Quotes & Video from the Patterson/Felton Press Conference
The Oklahoma City Thunder announced two of its most recent additions this morning, welcoming Patrick Patterson and Raymond Felton to the organization. The men were flanked by GM Sam Presti and head coach Billy Donovan, and spoke at length about the team, the city, Russell Westbrook and more.
You can watch the full press conference below courtesy of NewsOK, or keep scrolling for a few of the more noteworthy quotes.
Sam Presti
:
On Patterson & Felton:
“These are two guys that are going to make us a better team, but also help us build our environment and continue to build the legacy of the organization, just based on who they are as people and competitors. So, really excited — couldn’t be happier to welcome these two guys to the organization, and to the city.”
On the Thunder being done making moves:
“No team is ever finished. I think every team, by virtue, is always a work in progress. We are a work in progress. Obviously we have to come into training camp and start from zero, and build ourselves up.”
Billy Donovan
:
On Patterson:
“I really feel like he will bring a dimension to our team on both ends of the floor — tough defender, physical, a winner, a guy that can shoot the ball from behind the three-point line, a very good passer so I’m really, really excited about being reacquainted with Patrick again.”
On Felton:
“Raymond, I’ve always admired him as a player, even back at North Carolina when they won a national championship. Two years ago in the playoffs he really had an exceptional series against us — he played very, very well. A guy with a wealth of experience, high basketball IQ, knows how to play, and I couldn’t be more excited about having both of these guys on the roster next year.”
Patrick Patterson
:
On his fit with the team:
“Pretty much spacing the floor. Being a guy who can move the ball, distribute, pass, make the extra play and then when I have the opportunity to shoot, take advantage of that. Russ demands so much attention, same thing with PG — two great guys on the offensive side of the ball. So just trying to do what I can to ease the pressure off them. ”
“This is such a great defensive team, and it’s only going to get better. So using my ability, my awareness and my IQ to help in that area, too.”
On the Thunder organization:
“Seeing how hungry everyone is to win and be successful, just wanting to improve day-in and day-out, whether it’s on the court or off the court. Being a true professional, with your family, your friends, those you care about, but also with basketball too. Seeing how much everyone cares about each other, how everyone is just real family-oriented.”
On why he took a contract below market value:
“The opportunity to win. The opportunity to compete for a championship, and be with a team that’s just as hungry as I am. To play alongside All-Stars and superstars, to be reunited with Coach Donovan again. Just be in an overall environment that I can be happy in, and be myself, flourish and have the utmost fun.”
On living in a small market:
“I’m a country boy. I’m from the south. It’s basically home to me out here.”
Raymond Felton
:
On the appeal of OKC:
“This organization has been one of the top for the last 10 years I can remember, and got a great team. I like some of the things they was doing this summer, some of the pieces they was signing, some of the guys they traded for… To come here, I think, we have a great, great chance to do something special.”
“Looking at this organization, this city. Looking at how they support this team, and how loud it is in here… So I can only imagine how it’s gonna be to be on the right side of the court. I look forward to it.”
On the relief of no longer having to guard Russell Westbrook:
“Being a point guard in this league, you know, that’s one battle that you don’t look forward to — coming in here playing against him. He’s one tough guy, one tough competitor, he brings it every night. He’s gonna give it his all, and I look forward to playing with a guy like that because I play the same way. It’s a big relief to be on the right side of that.”
On playing Westbrook after Mark Cuban’s “Not a Superstar” comments:
“I was mad at him. I was upset with him. I think the next night he came out and gave us like 35, 37 points or something like that. I was really upset with that comment cause I’m like.. Look, I’m the one who gotta guard this man.”
