Without Nick Collison, Thunder basketball wouldn’t feel right for me. Sam Presti made some great moves this summer and made another one this week when he signed Nick Collison to come back for another year. Granted, Nick only played in twenty games last season and only averaged 6.4 minutes a game, but what Nick brings for me at least is knowing the Thunder’s fifth big is one of the smartest, toughest basketball players I’ve ever seen. Plus, he’s one of the best passers I’ve ever seen in a big player. He knows the game.
To me, Nick Collison is Thunder basketball. Period.
With Steven, Patrick, Enes, and Jerami in front of him–minutes will be tough to come by for Nick, but what a nice luxury it is for Billy Donovan to have a guy like Nick Collison there for him when the need arises.
Collison has always been my favorite Thunder player both on and off the court. His volunteer work with kids at the Children’s Hospital is notorious. His interviews are more like coaching primers than player-speak. I’m fully hoping Nick Collison stays with the Thunder organization after his playing days are over.
But I agree with Nick. I think he still has something left in the tank for a role which doesn’t demand wear on his body every game.
Pretty close to a perfect summer for Sam Presti.
Great news! Nick Collison brings such stability. and maturity to the ‘Young man’s’ game. Bravo!