You won’t get any of this from the OKC media except maybe from Jim Traber on WWLS when he’s ranting about the roster. None of the print guys would ever write anything like this because Clay Bennett is one of the most powerful men in the state. I’ve never read anything even remotely close to this from Berry Tramel or say Royce Young on the ESPN beat coverage. But pretty much everything said here on this First Take segment by Steven A and Max is correct.
Basically, OKC at one point had Durant, Westbrook, Harden, Ibaka, and Reggie Jackson on the same roster at very young ages. The notion that only one remains can’t be ignored. If you’ve been watching the playoffs, Durant, Harden, and Ibaka have all advanced to the second round. Scott Brooks is one win away from advancing to the second round as well. So…let’s keep all that in mind.
Myself, I believe Westbrook does actually like it here. Oklahoma is a tough ass place to live for tough minded people. Westbrook fits the mold and I believe he does actually genuinely appreciate the fan’s love for him here. But at some point, he’s going to look around the NBA landscape and say, “Why doesn’t my owner put some players around me other than guys on rookie scale deals?”
The roster as it is now in no way give Westbrook a chance to compete for an NBA championship next season. None.
The first thing I’m watching is Taj Gibson. Does he even seriously consider staying here or go back to Chicago or some place else? I’m fairly certain Russell and his agent will be watching that at well.
Does OKC even entertain the notion of trading Kanter for an honest two way player who can help against the Warriors and Rockets?
Does maybe OKC actually spend a few dollars and acquire a quality backup point guard? You’ll notice if you’re paying attention, the top four contenders this season all have quality backup point guards. Golden State has Livingstone. San Antonio has Patty Mills. Houston has Lou Williams. Lebron has Deron Williams. Russell Westbrook had Billy Donovan playing Semaj Christon the first two games of the Houston series at backup pointy guard.
So while I thought it was nice Russell said he wants to stay here in his exit interview, always remember one thing–the NBA is an agent driven league and I’m fairly certain Russell Westbrook’s agent and his client are going to be keeping a very keen eye on what the Thunder’s roster looks like as camp opens next season.
Sam Presti and Clay Bennett need to decide if they just want to field a team which can sell tickets in a college market with a college level media covering a developmental team or a team which can genuinely compete for an NBA title or at the least a divisional championship. Because right now–I have the Utah Jazz firmly circled in red to repeat as Northwest Divisional champions next season.