Unlike some, I haven’t been sweating this all that much since I heard the interview with Russell’s college coach Ben Howland back in June. He called it way back in June when he did an interview on the Sports Animal. There was a certainty in his voice as he talked glowingly of Russell’s loyalty to those in his inner circle. Howland not only said Westbrook would sign the contract, but would probably play his entire career in Oklahoma City. His tone calmed me, so unlike some, this isn’t really a shock to me.
Russell signed a five year deal today worth $205 million, couple that with the $28 million and change he’s making this year — and that’s $233 million in the next six years.
So here I am as a fan having Russell Westbrook signed on my favorite NBA team and Aaron Rodgers signed on my favorite NFL team. Probably the two most galvanizing athletes in their respective sports playing in small market Oklahoma City and Green Bay. Life is good.
Sam Presti is Russell Westbrook’s man and vice versa. Presti has not only proved he’s a draft day savant, but has now proved he can attract other NBA stars to hook up with Russell in the coming years via free agency and uber creative trades.
Think about this for instance–last summer Presti traded Ibaka for Oladipo, Sabonis, and Ilyasova. Presti then turned Ilyasova for Jerami Grant, then this spring turned Oladipo and Sabonis for Paul George. Really? Anybody seen the Lakers do anything like that in the last eight years or so?
I’m happy. The city I live in needed this. Durant’s departure was like no other gut punch in Oklahoma City history since the Murrah Building bombing. There was a gloom overhanging the city after Durant’s slithering departure. Most thought Westbrook would be California bound and kept their hearts tethered, but here’s the thing, Russell Westbrook is his own man and did in his heart what Ben Howland told us he would do. Like when he stayed at UCLA without a scholarship and waited for a spot to open.
Ben Howland knew and so did Sam Presti.
Ben Howland now coaches Mississippi State. Kevin Love plays with LeBron. I have no idea what roster Brandon Jenning is on currently…it might be Phoenix.
Russell Westbrook is now the highest paid player in the NBA.
Pretty good day for a a skinny kid from LA who most said would never turn into an NBA point guard. Pretty good day, and the fact he did it on Cupcake’s birthday is just so Russell.