OKC Thunder in the news: KD expects success in Westbrook-George pairing, Russ to release style book

Welcome to OKC Thunder – In the news for Friday August 11, featuring topical daily news on your favorite team.

To kick off your weekend TI offers the hottest OKC Thunder news for your consumption. Today’s column features Kevin Durant’s thoughts on Westbrook-George pairing, Westbrook style book, OKC part of  NBA opening week and Christmas games and Patterson out 4 to 6 weeks following knee surgery.

Durant comments optimistically about Westbrook – George pairing:

Since departing OKC Kevin Durant has faced repeated questioning on his former team and super star partner. That’s a narrative which will likely follow KD for the duration. Now the questions being asked focus on Russ’ new teammate Paul George. The Athletic’s Anthony Slater asked the big question regarding Duran’ts thoughts of the new pairing in OKC:

"Q: The other move is one you know well: Paul George going to OKC. I believe he said he reached out to you to ask you a little about the organization.DURANT: Nah, me and PG didn’t talk much about the organization at all. I texted him congrats and told him he was going to love it there. It’s just a matter of what type of team they’re going to be, who’s going to do what, who is going to step up.But they got Russ and PG and Steven Adams to be their Big 3. I think if they feed off each other, it could be great. I’m a fan of the game. So I can see if something is going to work or not and I think that’s going to be a really, really great pairing. It’s going to suck for us and the rest of the league. But as a fan of the game, it’s going to be tight to see how they work that thing out."

Fashion Forward Westbrook:

Russell Westbrook tore up the NBA which led to him cashing in on the end of season hardware as the 2016-17 MVP. Brodie expanded his collection via numerous other awards via ESPN and Kid’s Choice too. Yet, arguably Westbrook might be equally satisfied with the awards and recognition he’s been collecting for his favorite past time – fashion.

Westbrook was named most stylish NBA player and won Most Fashionable Athlete via Sports Illustrated. In June Westbrook was in Paris for Fashion Week and he’ll be at New York Fashion Week in September. In exactly a month Westbrook will take to the stage with Fern Mallis at 92Y to discuss his upcoming book – “Russell Westbrook: Style Drivers”.

As per Rosemary Feitelberg of WWD:

"The $55 photography-heavy book is meant to be a celebration of his style on and off the court. The 28-year-old Westbrook has collaborated with Barneys New York and the Jordan brand. “He loves fashion and he has a great sense of style….I get a kick out of some of the things he posts on Instagram, and he is a real family guy. He’s really about his family and his wife and his kids,” Mallis said. “He’s got a great sense of his career, and charitable initiatives — I think he’s a good guy.”"

OKC Thunder to play Christmas Day and opening week of NBA:

When it comes to making the cut be among the ten Christmas teams the OKC Thunder have been one of the luckier teams. Since their inception the Thunder have played on Christmas in seven of their nine seasons (and those are consecutive appearances). Getting a coveted spot in the 5-game Christmas Day menu. They’ll suit up again this year playing host to the Rockets.  In addition, OKC are among the 14 teams who’ll participate in the NBA’s opening week.

TI outlines the full list of opening week in the NBA and Christmas Games:

"But, just being a good squad or having stars on your team doesn’t guarantee anything. Just ask the Toronto Raptors. Last season the Raptors were the only 2016 Conference Finalist to miss the cut. This season the Raptors are missing in action again despite being the most consistent East squad behind the Cavaliers over the past few seasons. To wit, the top 4 teams to finish the season in the East were the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards. Each of those squads (except the Raptors) will be among the 14 teams who’ll play during the NBA’s opening week as well as on Christmas Day. Likewise the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks will also play in those coveted games. My point is, OKC Thunder fans should revel in their luck they are often a must have on these schedule tickets."

Patterson out 4 to 6 weeks following knee surgery:

More from Thunderous Intentions

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• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

It’s been a productive offseason for the OKC Thunder particularly with Sam Presti following up the trade for Paul George with the free agent signing of Patrick Patterson. Many pundits (including yours truly) cited this pickup as one of the most under rated free agent signings. Patterson will be a great addition to the Thunder immediately improving OKC’s defense at he power forward and providing floor spacing. Unfortunately, he may end up missing training camp because he underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Thursday. This means Patterson will be out 4 to 6 weeks which doesn’t include his rehab time.

For more on this news check out our TI article:

"Based on initial reports Patterson’s recovery time will be from 4 to 6 weeks. The latter taking him to September 21.  Should Patterson need the full six weeks to recover he’ll then begin rehabbing with a view to getting fully healthy before their season start October 19.  No doubt the Thunder will exercise precaution, but will hope for an earlier return. This due to the need for Patterson to get acquainted with a new system being his first season with the team."

That wraps up OKC Thunder In the News for August 11. Enjoy the start of your weekend and be sure to make OKC Thunder, In the News is part of your daily fix.