Thunder guard Russell Westbrook will be available for tonight’s Game 5 after being fined but not suspended for going onto the court during an altercation, writes Erik Horne of The Oklahoman. The league levied a $10K fine against Westbrook, who became involved in a fourth quarter shoving match during Game 4. Players are typically suspended for leaving the bench area during a fight, but Westbrook was given a break because he was about to check into the game when it happened.
“I was at the scorer’s table waiting,” he said. “The foul went, the horn blew. So, I walked on the court. I was already in the game. Once I was in the game, they told me to wait because they told me I was going to review it or whatever. Once they did that, then obviously the altercation happened so I was already on the floor.”
There’s more from the Northwest Division:
- Paul George‘s upcoming free agency becomes more interesting with every Thunder loss, notes Andrew Sharp of Sports Illustrated. George said earlier this season that he wouldn’t make a decision based on the playoffs, but obviously a first-round exit won’t help Oklahoma City’s chances of keeping him. Sharp acknowledges George’s talent, but questions whether he can be a team leader and speculates that things may not turn out well for the Lakers if they sign him but not LeBron James.
- It’s conceivable that Jimmy Butler could wind up back in Chicago after next season, according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. The Timberwolves traded for Butler last summer to bring a veteran presence to the organization, but he can opt out of a $19.8MM salary next summer and may be tempted to leave if Minnesota can’t make an impact in the playoffs. Bulls president Michael Reinsdorf remains a huge fan of Butler and would be interested in a reunion. “I loved the city of Chicago, and I love the Reinsdorfs,’’ Butler said. “I’m forever grateful for them in taking a chance on me, allowing me to become the player that I am today. It’s still incredible to me that I got to hoop in a Bulls jersey. I got to play in the house that [Michael] Jordan built, that [Scottie] Pippen played, all that stuff. That’s because of the Reinsdorfs. If the time comes where I say, ‘You know what, I do want to end this thing in a Bulls jersey,’ I think that would be amazing. But it’s all about being wanted and winning.’’
- The Trail Blazers posted all their exit interviews on the team website after a surprising first-round sweep by New Orleans.
Butler will go back to the Bulls because the Wolves won’t be winning anything the next 2 years. Westbrook and Melo will be better off without George, getting Roberson back keeps OKC as a contender. With George gone Melo can get his touches back and so can Westbrook.
“Melo can get his touches back.” You are such a meme.
And you don’t think butler will go to Charlotte to play with MONK and WALKER?!?. But Charlotte is so talented
id rather play w. KAT and wiggins..
Yet when Stat and Boris Diaw looked at Robert Horry the wrong way they get suspended for the biggest game in Suns playoff history. FML.. Ready for that 4th pick in the lottery now!!!
Lol Russ lying his ass off
Please don’t bring Butler back. The kid has too much of an ego, and is all ISO ball. He’s a very good player, but he is insanely overrated. He isn’t a team leader, and you’re never going to win anything with the team on his back. We’ve already been down this road. Move forward, PLEASE.
The only valid point you made is the iso ball. Our offense is very predictable and stagnant but he is a team leader and he can carry a team. He just needs health and more help around him and possibly take a step down from trying to be the #1 scoring option.