OKC Thunder in the news for May 21 features Russell Westbrook’s support in friendships and Troy Weaver still in the mix for Wizards open GM position.
Writer Jimmie Tramel of Tulsa World article: Credit Russell Westbrook with assist when ‘Juice’ brings comedy show to Tulsa offers the background on how Demetrius Deason moved on from a down time in his life to find his life’s passion.
The Westbrook connection occurred when the pair were in middle school together. While Westbrook transitioned to the NBA joining the OKC Thunder, Deason suffered a back injury in College and then needed to return home to care for his ailing Mother and siblings.
Despite their changing paths, Russ remained steadfast in his support of his pal in his stand up efforts and events. The comic cites how special Westbrook is in terms of his continuing support.
"“He put us in situations to succeed — and not in a way where we work for him. He put us in positions so we can be able to create as we go and believe in ourselves,” Deason said. “Not only does he empower us and give us the opportunity, but he says, ‘I support you and what you are doing and I know you can do it.’ That’s very impactful in my life.”"
Like Westbrook, Deason is committed to philanthropic efforts and the duo have partnered over the years delivering “Why Not?” comedy shows in Oklahoma City. Deason is expanding into Tulsa with the next event scheduled for July 11th:
"Deason will host a “Why Not?” pop-up comedy show featuring Westbrook and additional comedians, including Ron Taylor and Yasamin Bayatfar, at Cain’s Ballroom (cainsballroom.com). The July 11 event will benefit Tyler Lockett’s Light It Up Foundation. Lockett is a Seattle Seahawks receiver from Tulsa."
Fans, friends, peers still mourning Nipsey Hussle:
Westbrook’s friendships are also the focus of this next item. All OKC Thunder fans recall Russell Westbrook’s infamous 20-20-20 game in honor of his fallen friend rapper Nipsey Hussle.
Over Easter, Hussle’s close friend and sidekick rapper YG released a bunch of blue balloons and this past weekend re-released an Instagram photo featuring Nipsey and Russell Westbrook with the caption: “Gone miss you bro 😢 THE MARATHON CONTINUES.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxsnvkwFp7Y/?utm_source=ig_embed
Connelly declines Wizards GM job; Weaver remains in running:
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During the NBA Draft Combine it was reported the Washington Wizards were focused on hiring Tim Connelly, current Denver Nuggets President of Basketball Operations.
Tim Connelly met with Wizards owner Ted Leonsis who was suitably impressed. Washington is a bit under the gun to fill the vacancy left after releasing longtime GM Ernie Grunfeld. With the June 24th NBA Draft looming and a ninth pick in the first round time is of the essence.
Although an offer was extended the ties and close relationship with Nuggets President Josh Kroenke proved to be stronger. Subsequently, Connelly turned down the offer meaning the Wizards are back to the drawing board.
"Weaver, the Oklahoma City Thunder vice president, and Ferry, a longtime executive whose father served as general manager of the Washington Bullets, conducted second interviews last week. Sheppard, who took over the team’s day-to-day operations on an interim basis after Grunfeld’s dismissal, was in Chicago for the NBA draft combine last week before traveling this past weekend to scout international prospects."
That means OKC Thunder Troy Weaver V.P., Danny Ferry, and interim Wizards GM Tommy Sheppard are back in the mix. As per the Washington Post article by Candace Buckner, both Weaver and Ferry participated in second interviews this past week.
That wraps up OKC Thunder in the news for Tuesday, May 21st. Be sure to check back later today as more draft prospect profiles drop along with other interesting articles on your favorite team and players.