Author: Mike

Before we got a team in Oklahoma, the Philly Sixers were easily my favorite NBA team. I was never a Celtics or Lakers fan per se. I watched all their games, but the Sixers had my heart. It started with Hal Greer and Billy Cunningham, then made a turn through the Dr. J era, Charles Barkley, and then Allen Iverson. Some truly great players made their careers in Philly.

So as a Philly fan who’s now a passionate Thunder fan/blogger, I was thinking how fortunate I’ve been to watch some truly great point guards–and don’t forget those two years New Orleans played here in OKC, I got to see Chris Paul win Rookie of the Year and evolve as one of the best point guards in the league.

My favorite NBA team of all-time is the 1983 Sixers team who swept the Lakers in four games to win the NBA Championship. My second favorite team is the 2012 OKC Thunder who lost in five games to LeBron in Miami. My third favorite team is the 1977 Portland Trail Blazers who actually beat my Sixers in six games. That Portland team was perhaps the best passing team I’ve ever seen and coached by Jack Ramsey, who was at one time the Philly head coach. Small world.

So now everyone is saying Westbrook is just a heavier version of Allen Iverson. I don’t think so. There are parts of Iverson in Westbrook’s game, but there are parts of Mo Cheeks and probably Russell’s father inside of Westbrook’s game as well.

Westbrook is completely adaptable to the talent around him. Lest Cupcake and his brother Tony forget–Le Cupcake won four scoring titles in OKC, had that rare gem 40-50-90 season, won an MVP, made it to four conference finals and one NBA finals. What I’m saying is Westbrook held his game back to facilitate Durant. If Durant, his handlers, and brother Tony want to rewrite history that’s their call. As someone who watched all of this–I’d put more of OKC’s inability to get over the top on OKC’s starting shooting guards during the Durant Era, and btw even though I think Andre Roberson is a great kid this still concerns me. Golden State has Klay Thompson, the Thunder have a shooting guard who can’t make free throws. Do the math in a best of seven series, do the math.

If I’m Billy Donovan here’s what I say to Russ, play like Mo Cheeks did in ’83 and see where that takes you. The way Mo Cheeks played the point guard position in ’83 was something to behold. The ball moved exactly where it needed to be and was there when it needed to be there. Dr. J and Moses Malone got their comfort touches, the perimeter guys got their touches, and when needed Cheeks got his points. It was beautiful to watch. I’m hopeful this is the template the Thunder follows this season.

Except for last season, I’ve never thought Westbrook was a ball hog. His usage was high, but for the most part, except for last season when he was surrounded by primarily rookie scale players—the ball has gotten where it needs to be gotten. Did you really want the ball in someone’s else’s hands in Game 6 versus Warriors? No…we just wanted Durant and Westbrook to make the touches count. I mean would we even be having this never ending Westbrook-Cupcake yarn if OKC holds on to the lead those fateful six minutes or so in Game 6?

In closing to all the talking heads who say Westbrook is just a heavier Iverson…I’d say Westbrook is one small part Mo, Cheeks, one small part Allen Iverson, one small part Ray Westbrook, and one big part Russell Westbrook.

That’s what I’d say.

My favorite Iverson video. I love the Rocky dribbling spiel in Philly. Classic.

Tom Petty passed at the age of sixty-six. I love many of his songs. Hard to have one favorite, but here’s a couple at the top of my list. R.I.P., buddy. You’ll be missed.

I’ve come to be a fan of Cowherd. He’ll probably be the millennials Dan Patrick. Oklahoma is a good match for Russell. The state has a tremendous amount of untapped potential if only the state had a more visionary governor and an overall attitude of being a bit more progressive. Great people with a genuine goodness about them. They need leadership, just not from the American Freedom Caucus, especially on the education front. It’s all about education.

Kind of interesting when you examine my two favorite pro athletes excluding Nick Collison. Are you kidding? Until Nick hangs up the sneakers it’s him.

Russell and Aaron both hail from California. Both attended PAC 12 schools. Russ went to UCLA, Aaron eventually went to Cal-Berkley. Both struggled a bit to land DI scholarships. Both have supportive families, although Aaron did go through some bullshit with his family during the whole Olivia Munn drama, while of course–Russ has had to deal with the Cupcake saga. Both went through early periods when there was uncertainty whether they could play at the NBA and NFL levels. Both to date play in their sports smallest market. Both are very smart dudes.

And the thing is… it’s good for the NBA to have Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City, and good for the NFL to have Aaron Rodgers in storied Green Bay, Wisconsin. And it proves as an athlete you don’t have to live in New York or LA to have mega endorsements and the biggest brightest brand. You just don’t, because ultimately your body of works separates you from your peers.

So…here’s my buddy Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers.

You know, I’m a very passionate sports fan. Sports have been my refuge from reality. It’s the place I hide to escape when things get tough. The Green Bay Packers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Oklahoma Sooners are my favorite teams.

