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.
I think I said it in the other thread, but I hope we deal DJ. Not because I dislike him as a player, but quite the opposite. I think he could be a really good player in this league if he finds a place that can use him more regularly. I can imagine him going to another team and tearing us apart from midrange in a year or two if he gets healthy. That would be very bittersweet to watch. Good luck, DJ! We're rooting for you.
@Jax
I agree about Thunder practices. Did anyone else go to the community practice before the preseason? I swear Thabo nearly got his head ripped off. These guys go hard in practice.
@Floppy
"Mullens, on the other hand, is the slowest to react and looks like he only stands so he won’t be the only one sitting (he seems a bit shy). It’s funny when Mullens is sitting next to White, DJ ends up boxing Mullens out with his flared arm pose and Mullens looks like he’s waiting to take DJ’s coat."
Perhaps he just hasn't gelled with the team yet. Not only is he a rookie, but there are 3 other rooks on the team that are more highly regarded. Plus, I've never heard of Mullens hanging with KD and the Bros.
Floppy-- i do the same thing, and i've noticed that about White too.. very supportive of the team.. Durant, Russ and Green are definitely the best, like you say..
i like White, and i feel bad for him.. first the jaw thing, and now this.. he really seems like he could be a good backup PF.. we just don't have the minutes.. he looks like he has a great mid-range game..
I like to watch the reaction of the guys on the bench after a big play. Of the non-starters DJ usually has the biggest celebration and is the first to react. I really appreciate him for that.
Mullens, on the other hand, is the slowest to react and looks like he only stands so he won't be the only one sitting (he seems a bit shy). It's funny when Mullens is sitting next to White, DJ ends up boxing Mullens out with his flared arm pose and Mullens looks like he's waiting to take DJ's coat.
Durant, Westbrook, and Green are the best overall, but I don't have a rating system.
Feel horrible for DJ.. doesn't look like he's going to catch a break in OKC, he's behind Byron Mullens in the rotation. I still think he's a legit rotation player.
@f5alcon
We could always be the pre-implosion Pistons and have everyone on the team playing 75+ games every year. Unlikely, but it would be awesome.
@Keith
it will happen eventually, somebody important will get hurt
@Jax Raging Bile Duct
In the end, as long as I don't see the names of starters, Maynor, or Harden in these kinds of updates, we are luckier than most. LA has Kobe playing with a broken finger. Portland has fewer people healthy than hurt. We have been supremely fortunate in the injury department all year.
When you are fighting for playing time, and others are defending theirs, things can get rowdy. Just glad Etan hasn't decked anyone in practice yet. Or has he???????
They do nut cracker drills.
I don't know what the Thunder do in practice, but it must be hardcore. First, Weaver goes out with a severely separated shoulder, and now White goes out with a busted thumb.
They can't just be minor ankle sprains or muscle contusions, no, they have to be severe and long lasting.
I mean, there are some NFL teams out there who have less on their IR.