INSIDE: THUNDER’S NOVAK, AUGUSTIN FACE SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES AT TRADE DEADLINE,
When the Thunder returns to the court Friday against Indiana, coach Billy Donovan will be without both of his lead assistants.
The team announced Wednesday that assistant coach Maurice Cheeks underwent successful hip surgery and will return to the Thunder bench in approximately six weeks. Cheeks will be back in a week for practices and meetings.
The Thunder was already set to start the post-All-Star break slate without Monty Williams, who is on indefinite leave following the death of his wife, Ingrid Williams, who died last week from injuries suffered in a Feb. 9 car crash.
Oklahoma City Blue head coach Mark Daigneault will join the Thunder staff for the remainder of the season. Blue assistant coach Jarell Christian will head the D-League team for the remainder of the season.
“I totally trust them and I’ve got a lot of confidence in them,” Donovan said.
WILLIAMS MEMORIAL OPEN TO PUBLIC
The memorial service for Ingrid Williams will be open to the public Thursday at 2 p.m. at Crossings Community Church (14600 Portland Ave, Oklahoma City).
Since Ingrid Williams’ death, support has poured in nationwide for the Williams family. Numerous NBA coaches and players are expected to attend Thursday’s service.
The Williams family has asked that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to FaithWorks of the Inner City via www.faithworksokc.com or by calling (405) 601-7600.
ROBERSON STILL ‘NO CONTACT’
Shooting guard Andre Roberson is still not practicing with the team following a right knee sprain he suffered before the All-Star break.
Donovan said Roberson hasn’t been cleared, but has been going through non-contract drills. Roberson sprained his knee Jan. 26 against the New York Knicks in a collision with Russell Westbrook, and was projected to miss at least three weeks.
Roberson was seen after practice Wednesday wearing a black brace on his right knee while doing some light running and shooting jumpers.
“He’s progressing,” Donovan said. “How far he is from playing I’m not really sure, but I know he’s getting a lot better and they keep adding more and more things for him to do.”
DURANT MISSES EXCLUSIVE KOBE DINNER
Before taking his All-Star game bow in his final NBA season, Kobe Bryant was the guest of honor at an inviteonly dinner in the early hours Sunday morning in Toronto.
Kevin Durant, he of the 2013-14 MVP award and four scoring titles, wasn’t there. He claimed Thursday he wasn’t at the super-exclusive “Gentleman’s Supper Club” dinner coordinated by Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade.
“No I didn’t go, where was it?,” Durant said when asked about the dinner. “I’m not a part of that club ... just yet. I’ve gotta work my way up to that.”
Durant and Bryant had their own one-on-one dinner at Broadway 10 in Oklahoma City when the Lakers came to town in December.