Thunder waives Davis to make room for Grantham
The Thunder will sign OKC Blue forward Donte Grantham to a two-way contract, The Oklahoman confirmed Thursday, after opening a two-way roster spot by waiving center Tyler Davis.
The Thunder announced that it had waived Davis on Thursday afternoon. The news of Grantham's promotion was first reported by The Athletic.
Grantham's college career ended with a right ACL tear in January, cutting short his senior season. Since returning from injury, the power forward is averaging 10.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists in nine games with the Thunder's G League affiliate.
Grantham, who has shot 41.5 percent from 3-point range this season, gives the Thunder another stretch four option.
The Thunder’s other power forwards behind starter Jerami Grant include Patrick Patterson and Abdel Nader. Patterson has been in a slump for much of the season, shooting 32.8 percent from the floor and 29.8 percent from beyond the arc. Nader has made 15 appearances for the Thunder, averaging 3.5 minutes per game.
With the roles of starting and backup center filled by Steven Adams and Nerlens Noel, respectively, Davis appeared for just under a minute in one game with the Thunder this season. In 15 games with the Blue he averaged 17.2 points, 11.6 rebounds and 1.9 blocks.
Westbrook maintains his league-leading steals
Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook has recorded four or more steals in six of his past eight games. He leads the league with 2.7 per game. Paul George sits at No. 2 with 2.2 per game.
“In the years past I would say I would gamble a lot more, and I would get steals here and there,” Westbrook said. “But now, I’m more in the right spot, using my hands, just being in the place I need to be defensively and to be able to help my teammates. By doing that, it’s allowing me to get my hands on the basketball, get deflections, get out in the passing lane."
Abrines misses practice
Thunder guard Alex Abrines (illness) did not practice Thursday, according to OKC coach
Billy Donovan. Abrines missed the Thunder’s 113-109 loss at Houston Tuesday with a stomach bug. He will be reevaluated to determine his availability Friday when the Thunder takes on the Suns in Phoenix.
Abrines has also missed time this season for another viral illness and an eye injury. He dealt with back spasms during preseason. He is averaging 5.6 points in 29 games this season.