PLAYER NEWS: --C Etan Thomas said his surgically repaired knee is 100 percent heading into the season. The burly backup center is expected to add a physical presence that's been lacking on the front line. "Etan brings toughness, experience, a veteran guy who blocks shots who has been in playoff games," Scott Brooks said. "He's a strong kid, a good interior defender."
--Ryan Bowen has been added to the training camp roster. The 31-year-old veteran owns career averages of 2.6 points, 2.1 rebounds and 12.8 minutes in 506 games with Denver, Houston and New Orleans.
--Michael Ruffin has been added to the camp roster. The 32-year-old has seen action in 414 career games with Chicago, Philadelphia, Utah, Washington, Milwaukee and Portland averaging 1.7 points and 3.9 rebounds in 14.4 minutes per game.
MEDICAL WATCH:
--G James Harden (left ankle sprain) was hurt on the team's second day of practice. The extent of the injury hasn't been determined.
DRAFT PICKS:
James Harden, G, 6-5, Arizona State (first round) -- Expected to challenge for a starting spot as a rookie. Physical with high basketball I.Q. Can score, get to the rim and defend.
B.J. Mullens, C, 7-1, Ohio State (first round) -- A definite project who started only two games during his freshman and only season in college. Good hands and athletic.
Robert Vaden, G, 6-5, Alabama-Birmingham (second round) -- Averaged 17.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists as a senior. Fastest player in UAB history to reach the 1,000-point scoring plateau.
