Thunder Notebook: Friday, April 13

Injury Update

Due to an unfortunate string of injuries, the Thunder’s shooting guard situation is a giant question mark heading into Sunday’s Game 1 against Utah. Billy Donovan said today that Alex Abrines remains in the league’s concussion protocol after suffering the injury against the Miami Heat on Monday night. He also said that Corey Brewer — who suffered a knee sprain late in the regular season finale vs Memphis — did not practice today, although he was on the court shooting a bit before leaving.

Shams Charania of The Vertical reported yesterday that Brewer intends to play on Sunday — a belief that has been echoed by a few sources. However, as of right now, that appears to be up in the air. Thunder fans should at least begin preparing themselves for the possibility of more Terrance Ferguson and Josh Huestis when postseason play begins on Sunday.

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Andre Roberson Sighting

Andre Roberson was spotted shooting jumpers at today’s practice session. Via Erik Horne:

It should go without saying but I’ll say it anyway — this means nothing for the Thunder here in the short term. However, it’s great to see Dre moving around on his own power, without crutches, and casually knocking down some practice jumpers. He’s got a long way to go but the progress is heart-warming.

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Splash Kiwi

It’s happening. (Via Fred Katz)

I predicted before the season that Steven Adams would take, and make, a three-pointer at some point. It hasn’t happened yet but he’s clearly waiting for the playoffs to unleash his final form. (One can dream)

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The Brian Davis Drama

Thunder play-by-play announcer, Brian “Chicken Salad” Davis, has been suspended for Sunday’s telecast after using an…uh…unfortunate colloquialism to describe Russell Westbrook in the regular season finale. For those that may have missed it:

Not good, Brian.

By all accounts, Davis is a good guy and it’s difficult to fathom a situation where he would be intentionally hurtful. He’s a treasure trove of odd remarks and idioms, most of which Thunder fans have learned to tune out entirely. This wasn’t even the first time he’s used the “cotton picking” line this season — the first one just went overlooked because the entire world wasn’t watching Westbrook attempt to make history.

In the wake of his one-game suspension, a shocking amount of folks took to Twitter and Facebook to bash “PC culture” and scream “yadda, yadda, blah, blah, First Amendment” into the universe. The thing is (and I understand what I’m doing here), the line is offensive. It just is. Even if it’s part of the vernacular, a bare minimum amount of thought should help identify why it’s problematic. Blaming “PC culture” or having a poor understanding of the protections afforded by the First Amendment is choosing a strange hill to die on. Some things are simple — like this.

I digress.

According to Erik Horne of The Oklahoman, Davis met with the Thunder players today and addressed them directly. Davis also released an apology this afternoon and there’s no reason to assume it’s not genuine. That apology:

“It is with great remorse and humility that I accept this suspension for the insensitive words I used during Wednesday’s broadcast. While unintentional, I understand and acknowledge the gravity of the situation. I offer my sincere apology and realize that, while I committed a lapse in judgment, such mistakes come with consequences. This is an appropriate consequence for my actions.”

All in all, BD gets a one-game suspension (a slap on the wrist) and the guy gets to keep his job — something that might not have happened in a different market. Matt Pinto will replace Davis during Sunday’s telecast. (Cha-Ching! That’s a Thunder money ball.) Life moves on.