Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook — page 1
INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant turned the Oklahoma City Thunder into a powerhouse in the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association NBA The franchise which moved from Seattle to Oklahoma City shortly after Durant and Westbrook joined the team in 2008 quickly took root in its new home Together Westbrook and Durant helped the Thunder reach the playoffs six times including a trip to the NBA Finals in 2012 But after the Thunder blew a 3 1 lead to the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 Western Conference Finals Durant faced free agency and a chance for a fresh start Rather than stay in Oklahoma City with his friend he joined the team that beat them the Golden State Warriors It was a landscape altering decision for Durant and one that shocked Oklahoma City It also shocked Westbrook who would soon face his own free agency decision in 2018 Many thought that Westbrook’s best chance of something great had just walked out the door The two had been both teammates and friends When Durant won league Most Valuable Player MVP honors in May 2014 he expressed his gratitude to Russ at length with a heartfelt speech in which he famously thanked just about everyone in his life I know you guys think I forgot Russ But I could speak all night about Russell An emotional guy who will run through a wall for me I don’t take it for granted A lot of people put unfair criticism on you as a player and I’m the first to have your back man through it all Just stay the person you are 4