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After a short stint in Tulsa, D.J. White once again will make a short drive back to Oklahoma City to rejoin the Thunder. I hope he likes the Turner Turnpike.

During his most recent stint with the 66ers, White appeared in four games, averaging 23.0 points while shooting 58.7 percent from the field, 11.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals in 40.0 minutes per game.  The 6-9 forward scored 20 or more points three times and notched three double-doubles.

(Also, off-topic and someone correct me if I’m wrong, but I was looking over D-League player assisnment rules and they say an NBA team can send down no more than two NBA roster players at a time. And the Thunder had Kyle Weaver, Byron Mullens and D.J. White all in Tulsa at the same time. Again, I may be revealing some ignorance here, but I’m curious as to if the rule has been changed but just not updated on the site. Maybe it’s because Kyle Weaver was rehabbing an injury and there’s a clause for that. But again, I don’t know.

UPDATE: It’s because OKC is the sole affiliate of the 66ers, so there’s only one team sending players down to the team. It would have been nice if that were defined in the rules.)

News D.J. White

That’s pretty much it. Anderson saw his first game action against the Nuggets Wednesday night, scoring two points and grabbing a rebound in 15 minutes.

Obviously while Kyle Weaver rehabs in the D-League, there is a need for practice bodies. I would imagine as soon as Weaver is back to full health, he’ll be brought back and Anderson will likely move on down the line.

News Antonio Anderson

It’s officially official. Per a press release:

Oklahoma City Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti announced that the team has signed Antonio Anderson to a 10-day contract.

Anderson, 24, is a free agent call-up from the NBA Development League’s Rio Valley Grande Vipers where he has averaged 15.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.3 steals and 39.6 minutes in 32 games (32 starts). A 6-6, 215 pound guard who went undrafted out of Memphis in 2009, Anderson went to training camp with the Charlotte Bobcats. He appeared in five games, averaging 3.4 points, 1.8 assists and 1.4 rebounds in 14.2 minutes before being waived on October 22.

With his signing, Anderson becomes the 14th Gatorade Call-Up from the D-League this season.  He will wear uniform #8. In order to accommodate Anderson, Oklahoma City has waived forward Matt Harpring who was acquired along with Eric Maynor in a trade with the Utah Jazz on December 22.

I think this deal was more made for practice purposes more than needing game help. With Kyle Weaver hurt and the scare of Thabo getting poked in the eye, it seems like OKC might be a little thin on the practice court. But there is also a chance I’m wrong about that. Anderson is a long, defense first shooting guard that doesn’t shoot the ball extremely well, but is very athletic and can guard three positions. He’s kind of like Thabo Lite in a way.

The good news is though, I guess Harpring can broadcast for the Jazz in peace now.

[More: Draft Express's profile on Anderson, D-League Digest on Anderson]

News Antonio Anderson

From Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix:

OKC not making any major moves before the deadline. Plan has been to grow young talent together. Surprise start not changing that … “Wouldn’t a Biedrins for Etan Thomas make sense though?” Mannix: Zero chance. OKC wants to see what it has in Ibaka, Krstic.

Kind of what we thought all along, but the disclaimer of “major moves” is there. So there is still chance we might see a bench player or few draft picks shuffled around.

UPDATE: John Hollinger, chatting on ESPN.com:

Sam Presti (OKC): Do you see me making any moves today? I was thinking I could maybe use Harpring and a pick to help someone get under the cap and get a better pick or a big in return.

John Hollinger: My spies in OKC think its highly unlikely they make a deal today unless they’re bowled over with an offer .. they’d prefer to keep that $1.8 mil in cap space for draft day, they might be able to combine their picks and move up or do some other interesting things.

News Trade Deadline

(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

It came down to Rajon Rondo and Kevin Durant and for time’s sake, it turned into a 3-point, jumpshooting contest. I have no idea what got into Rondo, but he was sinking jays with KD. Back and forth they went, Rondo matching every Durant jumper. They traded six straight makes. But finally Durant made eight of nine to win it. CELEBRATE OKLAHOMA CITY.

I don’t know if anyone can make a 30-foot jumper look so silky. Durant’s first shot was literally feathered in. I’ve never been that close to his jumper, but you really have to admire the rotation on his shot. It’s absolutely textbook. It couldn’t be more perfect. I know everyone watches HORSE for trick shots and crazy attempts, but honestly, I don’t know if anything is more entertaining than watching Durant chuck jumpers. It’s just pure. There’s really no other word to describe it.

I know a lot of people had issues with HORSE and yes, it dragged. But I enjoyed it. It was fun, it was light and I thought the participants did a good job. Part of the reason I liked it so much is probably because I’d be excited about watching Kevin Durant read Howard Taft’s Wikipedia page. So maybe I’m not the best judge of it.

Also, Russell Westbrook filled in for Derrick Rose in the Skillzzzz Challenge. He finished last at 44 seconds. But the fact he was there was pretty darn cool. The Thunder has basically completely taken over the weekend, which is awesome.

