OKC Thunder In the News: Paul George begins rehab, Patterson opts in and it’s Mother’s Day

After his initial off-season procedure Paul George has begun rehab, Patrick Patterson opts in, and did the OKC Thunder make another draft promise?

Currently, vital storylines surround the OKC Thunder. Paul George recently underwent the first of two summer surgeries. Fellow forward Patrick Patterson exercised his player option, it appears the Thunder have allegedly made a draft promise, and last but not the least, today is Mom’s Day!

It’s a busy time in the NBA, right now. The playoffs are winding down, as two Game 7’s will tip-off today, closing out the second-round. The NBA draft combine is this week, May 14-19 to be exact, and the draft will be held roughly one month later on June 20.

PG Tackles Physical Therapy

This tweeted video link is very encouraging, for Thunder Nation. According to an article published by the Drayer Physical Therapy Institute, it is common to begin rehabbing from rotator cuff surgery anywhere between one day or six-weeks after undergoing the procedure. The start of PT is at the surgeon’s discretion, so it seems PG is right on track.

Pat is Back Onboard

Late Saturday morning, Shams Charania broke the news OKC Thunder power forward Patrick Patterson would opt into the final year of his three-year deal. This announcement does not come as a surprise. He received sparse playing time after the Thunder signed Markieff Morris via the buyout market post-All-Star break.

During his exit interview, Patterson stated he was happy in Oklahoma City. In addition to his own headlines, his fiancee Sara Nasser is creating her storyline, as she and Daniela Rajic, recently launched their initial swimsuit line and brand NudeSwimCo. Their products can be viewed by clicking here.

Broken Promises

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 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

Sam Presti is a wise and loyal individual. He has made some very successful draft choices, and also some very poor selections. Nonetheless, with the 2019 draft approaching rapidly, the rumor of the Thunder making a promise to Matisse Thybulle should not come as a shock. TI’s Tamberlyn Richardson recently broke down the pros and cons of the rumored selection.

"If we were to create a prototype of the kind of player Sam Presti likes to draft then Thybulle could be the picture used for it. An excellent defender, great wingspan (7’1″), capable of guarding four positions and is super athletic. His defensive prowess led to him winning the 2019 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year."

If the scuttlebutt comes to fruition, this would not be the first time Presti has made a pre-draft promise. The latest promise did not turn out well, see Cameron Payne for example. Promises can be tricky, what happens if a better player goes unselected and falls to the Thunder? Then with a promise in place, Presti runs the risk of burning a bridge with an agent.

Another telling aspect is Presti did not learn from his past mistakes when making a promise; further sparking debate, regarding if a change needs to transpire in Oklahoma City.

Happy Mother’s Day!

To all the NBA mother’s, any mama’s, and most importantly my mom; I hope your Mother’s Day is filled with love, laughter, and loads of good times!

To Chewy; although today is Mom’s Day, you deserve to be celebrated every single day, I am proud to call you my mama, there is no one else I could imagine guiding me on this crazy journey called life. I love you, more than you even know, enjoy your special day, you have more than earned it!