Things got tough last 4th of July when Kevin Durant left OKC to join the already champion Golden State Warriors. Fact is, if Draymond Green hadn’t gone all out stupid ass the Warriors would already be threepeat champions with two of them coming without Durant. If Durant had left to join Boston, LA, Chicago, New York or even San Antonio…I would have been okay with it. But that’s not what he did, what he did was calibrate the easiest path possible to an NBA championship. He then had the audacity to say with a straight face his decision charted him the toughest path possible to a ring. Whatever. Talk that shit to your dumbass brother Tony the ‘agent’.

I had no idea Durant was a Libra. I’m a Libra. My wife is a Libra. Most of her family are Libras and it’s an Air Force family with as much grit as you’d ever want to see. When I’m having talks with my father-in-law the guy across the table from me is a retired U.S. Air Force one star brigadier general. Thankfully—he thinks Caligula is an even bigger douchebag than I do. I have three nephews and a niece who are Libras. And here’s the thing…out of all these Libras–Kevin Durant is the weakest motherfucker in the bunch. My niece, Silvia, has some moments, but still. She’s a twelve year old girl so I’m cutting her some slack. What I’m saying is Libras are generally tough minded, fair, independent people who don’t act like the BPOAT (Biggest Pussy of All-Time).

Peyton Manning spent almost his entire pro career with the Indianapolis Colts and many of those seasons ended with the Colts losing in post season to Tom Brady and the New England Pats. Manning finally broke through, beat the Pats in an AFC Championship Game and won his Super Bowl with the Colts. Heck, he even won a second Super Bowl in Denver on his farewell tour. Dirk did something similar when he lost to the Miami Heat in 2006, but came back in 2011 and led the Dallas Mavs to their only world championship to date. Manning never hooked up with Brady and the Patriots and as we all know Dirk is still in Dallas.

So–Russell Westbrook has decided to stay and chances are he will never win an NBA Championship in Oklahoma City. But maybe, just maybe, like Dirk he’ll have that season where the stars align and he gets his ring. Odds are against it though. We live in an era of super teams with LeBron organizing in a city which fits his current needs. The Warriors are stacked. At some point a team in Los Angeles will get its shit together. It will be a narrow window for Russell Westbrook. Time will tell if he did the right thing.

But I know this for certain. Russell Westbrook in no way made a decision which will enhance his percentages in winning an NBA Championship. But he did make a decision which will endear him as the most loved Oklahoman of All-Time.

Happy birthday, Cupcake.

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.

Let me be clear, I love Steven Adams. When Nick ascends to coach status, Steven will become my favorite Thunder interview and depending on what Russell does…maybe my favorite Thunder player.

Steven has parts of Nick in him. Smart, tough, intelligent, and he’s funny. I met Steven in person this June at a 7-11 store in Nichols Hills. He was with his girlfriend and was getting gas on the other side of the pump I was using. You don’t realize how big Steven is until you’re standing next to him. I had my Thunder ball cap on and found myself gawking at Steven in awe. He looked at me with this great smile and said, “What’s up, mate?”

I said something like “Just getting some gas and a cold beer. How about you—why aren’t you in New Zealand, Australia, Tasmania or some other country Trump has insulted—it’s the off season.”

He responded,” You know, mate…it’s a bit of here and there.”

Keep in mind, I knew this would probably be my only chance to interview Steven for okcthunderground.com in the flesh. So I said,” I just want you to know how much we all enjoy having you play here in Oklahoma City.”

I meant it and he knew I did. He said, “Thanks, mate–appreciate it.”

So then I asked, “What about Russell? What do you think he’s going to do with his contract?”

“Wouldn’t know, mate. Went down that road last summer.”

I said, “Yeah, fuck Durant. I thought he was going to stay.”

“It’s the way it goes, mate. It’s a business.”

“Yeah, I guess, you want a beer?”

“No, mate. Thanks though, mate.”

So there’s my exclusive interview with Steven Adams. By my count, I was called mate seven times…which of course I loved. Little did I know at the time, Steven is fascinated by the butterfly garden at the Oklahoma City Zoo. That’s right in my wheelhouse in that I helped my wife put her butterfly garden in place out here at our place in Deer Creek. It is amazing this time of the year with all the monarchs and other species of butterflies. So…if I ever run into Steven again at that 7/11 we’re talking butterfly gardens. Enes is gone so he might need a new mate to talk to then and again. You never know.

Anyway, I expect a very good season from Steven as he starts the first year of his new contract. With the additions of PG, Melo, Patterson, and Felton–I expect there will be oceans of space and time for the pick and roll with Steven finishing at the rim. I’m thinking 12 points and 10 rebounds a game would be good goals for Steven this season. I mean, he’s only going to get so many touches, but I expect a very good season from Steven. And since Russell has his Oscar Robertson record from last season…he needs to quit mooching some of Steve’s rebounds.

So here’s Steven talking Enes Kanter and butterfly gardens.

