Nick Collison signs contract extension with Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder announced on Tuesday 23 November that Nick Collison signed a four-year contract extension, keeping the veteran big man with the team in the near future.
Thunder general manager Sam Presti confirmed the deal and said that the 30-year-old forward deserved the extension after his seven years of hard work with the team and his willingness to
adjust on whatever role he’s given, especially during their re-building years.
“Nick Collison has shown an unwavering commitment to our organization through his willingness to accept various roles and his dedication to his teammates throughout his seven-year career
with our franchise,” Presti said in the team’s official statement. “He brings a smart, physical, and hardworking approach to our defense and is one of our most active players in the community. We are thrilled that Nick will remain a core member of our team
and continue his career with the franchise that drafted him.”
Collison, who has career-averages of 7.7 points and 6.6 rebounds per game for the Thunder, was thrilled with the new opportunity that the Thunder gave and he is glad that the team recognized
his dedication and hard work for the past seven years.
“People have been great to me,” said Collison. “We’ve got a good group of guys that came together last year, and that’s what I want to be a part of. I have a role here and they appreciate
what I do. I didn’t see a reason to try to go anywhere else.”
Thunder scoring-leader Kevin Durant, on the other hand, said that he was not surprised when he heard that Collison signed an extension because he knows that the Thunder could not afford to
let the former Kansas standout go. Durant, who is leading the league in scoring with his 28 points per game, said that Collison’s contribution to the team is invaluable.
“He’s our leader,” said Durant on Collison, who is averaging 4.5 points and four rebounds per game this season. “A lot of people put that on me and Russell but Nick’s our leader. He talks
up during huddles, in practice, right before the games he makes sure we are ready to play. I’m happy I’m leaning on a veteran like him.”
Collison and the Thunder (10-4) will try to improve their record when they host the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday 24 November.
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