Russel Westbrook Restores Hope In Oklahoma City
Start writing a post
Sports

Russel Westbrook Restores Hope In Oklahoma City

Who would have thought Russel Westbrook would dethrone Kevin Durant as the most loved player in Oklahoma City?

9
Russel Westbrook Restores Hope In Oklahoma City
usatoday.com

After the dust had finally settled following Kevin Durant’s free agency decision, there was still a lot of concern over what was going to happen next. The Oklahoma City Thunder had just lost one superstar player, and they were one year away from possibly losing another. All eyes turned to the highly explosive Russel Westbrook. With his free agency only one year away, fans were preparing for the worst. To make matters worse, the Thunder had considered trying to trade him sometime this season so at least they would get something in return when he left. Needless to say, there wasn’t a lot of hope that Westbrook would stick around. Then all of a sudden, the most unlikely thing happened.

Westbrook signed a three-year extension to stay with the Thunder. And just like that, Russel Westbrook went from being the sidekick to the hero all in about a week. People are praising Westbrook for his loyalty at a level that is almost ridiculous. However, if you look at the recent past of sports teams, a player that stays with his team like that is almost unheard of. It was becoming the norm that players would leave behind their legacy for bigger and better things, and would only stay if they had recruited someone like LeBron James or Chris Bosh to come play with them.

So in a sense Westbrook is a strange case in this era of sports, and it is very refreshing to finally see a world class athlete pay back the fans by staying with them rather than ditching them for a ring. I can only hope that the gesture was a genuine one. As much as I’m sure it is because I believe Westbrook to be a genuine kind of person, I hope he didn’t feel obligated to do it since Durant left.

One thing is for sure though, we are going to see a Westbrook that we only got a glimpse of a few years ago. The Westbrook that is the lone superstar on the team. We are about to see the triple-double machine at work. This man carried the Thunder two seasons ago when Durant was out with an injury. Even without Durant, they managed to finish one game out of the playoffs. But that was two years ago. A lot has changed since then. Steven Adams has emerged into one of the best centers in the league, and though they lost Durant, they did pick up Victor Oladipo who is a good player in his own right. I believe that the Thunder will be back in the playoffs this year despite the loss of Durant, and when they do get back there, I can only hope they play the Golden State Warriors for what would almost certainly be one of the most intense playoff series I will ever watch.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

39406
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

23943
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950050
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

128768
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments