Thunder sign Nick Collison to a multi-year extension
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The Thunder announced Tuesday they’ve signed Nick Collison to a multi-year contract extension.
According to ESPN.com’s Marc Stein, the deal is for two years (both guaranteed) and $7.5 million.
“We’ve been talking about it for a while,” Collison said after practice on Tuesday. “It’s something I’m really happy about. I felt like this is where I wanted to be. This is my team. I felt Sam [Presti] and ownership wanted me back too, so I think they’re happy with it, so it’s a good day for me.”
“A lot of it is I’ve been treated really well here. I like the people I come to work with every day. And I really had no reason to try and go anywhere else.”
Does he feel this could potentially be his last contract?
“Not really. I still feel like I can play,” he said. “There’s really no way to tell the future. But that will put me at 14 years with the organization which I’m very proud of. I’ve got two years to kind of figure it out.”
Collison is unique in the sense he’s played an entire career with one team despite not being an All-Star level player.
“There’s been multiple GMs, multiple ownership groups, a lot of different players, a lot of different coaches and for me to be able to stick around is like I said, I’m fortunate,” he said. “It’s always worked out well. I’ve had fair deals and I’ve been appreciative of the teams that have wanted me around. It’s a place I like coming to work and I’ve been here a long time and enjoy working with the people. There’s really no need to do anything else.”
Collison will be 36 and have played 14 seasons with the Thunder when he extension is up. Asked if he wants to retire with the Thunder, he hedged a bit.
“We’ll see. I did this deal because I want to be here, for sure,” he said. “I don’t like committing to anything in the future. There’s so much unknown. But that will put me at 14 years here, I’ll be 36 years old. I don’t see wanting to go anywhere else for sure.”
Collison is averaging career-lows almost across the board. He’s had seven DNP-CDs and is averaging a career-low 15.9 minutes per game. His field goal percentage is way down and he’s obviously not played near the same integral part he has in season’s past. Despite all that, though, Collison remains part of the spine of the organization, a pillar that represents a lot more than numbers.
“He’s going to go down as one of the best teammates of all time. Not just for our organization but from my experience of being on a lot of different teams as a player and a coach. He’s right there with the best of them,” Scott Brooks said. “He’s does everything you talk about. A winning attitude, he brings that to a culture about doing things the right way. Couldn’t be more proud to coach him. I understand that it’s not about stats. It’s about intangibles, it’s hard to put a number on it, hard to put a value on it. But when you have a guy like Nick, you know how valuable he is.”
Collison, 34, is averaging 3.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 41 games this season. He holds career averages of 6.4 points and 5.5 rebounds in 791 NBA games.
SAM PRESTI’S STATEMENT:
“We are excited that Nick Collison will continue his tenure with the Thunder. Since our arrival in 2008, Nick has helped us establish the standards on and off the floor that we work by on a day-to-day basis. He has accepted various roles, demonstrated professionalism in all aspects of his craft, and shown a commitment to an organizational philosophy that is rare in sports today. Nick is the type of player that will always be valued in Oklahoma City, and we are thrilled he will continue to be a foundational member of the Thunder moving forward.”
NICK COLLISON’S STATEMENT:
“I’m excited to continue my career with the Thunder, playing here in Oklahoma City. I feel fortunate to be a part of a great organization and to play with a great group of teammates.Playing in Oklahoma City is unique, it’s a rare combination of a lot of things; great people in the organization starting with ownership, the most loyal fans, the opportunity to win at a high level and a true community impact. It’s been a great professional experience for me since the day I arrived. I’m proud of what we have built together and am grateful to be able to stay with the club and continue our work together.”
