Tulsa Report: Thunder Assigns Weaver, Mullens to 66ers; Team Opens Exhibition Season in OKC
Nov 21 2009 8:12PM
The Tulsa 66ers share the same philosophy, goals and even playbook as the Oklahoma City Thunder.
On Saturday, they shared the same building, and now some of the same players.
The 66ers held their preseason opener against the Iowa Energy at the Integris Health Thunder Training Center in what was another step toward developing more synergy between the Thunder and its NBA D-League affiliate. The Thunder also announced on Saturday that it has assigned guard Kyle Weaver and rookie center Byron Mullens to Tulsa.
The 66ers traveled deep with a contingent that included their video coordinator, public relations department and executive team. The Thunder was also well represented, as members of the basketball operations staff, as well as business operations, were on hand to support the 66ers while the Thunder was en route to Los Angeles.
After the 66ers fell to Iowa, 99-89, the Tulsa players stayed behind to get up extra shots, run drills and use the workout equipment.
“I thought it was good,” 66ers head coach Nate Tibbetts said of playing in Oklahoma City. “I think it’s good any time our guys can come to Oklahoma City and be around the Thunder. I thought it went pretty smooth.”
Weaver and Mullens, who did not travel with the Thunder, were also present, and spent time conversing with some of their new teammates after the game. After spending a majority of the summer with the Thunder at both summer leagues and the team’s training facility, Tibbetts anticipates it to be a smooth transition for both Weaver and Mullens to Tulsa.
“I think (the Thunder) are really sending these guys to help them, to get playing time,” Tibbetts said. “They’ve worked extremely hard to get better and now they want to be able to show it on the court.”
Thunder head coach Scott Brooks likes that he has a D-League affiliate in close proximity. He had Tibbetts sit on the bench and assist the coaching staff during Friday’s win over the Washington Wizards, and Tibbetts even helped with Saturday’s practice before prepping for the 66ers’ preseason game.
Brooks called Tibbetts a good communicator with a keen knowledge of the game and a feel for his team.
“I think it’s important that we have a connection and we’re doing things alike now,” Brooks said. “He has to coach the team through his personality.”
Latavious Williams, the first player to jump straight from high school to the NBA D-League, said he had a lot to learn following his pro debut on Saturday. Williams finished with 17 points and eight rebounds in a starting role.
Williams said the 66ers coaching staff has stressed running the floor and playing defense. Williams, 18, is a self-described hustle player.
“I think I played good,” he said. “I have a lot more stuff to learn. I’ve got to get better at a lot more things, work on defense and just go back into practice Monday ready to practice.”
Said Tibbetts: “He was active. He’s still learning how to play hard. He’s still making the transition from high school to professional basketball, so there’s going to be a learning curve, there’s going to be good days and bad. But he’s a great kid and works extremely hard.”
The 66ers had six players score in double figures, led by Williams’ 17 and second-round draft pick Mustafa Shakur’s 14. The Energy won the battle on the boards, 47-35, and had 16 second-chance points.
“I was proud of the way our guys battled,” Tibbetts said. “We had injuries through camp. Inside we were kind of out-manned, but our guys collectively all five really worked.”
Contact Chris Silva
On Saturday, they shared the same building, and now some of the same players.
The 66ers held their preseason opener against the Iowa Energy at the Integris Health Thunder Training Center in what was another step toward developing more synergy between the Thunder and its NBA D-League affiliate. The Thunder also announced on Saturday that it has assigned guard Kyle Weaver and rookie center Byron Mullens to Tulsa.
The 66ers traveled deep with a contingent that included their video coordinator, public relations department and executive team. The Thunder was also well represented, as members of the basketball operations staff, as well as business operations, were on hand to support the 66ers while the Thunder was en route to Los Angeles.
After the 66ers fell to Iowa, 99-89, the Tulsa players stayed behind to get up extra shots, run drills and use the workout equipment.
“I thought it was good,” 66ers head coach Nate Tibbetts said of playing in Oklahoma City. “I think it’s good any time our guys can come to Oklahoma City and be around the Thunder. I thought it went pretty smooth.”
Weaver and Mullens, who did not travel with the Thunder, were also present, and spent time conversing with some of their new teammates after the game. After spending a majority of the summer with the Thunder at both summer leagues and the team’s training facility, Tibbetts anticipates it to be a smooth transition for both Weaver and Mullens to Tulsa.
“I think (the Thunder) are really sending these guys to help them, to get playing time,” Tibbetts said. “They’ve worked extremely hard to get better and now they want to be able to show it on the court.”
Thunder head coach Scott Brooks likes that he has a D-League affiliate in close proximity. He had Tibbetts sit on the bench and assist the coaching staff during Friday’s win over the Washington Wizards, and Tibbetts even helped with Saturday’s practice before prepping for the 66ers’ preseason game.
Brooks called Tibbetts a good communicator with a keen knowledge of the game and a feel for his team.
“I think it’s important that we have a connection and we’re doing things alike now,” Brooks said. “He has to coach the team through his personality.”
Williams said the 66ers coaching staff has stressed running the floor and playing defense. Williams, 18, is a self-described hustle player.
“I think I played good,” he said. “I have a lot more stuff to learn. I’ve got to get better at a lot more things, work on defense and just go back into practice Monday ready to practice.”
Said Tibbetts: “He was active. He’s still learning how to play hard. He’s still making the transition from high school to professional basketball, so there’s going to be a learning curve, there’s going to be good days and bad. But he’s a great kid and works extremely hard.”
“I was proud of the way our guys battled,” Tibbetts said. “We had injuries through camp. Inside we were kind of out-manned, but our guys collectively all five really worked.”
Contact Chris Silva
