Sort of surprising when I first read this, but I am starting to see some logic in it. Darnell Mayberry reported today:
Rookies D.J. White and Kyle Weaver have been assigned to the Tulsa 66ers, the Thunder’s D-League affiliate.
It’s the third time White has been sent to Tulsa and the first time Weaver has been sent down.
In four games with Tulsa, White has averages of 14.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists in 30.8 minutes. Weaver has played in 49 games for the Thunder, 17 as a starter, and is averaging 5.4 point, 2.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 20 minutes a game.
The goal is to get both players extended minutes with the 66ers, more than they currently would with the Thunder. Both players are expected to be in uniform tonight when the 66ers face the Austin Toros but expect both players to be recalled before the end of the season.
Weaver had his best month in March and is a solid part of the rotation as the 7/8 man. He shot 51% from the field and 41% from downtown and scored 7.1 ppg in March. My guess is that they want to keep him busy and get him some big burn (hopefully they let him run the point now that Livingston is with the big club). Most Thunder fans like his game at 20 minutes per night. Perhaps we can see what he does in Tulsa with say 36 minutes.
We only have one more game this week, on Friday, but next week is a busy week with 5 games. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Kyle back for next week’s 5 games.
I would like to see D.J. get a little burn with the big team also. This is the third trip down and so he can’t go down again this season if he is recalled.
@Crow
Also, going along with the theme of crazy +/- stats, Weaver was a +18 last night!
Don't forget he also had 3 steals and 2 blocks!
@Crow
Thanks for the update. He's definitely too good to stay down in Tulsa, but I understand the temporary move.
I hope he proves that he can be a reliable backup for Westbrook. He's a step down on scoring and creating opportunities, but he's still a great passer and a better defender. He will only get better, though obviously that is applicable to everyone. Can you imagine in two years how good we'll be? Even next year we could be competing for a playoff spot, but in two years we'll have a solid rotation in the backcourt, with multiple players able to play multiple positions, and adding depth to the frontcourt in the draft(s) will make this team very competitive.
Weaver 40 minutes and a today's version of Jason Kidd like line of 10pts, 8 rebs, 7 assists.
Thought this was an April Fools joke...
This DJ White going back and forth to the 66ers is getting really old.
I'm also sure that they want to clear some room for Livingston to get minutes while not just sitting Weaver. It is a bit strange about D.J. getting shuffled between. I think the play with the 66ers and practice with the Thunder idea makes the most sense.
@MartzMimic
Sounds good to me.
As long as Weaver gets some PG playing time then this is a good move. Also maybe switching Weaver for Livingston will give Westbrook a chance to get some minutes at the SG with a proven PG who can actually play.
Why doesn't someone interview DJ and ask what he thinks of all this? I'm sure Presti has kept him informed on why...
and I can't wait to hear Weaver's numbers...Brooks hadn't tried him at the point at all until recently and it was actually surprising the times he did...Maybe Presti recognized that and really wants to see more...(I know I do...)
I also think Weaver should be higher than 20 on the rookie rankings...He did start after all (sure they would argue on a bad team..but we played really well during the Durant Green less era)
Am I right in thinking that they have to do all of this moving back-and-forth so that DJ can prqctice with the Thunder and play with the 66ers?
So the logic in it is to get Kyle some playing time at PG? I guess that makes sense. They seem to be throwing DJ up and down between Tulsa and OKC quite a bit, even for just a game or two. I don't see how that ultimately helps Kyle out, but if it somehow gets him more minutes on the court, then I'm all for it.