Thunder waives Mike Harris
October 23rd, 2009
And we’re down to one:
The Oklahoma City Thunder waived forward Mike Harris it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manger Sam Presti. Harris appeared in two games this preseason for Oklahoma City, averaging 2.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.0 steal in 5.5 minutes of action.
Ryan Bowen is all that is left now of the non-roster folk. The roster stands at 15, but it’s still not clear whether Presti wants the flexibility of an open roster spot or if he wants the full 15. Wait and see I suppose.
I don’t see Ryan lasting much longer.
I was going to write this post about Bowen being released so that we can sign Udoka because I had always enjoyed the spot minutes he provided for the Spurs (former Spurs fan, now detractor) but I actually looked up his stats and I don’t think he’d be able to take time away from Weaver actually. His 3-ball is not as impressive as previously thought, he’s shorter and I think Weaver will get average more assists than him. And, he’s 32. Did my eye deceive all those years as a San Antone fan or do his stats belie a quality contributor?
@Chas
Agreed. I left a comment about Udoka on the Daily Bolts post and although he would play more of the 3 while Weaver would play the 2, I’m not sure he would earn many minutes. SA signed him with high hopes and he never quite got there – and I caught myself always expecting him to be better than he played but never really being blown away by his contributions.
I don’t exactly see him as the wise old vet who could provide great defensive tips in practice either…?
@Dai
I’d honestly be more surprised if Bowen DIDN’T make the roster at this point. Hence why I said that I thought out of the three scenarios of Bowen making it, Harris making it or neither making it, that Bowen making it was the greatest likelihood of the three.
I might be wrong, but I just don’t see them waiving Bowen at this point because he can do too many positive things for this team throughout the season that have nothing to do with his on-court performances.
@J.G.
I’m curious now. What do you mean. Coaching, practice, pull magic rabbits out of his hat?
@Dai
I actually think he does the “Saw the Lady in Half” trick.
You had it right, practice, experience, VERSATILITY (which is the Thunder’s buzz word, apparently), competitive grit, a la Collison, he’s just one of those guys you keep on your roster in case the injury bug ravages your team and so you can have a high character guy cheering and rooting the regulars on.
You can always waive the 15th guy any time later to accommodate a trade. If Bowen’s salary is not guaranteed or only conditionally or not fully there wouldn’t be much financial commitment.
If Livingston was just a guy trying to make the team from scratch his pre-season doesn’t give much of a reason for. He makes it because: 1) he is a Presti selection already, 2) he was a high draft pick, 3) he has a dramatic storyline and 4) he has a good mid-range shot. None of those reasons are that compelling. But it is just pre-season and wait n see what he does for real this next season I guess.
Did Robert Swift play anywhere in Preseason for anybody?
Nope. With a big name agent. Or at least he did. Probably refused to without a guaranteed contract. If so, didn’t work. Maybe he is taking a year off. Doubt he is willing to go to NBDL. He could probably have fun in Europe or Asia. If he wants to play. Not yet 24. We’ll probably hear something down the line. Hope it is good.
@Crow
I hope he does good for himself as well. As long as he stays away from our roster.