Good Media Day presser for Russell to start the 2017 season. Obviously lots to talk about with the additions of Paul George, Carmelo Anthony, Patrick Patterson, and Raymond Felton. As I’ve watched Russell over the years, it’s taken him awhile to just kind of relax with our local media in Oklahoma City. Let’s be clear, the OKC media is for the most part a very laid back deal compared to larger markets across the league so it’s taken them awhile to go from a college based market to one that has now covered an NBA team for a decade. The two guys I read are Berry Tramel from newsok and Royce Young from espn. I like Erik Horne from newsok as well. He was always kind to me on the newsok messageboard and I’ve appreciated the fact he never banned my ass.

My advice to Russell would be to continue to open up with the local media like he does with the national writers. Granted, Tramel can be a nerdish pain in the ass at times, but just work through that and embrace the relationship with the local media. Reveal more of yourself as a person, a father, and the truly outstanding young man you are.

At the beginning, there were parts of Russell I didn’t care for. I didn’t like the way he left the bench after a heated exchange with coach Mo Cheeks during a playoff game. But what I’ve learned about Russell over the years is that’s just the high level competitor in him. He wants to win badly and I admire that. I love the way he talks about his wife, his parents, and his little brother, Ray Jr. I love the fact he embraced every moment of his college experience at UCLA and to this day is an avid UCLA supporter. One of the best interviews I’ve ever heard regarding Russell was one his college coach Ben Howland did on the Sports Animal. If you can find it on their archives I’d highly suggest you listen to it if you’re a Westbrook fan or just a Thunder fan in general.

For me, it’s been a journey watching Russell, Durant, Harden, Collison, Ibaka, and others play in the smallest market in the NBA. I pinch myself at times. All of this because Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. How amazing is that?

In the end, what I love most about Russell is his work ethic and his love of family. Call me old school, but I’m a work ethic guy to the core. I love the fact Russell has had to work his ass off from his high school days to the present to get where he’s at. I love the fact that he never gave up. He didn’t get down when his high school coach had to make a few extra calls for him to get an invite to that elite camp in Atlanta. I love the fact when Howlett told him he’d have to wait until Jordan Farmar declared to go pro before he’d have a scholarship at UCLA… despite the fact he had five other offers from DI schools… Russell waited. I love the fact that every local and national writer said Russell couldn’t play the point guard position at the NBA level…and yet now stands Russell as the best point guard in the NBA. Keep in mind, I got to watch Chris Paul’s first two years as a pro right here in OKC during the Katrina relocation, and while Chris Paul is a very good basketball player—he isn’t Russell Westbrook. Don’t go there with me.

I also love the way Russell talks about his parents. Again, it’s the old school in me. It’s so refreshing to hear a millennial talk in the glowing terms the way Russell talks about his relationships with his mother and father. It truly puts a lump in my throat because my son is Russell’s age and my wife and I did exactly what the Westbrooks did with their son. We dedicated our lives to him. I totally respect the process…the journey of life. Our son talked about us at his wedding in Florida two years ago the way Russell talks about his mom and dad. I would have to say it was one of the best moments of my life. It made every tough day or normal life setback worth it. I cried at my son’s wedding and I’m still crying because like Russell he married a truly amazing young woman whom I’ve come to love as the daughter I never had. So… there will always be these parts of Russell I adore even if he leaves Oklahoma City.

Russell Westbrook—2017 Media Day

This just seemed so odd to me when I saw it the first time. The Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers are my two favorite NFL teams. The Packers are owned by the fans of Green Bay…literally. The Steelers are owned by the classiest ownership family in perhaps all of pro sports…the Rooney Family. When I saw this on TV it just didn’t seem like a Steeler way of doing things. One guy going out there and standing while the rest of the team stayed inside the locker room.

Here’s the interview afterwards with Alejandro Villanueva explaining what went wrong. Pittsburgh is a hard ass blue collar working city. There is no way their fan base would go along with what appeared to have taken place on Sunday. The explanation by Villanueva in the presser makes sense.

It’s raining in Oklahoma today so I leisurely took in Morning Joe. I know what Joe Scarborough is feeling. I’ve almost lost it several times with people I know, but have been able to reel it in because I know I can get it out of my system on this blog.

So John McCain and Susan Collins mercifully put an end to the GOP’s most recent attempt to repeal Obamacare, and of course again the GOP minions failed as they have failed on everything except McConnell’s nuclear confirmation of Gorsuch. Not one piece of meaningful legislation has been passed. Nothing has been done with the exception of Caligula attending these rallies and pandering to the dumbest segment of white trash America. It’s kind of shitty of me to call certain white people… white trash, but it is what it is. I mean, when you have a segment of the population who aren’t even smart enough to vote in their own self interest, what the fuck else can you say? 2+2=5, right? Sigh. Tom Friedman can use that in his next book if he so chooses.

Unlike Joe, I think I’ll be okay. I’m not going to melt down. It doesn’t serve any purpose, but I do agree with Joe in that who raised these people? Who the fuck boos a man with a 3% chance of surviving the brain cancer he’s battling? Who raised these people?

It’s absolutely stunning to witness. Just a complete lack of any moral compass whatsoever and any intellect whatsover. I’m thinking of getting a T-shirt made which simply says… Who the Fuck Raised These People?

Rant over. I’m better. Jesus Murphy…what a pathetic collection of idiots.