--Thunder guard Desmond Mason underwent successful surgery Friday to remove debris from his right knee caused by a hyperextension. He suffered the injury in the third quarter Wednesday against Memphis.
"We are disappointed to lose Desmond for the remainder of the season," general manager Sam Presti said. "He is a valuable part of our efforts on and off the court. We will support Desmond and work with him throughout the rehabilitation process. Unfortunately, the timing of the injury does not allow Desmond to return this season." The Oklahoma State product appeared in 39 games (19 starts), averaging 7.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 27.3 minutes per contest.
--The Thunder announced a partnership with Oklahoma City's Parks & Recreation Department to sponsor the city's annual youth basketball league. The league is being renamed the Heart of a Champion Thunder Youth Basketball League.
It will consist of more than 650 boys and girls from the ages of 5-11, which includes 60 teams. The Thunder will provide each of the players in the league with a reversible jersey, gym bag, water bottle and vouchers to attend Thunder games in March and April.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "This is big. I hate it had to go down this way." -- Rookie guard Kyle Weaver, on making his first career start in the place of Desmond Mason, who's lost for the season.
