The OKC Thunder and Alex Abrines came to a mutual decision for a release as the Spanish guard continue to deal with personal issues away from basketball.
The Spanish connection between the OKC Thunder and Alex Abrines came to a premature end as the two mutually agreed to part ways as he deals with personal issues.
The Thunder have released guard Alex Abrines. This was mutually decided by Abrines and the team, with Abrines determining it best to step away to focus on a personal matter. Abrines has appeared in only two games since Dec. 23, sitting out because of personal reasons.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) February 9, 2019
Oklahoma City has done right by the Spaniard keeping his situation under wraps and remained tight-lipped despite mounting pressure by fans. Even though the situation remains unclear, many fans expressed their love for Abrines who had some great moments for the franchise.
Remember his nine points in less than a minute against the Los Angeles Clippers?
Or his poster dunk on Tristan Thompson?
Even to this season where Abrines was pivotal in OKC’s 20-point comeback over the Charlotte Hornets. The Spaniard scored a career-high 25 points on 9-15 shooting, 5-10 from three and 2-2 free throws in the 111-107 win.
OKC will continue to support him
In an interview with coach Billy Donovan, the team will continue to support the Spaniard even though he is no longer with the franchise and will forever be part of the Thunder family.
Billy Donovan on the Thunder waiving Alex Abrines: “Even though he’s not going to be a part of our team anymore, we’re all still here. He’s still part of the family, and we’ll do anything we can to help him going forward.” pic.twitter.com/aWUrwTtIkk
— Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) February 10, 2019
While fans are left scratching their heads over why the Thunder didn’t elect to trade him before
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the February deadline, the obvious answer is out of respect. Oklahoma City has a tight locker room with players who respect and love to play alongside one another but this starts with the type of atmosphere management fosters.
The camaraderie in professional sports is real as most athletes spend more time with their teammates and coaching staff than their own families.
Whether or not Abrines returns to the NBA remains to be seen. He has been a big part of the Thunder’s rebuild and was one of the new pieces following Kevin Durant‘s departure to Golden State. We do not know what the future holds but let’s hope this isn’t the last time we see the rub the beard celebration.
Adios Amigo.