Sefolosha makes instant impact with Thunder
Posted Feb 23 2009 11:09PM
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Swiss guard Thabo Sefolosha made an impact in his first practice with the Oklahoma City Thunder, right above teammate Earl Watson's eye.
One of two players acquired by the Thunder at the trade deadline, Sefolosha split open the area around Watson's right eyebrow with an elbow as he drove to the basket during practice Monday. Watson had to leave the court and get three stitches before returning in a grey hooded sweatshirt and a bandage over his eyebrow.
"Just like a little welcome, like, 'I'm out here,"' Sefolosha said jokingly.
Sefolosha was picked up last Thursday in a trade that sent a first-round draft pick to the Chicago Bulls. Oklahoma City also made a deadline deal getting forward Malik Rose from New York in exchange for forward Chris Wilcox.
Sefolosha made his debut Saturday in a loss at Golden State before even going through a practice. He went scoreless and picked up five fouls in 18 minutes.
"I guess he was letting us know that his five fouls the other night wasn't a fluke," said Rose, who was in uniform but didn't play against Golden State.
The Thunder envision Sefolosha improving their perimeter defense, and his arrival couldn't come at a better time. Oklahoma City gave up 273 points in losses to the Warriors and Suns on their recent western swing.
"He's a defender. We like what he's going to bring to our team," Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. "He's a long, athletic wing player that thinks defense, and we need that. We're looking forward to him getting acclimated as quickly as possible."
Sefolosha immediately found himself getting important minutes in his Oklahoma City debut, and hopes he can show he's deserving of a bigger role with the Thunder.
"It's my first time getting traded and everything, but it feels pretty good to be here," Sefolosha said. "I wasn't getting a lot of playing time in Chicago, so hopefully here I can improve and get on the floor a little more."
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