There is uncertainty with every potential NBA Draft pick, even a blatant top choice like Blake Griffin.The last thing a team wants to do is waste a high draft pick on a tweener.Evans is widely seen as an early pick, but he is in between positions.There is a significant difference between being a tweener and being versatile.A versatile player can excel at more than one position.A ..."

Hasheem Thabeet: Another big-man bust from UConn?

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June 12

The Oklahoman

"The list is long but not so illustrious. It contains familiar names like Emeka Okafor and Charlie Villanueva but also includes forgettable faces such as Travis Knight and Jake Voskuhl. It's the fraternity of big men from the University of Connecticut. Some have gone on to great success in the NBA. Most have not. Hasheem Thabeet is next in line, for better or for worse. The 7-foot-3 center is projected to be a top three pick in the June 25 NBA Draft, and the Thunder is in play for his services. A career path similar to Okafor's would be nice. One similar to Knight's would be a nightmare. Such has become the dilemma when drafting UConn big men. The Huskies have had great success cranking out ..."

Thunder season tickets on sale Friday

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June 11

The Oklahoman

"The Thunder is selling newly released season tickets to the general public on Friday from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Coca-Cola Bricktown Events Center. Seating options include lower level seating, club seats and Loud City tickets. Seat locations are based on availability, and a limited inventory exists in many sections throughout the arena.Thunder staff members will be on hand on Friday only to answer questions, helpseats and present 3-D charts detailing seats available for purchase. Fans will also have the opportunity to view a model of the arena's new scoreboard, preview the Ford Center renovations and see options for new seating environments such as the Terrace Suite and Terrace Seating."

Presti made right call on Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis

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June 9

The Oklahoman

"Ray Allen became a champion nearly one year to the date after general manager Sam Presti traded him from Seattle to Boston. Rashard Lewis, nearly two years after Presti agreed to a sign-and-trade that sent him to Orlando, is now a handful of wins from helping the Magic hoist that same gold championship ball. The successes of the former franchise cornerstones has made it easy for some to waive the "I-told-you-so" finger at Presti and team chairman Clay Bennett, who were accused of gutting the team with the intent to create fan apathy and split for Oklahoma City.Former Sonics vice chairman Lenny Wilkens told the Seattle Times last week he urged Bennett to not dismantle the team. Wilkens ..."

Building the Thunder: Sam Presti made right call on Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis

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June 8

The Oklahoman

"Ray Allen became a champion nearly one year to the date after general manager Sam Presti traded him from Seattle to Boston. Rashard Lewis, nearly two years after Presti agreed to a sign-and-trade that sent him to Orlando, is now a handful of wins from helping the Magic hoist that same gold championship ball. The successes of the former franchise cornerstones has made it easy for some to waive the "I-told-you-so" finger at Presti and team chairman Clay Bennett, who were accused of gutting the team with the intent to create fan apathy and split for Oklahoma City.Former Sonics vice chairman Lenny Wilkens told the Seattle Times last week he urged Bennett to not dismantle the team. Wilkens ..."

What impact would each potential NBA Draft pick have on the OKC Thunder?

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June 8

The Oklahoman

"We're still 2 1/2 weeks away from the June 25 NBA Draft, but the league's rumor mill already claims to know which player the Thunder willwith the third overall pick. First, it was Connecticut center Hasheem Thabeet, then Spain's Ricky Rubio, Arizona State shooting guard James Harden and now USC's Demar DeRozan. But the truth is, eight different players could wind up being the guy Oklahoma City comes away with depending on what it does at No. 3. Our list might even be on the short side when you consider cagey general manager Sam Presti is making the call. Anything could happen. We break down the impact that eight players who are most likely in the Thunder's sights could have on the roster ..."

Sam Presti made right call on Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis

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June 8

The Oklahoman

columnist Darnell Mayberry

"Ray Allen became a champion nearly one year to the date after general manager Sam Presti traded him from Seattle to Boston. Rashard Lewis, nearly two years after Presti agreed to a sign-and-trade that sent him to Orlando, is now a handful of wins from helping the Magic hoist that same gold championship ball. The successes of the former franchise cornerstones has made it easy for some to waive the "I-told-you-so" finger at Presti and team chairman Clay Bennett, who were accused of gutting the team with the intent to create fan apathy and split for Oklahoma City.Former Sonics vice chairman Lenny Wilkens told the Seattle Times last week he urged Bennett to not dismantle the team. Wilkens ..."

NBA Draft: The Rubio-Thabeet race is on

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June 6

The Oklahoman

"The Belmont Stakes is being held today, which makes me think back to the 1973 race when Secretariat won by a ridiculous 31 lengths - or roughly the same distance between Blake Griffin and everybody else in this month's NBA Draft. The June 25 draft has been deemed a three-horse race. Griffin no doubt will win, but who will place, who will show and with which teams?The Los Angeles Clippers own the top pick, unless they find some reason to trade Secretariat.What happens with the second pick could end up rearranging the top half of the draft board.This is why all eyes actually should be on the Memphis Grizzlies, not the Clippers.Unless Thunder general manager Sam Presti somehow is able to ..."

Earl Watson changes agencies

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June 5

The Oklahoman

"Watson grew frustrated last season with his situation as a member of the 23-win Thunder and was believed to be disappointed in his agent's handling of the matter. Watson never publicly said he desired to be traded but did say at the end of the season that he doesn't expect to return."You never know, this business is incredible," Watson said in April. "But going into the last year of my deal, business-wise you become an attractive contract. And for the last month I haven't been playing. So why would I be here?"Watson, who turns 30 on June 12, is owed $6.6 million next season."

Despite poor economy, NBA will not eliminate luxury tax

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June 5

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Although several teams have taken a hit financially, NBA Commissioner David Stern said Thursday the league has no plans to eliminate the luxury tax until the economy recovers. With his team's player payroll projected to exceed $76 million, Hornets owner George Shinn could have to pay a luxury tax bill of more than $5 million next summer. The Hornets were one of the 12 teams that received loans from the league this spring. Since 2003, 17 of the league's 30 teams have borrowed $2 billion since the league began establishing a line of credit for loans used by teams. "There's a difference between choosing to and having a need to," Stern said at state of his league address before Thursday's ..."

Earl Watson changes agencies

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June 5

The Oklahoman

"Earl Watson has changed sports agencies, leaving agent Dan Fegan and BEST Basketball to join Bill Duffy at BDA Sports Management. Watson grew frustrated last season with his situation as a member of the 23-win Thunder and was believed to be disappointed in his agent's handling of the matter. Watson never publicly said he desired to be traded but did say at the end of the season that he doesn't expect to return."You never know, this business is incredible," Watson said in April. "But going into the last year of my deal, business-wise you become an attractive contract. And for the last month I haven't been playing. So why would I be here?"Watson, who turns 30 on June 12, is owed $6.6 million ..."

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