NBA players inspired by Wayman Tisdale’s courage

/> Tisdale and Finley were Phoenix Suns teammates during Finley’s rookie season, 1995-96.

"When I came in as a big-eyed rookie, not knowing anything, Wayman was one of the veterans who took me under his wing,” Finley said. "Taught me how to be a professional.

"He’ll always be a part of my life.”

The Thunder’s Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Kyle Weaver — all in their first or second year in the league — also came over to Tisdale at halftime.

"You’d think I just left the league,” Tisdale said. "But it’s a fraternity. Once you’re here, you’re always a part of it.”

Tisdale visited the Thunder locker room after the game.

"He came in and told us that things will turn around for us, that we’re young and have a great team, that things are promising for us,” Green said. "It was a big boost for us, for our confidence and spirits. To know a guy like Wayman supports us and he backs us 110 percent makes us feel great.”