Report: Royal Ivey to join Thunder's staff as player development assistant

Royal Ivey, a former member of the Oklahoma City Thunder who Kevin Durant once referred to as his best friend in the league, will return to the sidelines in a new role for the franchise.

The 33-year-old will join the Thunder's coaching staff as a player development assistant, according to the Oklahoman's Anthony Slater.

Ivey spent last season as an assistant coach for the Oklahoma City Blue of the NBA D-League. The Blue finished the year with a 28-22 record.

Drafted with the 37th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, Ivey spent 10 seasons in the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Thunder.