During an interview, after signing an extension with the Oklahoma Thunder, Russell Westbrook made statements in regards to his loyalty to the team that he has grew. With rumors luring, Westbrook has made his decision clear on where he wanted and will be over the next seasons. This came after his former teammate, Kevin Durant, surprising opted out of returning to OKC to join the Golden State Warriors. The Warrior remains to be one of, if not, the most dominant team in the Western Conference and with Durant joining them competition is looking slim. The icon, Michael Jordan, has not only made Westbrook a part of his brand, but has compared Westbrook's aggressive, or ruthless, nature to his own 30 years ago. Westbrook might have lost his partner in victory, but he is obviously still destined for greatness.
As a duo, Durant and Westbrook have been pretty dominant for the most part, which is probably why some people tremendously disagree with Durant’s move. His move has even been titled the “Weakest Move by a Superstar”. Before his press conference, some teammates like Cameron Payne were not told directly of his decision but found out through social media. Durant said he had talked with Westbrook said “I’m sure he wasn’t happy about the decision, but he respected it as [his] friend”, but Westbrook claim he was not informed. Durant missed the playoffs the year the Warriors won the championship due to injury, this previous year could not help prevent a comeback after having a 3-1 series advantage against the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals, but now he’s all in with Golden State. Some say he’s taking a bandwagon approach, but others remain to say that basketball is still basketball at the end of the day. One thing is for sure now though, and that is that the outcome of the Thunder’s season is going to be what Westbrook makes of it.
General Manager, Sam Presti, was asked about his feelings when Westbrook questions “what’s next”. He replied that “[Russell] doesn’t look back, he’s always looking forward”, along with compliments towards his confidence. He concluded his questioning with mentioning how Westbrook did what he wanted and mentioned how after having conversations with Westbrook he’s never walked out and had the thought of not knowing where he stands nor thinks.
When asked how he will feel once stepping on the court against the Golden State Warriors, Westbrook replied “No game is no bigger, no less, no player, no place”. Durant is currently playing for the Team USA in the Olympics and chemistry may seem to come easy while playing alongside his new Golden State new teammates Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. Durant received a warm welcoming from not only Golden State fans, but also Golden State’s point guard, Stephen Curry, while playing against China in the Los Angeles Staples Center for the first time since joining. In many games Westbrook’s true competitor instincts have shown, and once he and the Oklahoma City Thunder face off against the Warriors for the first time the world will find out who will get their message across first.
