Noel Tweaks Ankle, Bazley Gets Time at Center
Friday Thunder Forward/Center Mike Muscala said Nerlens Noel had been setting out during practice. Saturday head coach Billy Donovan confirmed that Noel is suffering from an ankle injury.
"He tweaked his ankle he's been able to jog through some non-contact stuff, but we've been really over precautious with him when we've done anything live five on five, four on four three on three just to make sure we get him to a good place health-wise."..."Probably expect him to be back if not tomorrow (Sunday) then maybe Monday but we're certainly not gonna rush him we're gonna allow him to take the time necessary to heal."
Noel's absence is giving Donovan a chance to shake things up a bit, putting rookie Darius Bazley at the five when Muscala needs a break.
"I feel comfortable with him doing some of that stuff."..."I think the one thing that's hard for a guy like Darius when you're going from the power forward spot to the center spot as a young player having to really understand two different positions completely and totally different."
"We keep it somewhat simple for him on offense."..."I think if we got into a lot of play-calling, he'd need a lot of review."..."It's certainly not his fault that he doesn't know that position he's never played it, so we've kind of given Mike (Muscala) a blow and put Darius there while he's been out there he's done a really good job."
Bazley spent a good portion of his time off hitting the weights, and his new physique has Muscala excited to see his growth.
"He's been giving me a little bit of a breather with Steve-O (Adams) I think he's banging in there better with him than I am, so it's cool to see that."..."He works hard, so I'm happy for him."... I'm excited to watch him as we get back playing."
The Thunder's depth at center will keep Bazley at power forward for the rest of this season, but Donovan understands the 20-year-old's potential.
"If he puts on size and puts on strength and continues to get better physically, then I think that he could be a guy that could be so unique that I think he could play the small forward, power forward and if you went to a small lineup play at the center spot."
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With more than 20 years of experience hosting local and national radio shows, Erik Gee is a fixture of Oklahoma sports media. He has covered the Oklahoma City Thunder for the past six seasons. He is also the co-host of the Pat Jones show on 97.1 The Sports Animal in Tulsa.
