Northwest Notes: Millsap, Summer League, Thunder

Nuggets forward Paul Millsap is exploring alternatives to wrist surgery that would keep him out of action for about three months, according to Gina Mizell of The Denver Post. The four-time All-Star, who came to Denver this summer on a three-year contract worth more than $90MM, has been diagnosed with a torn ligament in his left wrist.

Coach Mike Malone said today that Millsap is “going to talk to some other doctors, get some other opinions before we make a decision on what the best course of action is.” However, he added that the team is preparing for a long stretch without its second-leading scorer. Millsap is averaging 15.3 points and 6.2 rebounds in 16 games.

There’s more from the Northwest Division:

  • In the wake of the Magic’s decision to cancel the Orlando Summer League for next year, Jazz officials plan to continue the competition in Utah, tweets Ben Dowsett of Basketball Insiders. Next year will mark the fourth season for the event, which is much smaller than the leagues in Las Vegas and Orlando. The Jazz were joined this year by the Celtics, Sixers and Spurs.
  • The Thunder’s star players are remaining calm despite their slow start, relays Sam Amick of USA Today. Oklahoma City was expected to be among the elite teams in the West after a pair of offseason trades united Paul George and Carmelo Anthony with Russell Westbrook, but OKC remains under .500. “I think they all understand that they can’t do it by themselves, and I think they all realize that from the situations they’re coming from, that now, ‘How do we figure out how to do it together?’” said coach Billy Donovan. “In order to compete at the highest level, you’ve got to have several really good players on your team. And there may be some truth to that, but I think people think that all of a sudden you take a collection of talent and just throw it together [and it works].”
  • The offseason moves have solidified the faith that Westbrook has in the organization, relays Royce Young of ESPN. Westbrook, who added stability to the Thunder by agreeing to extensions the past two summers, is a huge proponent of GM Sam Presti. “He’s done an amazing job. He’s done a great job ever since I’ve been here,” Westbrook said. “He’s finding ways to constantly keep making us a better team. … You definitely are very, very thankful to have somebody like that in charge of making those decisions.”
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