News, Recap HORSE, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook

Photo courtesy Mrs. DT

It’s official. Kevin Durant is in. Down your cider KD, you deserve it. I don’t know why this is so exciting, but I feel like we just put away some kind of trophy. It honestly just feels important for some reason.

Not to pull out the sappy card, but this is Oklahoma City’s first All-Star and everybody will be watching the game. And to know we have representation with our star, well, it just means a lot. This is just the first in what will surely be many, many more All-Star appearances, but I just think the first is kind of the most special.

Anyway, KD joined the TNT crew after the announcement and here’s a few of his comments: Read more…

News All Star, Kevin Durant

According to a report from Ball Don’t Lie, the West’s All-Star reserves are out of the bag. And Oklahoma’s favorite basketball player has made it: Kevin Durant will be in Dallas playing in the big game. I’m so happy.

This report came out almost an hour ago, but I was initially hesitant to post it because I’m terrified to be the guy that ruins the surprise for KD. He’s said that he wants to watch on TNT tonight at 7 p.m. and find out then if he made it. And if I was the one who blew it, well, I think I’d force myself to drink hot poison.

But anyway, I’ll update the story tonight when the official announcement is made and include some quotes and thoughts. But since a lot of people use this here site for their Thunder news, I thought it was necessary to go ahead and get it out there. Congrats KD. Even though I hope you’re not reading this.

News Kevin Durant

Good for them. Per a release:

Oklahoma City Thunder guards James Harden and Russell Westbrook lead a list of 18 players selected for the 2010 T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam to be held on Friday, February 12 at American Airlines Center in Dallas during NBA All-Star 2010.

The participants in the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam were selected by the NBA’s assistant coaches, with each team submitting one ballot.

The Rookie team: Omri Casspi, DeJuan Blair, Stephen Curry, Tyreke Evans, Jonny Flynn, Taj Gibson, James Harden, Brandon Jennings, Jonas Jerekbo.

The Sophs: Michael Beasley, Marc Gasol, Danilo Gallinari, Eric Gordon, Brook Lopez, Kevin Love, O.J. Mayo, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook.

I don’t think there’s any question the Sophomores have an advantage. Obviously Tyreke is awesome, but top to bottom, the Sophomores are pretty stacked. Especially in the backcourt. Mayo, Rose, Gordon and Westbrook. That’s good stuff. Of course, we all remember Kevin Durant taking game MVP honors with an All-Star Weekend record 46 points last year. Maybe Russ has something special in store for us this year.

News Rookie/Sophomore game

I hate when players have rotten luck. Last year it was the tumor on his jaw. Now after playing really well in the D-League and maybe having a small shot to get some playing time with Nick Collison’s concussion, D.J. White busts a thumb in practice and has to get surgery. From the press release:

Oklahoma City Thunder forward D.J. White is expected to miss six to eight weeks following surgery to repair a fractured right thumb. The Thunder say White had surgery Thursday. White was injured in practice Tuesday.

White is averaging 4.8 points and 1.9 rebounds in eight games this season. He had not played in a Thunder game for over a month, and spent about two weeks in the NBA D-League during that time.

News D.J. White

The list of 15:

1. Kobe Bryant
2. LeBron James
3. Dwight Howard
4. Derrick Rose
5. Dwyane Wade
6. Kevin Garnett
7. Chris Paul
8. Paul Pierce
9. Shaquille O’Neal
10. Pau Gasol
11. Carmelo Anthony
12. Steve Nash
13. David Lee
14. Allen Iverson
15. Kevin Durant

To me, this is a big development. Add Chris Ballard’s piece today, multiple other recent features, the MVP talk, the Hyperizers ad, the ESPN NBA ad, the jersey sales and just a host of other things and it just seems like Kevin Durant is becoming that household superstar name in the league. He’s everywhere. He may play in little ‘ol Oklahoma City but he’s clearly getting noticed. Which is something I’ve been dreaming about since he came here. We’ve got our LeBron, our Kobe, our Wade. We’ve got our STAR.

News Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant really likes to do these little quick Q&A’s on Twitter, which is one of the reasons I think it’s insane for certain unnamed people to act like the fans don’t know him. And today, there were a couple of treats within. Observe:

MagicCarter15: Do you want to finish your career with the Thunder? KD: Yessssir.

The_Real_Jaryd: What’s the best thing about playing in the NBA? KD: Playing basketball everyday all day.

Redjor: Who’s the funniest guy in your team? KD: Serge Ibaka.

Thrilla24×7: Who is the best defender you’ve faced so far? KD: Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and Ron Artest.

DarrenDioti: How do you like living in Oklahoma City? KD: Love it.

HarlemHutch: What do you think is your natural spot on the floor? 2, 3 or the 4? KD: 3

And my favorite question: DavefromPhilly: What kind of car do you drive? KD: Minivan.

Yes, it sounds like Kevin Durant drives a minivan. I guess he’s the soccer mom for this team they like to call a family. His explanation? “[It] has a lot of room.” Fair enough. Also, I was informed that Durant has two tattoos on his chest which completely ruins my Thunder Tattoo Continuum. Great. Just great.

