NBA Rumors 2014: Thabo Sefolosha uncertain about future with Oklahoma City Thunder
By Chris Walder
A benching in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals by head coach Scott Brooks may be the final nail in the coffin of Thabo Sefolosha’s tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Brooks elected to go with backup guard Reggie Jackson in his starting lineup over Sefolosha after he failed to register a point on 0-of-5 shooting in a 112-77 Game 2 loss against the San Antonio Spurs.
During his final media conference of the season, Sefolosha let it be known that he was frustrated with his benching and wasn’t at all sure if he’d be back in a Thunder uniform next season, via Royce Young of ESPN.com.
Thabo on being benched against the Spurs: "It was very frustrating. Very frustrating."
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) June 1, 2014
Thabo on if he expects to be back next season: "I have no clue."
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) June 1, 2014
Sefolosha will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason and can sign with any team he so chooses. Playing time and an opportunity to win the first championship of his career will all play a role in his final decision.
Thabo on valuing playing time in free agency: "I like winning. I want to be in a good place with a chance to win something."
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) June 1, 2014
Thabo on free agency: "It's different. I don't know exactly how it's going to go."
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) June 1, 2014
The 30-year-old swingman out of Switzerland averaged 6.3 points and 3.6 rebounds during the regular season. Those numbers fell to 3.7 points and 2.1 rebounds during the Thunder’s playoff run.
With Brooks considering making Jackson a full-time starter next season, perhaps Sefolosha would be better off signing with another contender.