News Kevin Durant

Slow news day, so I’ll toss this up. D-League recalls aren’t huge deals because if you remember, Kyle Weaver and D.J. White basically played ping-pong with Tulsa last year. But nevertheless, White is back with the big club. For now.

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

News

From a press release:

Forwards: Carmelo Anthony (Den) 1,568,259; Dirk Nowitzki (Dal) 826,130; Tim Duncan (SA) 776,225; Pau Gasol (LAL) 754,070; Kevin Durant (OKC) 556,847; Trevor Ariza (Hou) 504,725; Luis Scola (Hou) 437,944; Shawn Marion (Dal) 295,310; Ron Artest (LAL) 266,554; Lamar Odom (LAL) 194,567; LaMarcus Aldridge (Por) 177,663.

But among small forwards, Durant is really second behind Carmelo Anthony (if you count Dirk as a power forward). I wouldn’t disagree with that by any means. Durant is the youngest highest vote getter (did that makes sense?) in the league right now with his 555,000+ votes. He’s not going to be a starter but he’s clearly going to be going. (But then again, voting doesn’t end until Jan. 18… GO VOTE.)

But still, it’s hard to ignore KD having 200,000 fewer votes than Tracy McGrady and almost 400,000 fewer than Allen Iverson. I know fans vote for what they want to see and blah blah blah, but something is seriously wrong with this if those two guys start. You have Kevin Durant, who is fourth in the league in scoring and is playing as well as ANYONE in the league behind two guys that have barely played any by a combined 900,000 votes. That, is pretty screwed up.

News Kevin Durant

Per a press release:

Oklahoma City Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti announced today that the team has acquired guard Eric Maynor from the Utah Jazz in exchange for the draft rights to Peter Fehse. To consummate the transaction the Thunder also assumes the contract of forward Matt Harpring. Harpring will not report to Oklahoma City. “We are pleased to add Eric Maynor to our organization,” said Presti. “Eric possesses a work ethic and team first mentality that we feel will help us in our continued growth.”

Maynor was selected by the Utah Jazz in the first round (20^th overall) of the 2009 NBA Draft. The 6-3 guard is averaging 5.2 points, 3.1 assists and 1.5 rebounds in 26 games with the Jazz this season. The Raeford, N.C. native currently ranks fourth in assists, 19^th in steals and 24^th in scoring among NBA Rookies.

The Thunder organization originally drafted Fehse in the second round (49^th overall) in the 2002 NBA Draft. In order to complete the transaction the Thunder has waived guards Shaun Livingston and Mike Wilks. “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.”

Wow. I’m a little stunned. But let me say, I LOVE this deal. Love it in every way. I loved Eric Maynor before the draft and I love him today. Did I say love yet? I’m completely convinced that he’s going to be a solid role playing backup point guard at some point. I had actually hoped OKC would take him with its second pick last June. And to acquire him for virtually nothing, well, that makes me happy. (Maynor’s season stats)

Taking on Harpring’s contract is actually something to not be overlooked, especially if Presti decides to hold on to it. Combine Harpring’s $6.5M with Etan Thomas’s nearly $8M and the Thunder has some SERIOUS trade bait for the deadline. (Harpring’s contract can be traded before the deadline still because he hasn’t officially retired yet.) In the trade, Utah saved around $9 million. That’s why they did it.

I’m sad to see Shaun Livingston go though. I truly am. A total class act and a guy that’s fighting to come back from a devastating injury. I really hoped he would work out. But with a mind toward what’s best for the Oklahoma City Thunder, this is a home run.

News Eric Maynor, Mike Wilks, Shaun Livingston

The 66ers had a fairly nice week, going 2-1 with two wins over Rio Grande Valley. They also made a roster move, trading for leaper Deron Washington, in a deal that sent Keith Clark to the L.A. Defenders.

Sunday: Tulsa lost in Maine against the Red Claws, 87-82. The 66ers were outscored 26-12 in the third and 21-13 in the fourth (47-25 for the half) after leading 57-40 at the half. Mustafa Shakur had 21 points and seven assists, Byron Mullens 19 points and six rebounds and three blocks and Larry Owens added 16.

Friday: Four players combined for 83 of Tulsa’s 108 points as the Sixers rolled Rio Grande Valley 108-90 at home. Moses Ehambe had 18, Shakur 16 points and eight assists, Cecil Brown 22 and Owens 27. In his first game, Deron Washington scored just one point in 18 minutes of run. Latavious Williams led Tulsa on the boards pulling down eight. Byron Mullens did not play as he was rehabbing a minor ankle injury.

Saturday: The 66ers improved to 6-5 with a sweep of the Vipers, who came in at 6-1 before taking on the Sixers. This one went to overtime, as Tulsa clawed back from an 11-point fourth quarter deficit, outscoring the Vipers 22-11 in the final frame to force OT. Shakur had 13 points, six assists, Larry Owens 19, Washington 11, DeVon Hardin (who was released and then re-signed) had seven points and 10 boards. Latavious Williams scored six and had seven rebounds. Mullens did not play.

News Tulsa 66ers