Nothing remains stagnant in the NBA. It’s a business driven by money, agents, and uber rich owners. In the aftermath of Durant’s departure to Golden State, Oklahoma City was in a word devastated. The city had lost its face of sorts in Kevin Durant. There was talk on the internet and radio sports shows about trading Westbrook for draft picks and rebuilding with another group of young players as they did nine years ago.
But Westbrook opted to stay at least through the 2017-18 season. I have no idea what Russell Westbrook will ultimately decide after next season, but I’m fairly certain about several things, 1 his decision will be based on his family, 2 he’ll take into account the strong relationships he has established with people within the Thunder organization, and 3 he’ll be up front and direct on what he’s going to do. I don’t think there will be any games in the Hamptons.
The thing about Westbrook though is that this is the first time in his basketball life he’s been the spotlight story. The kid from LA who’s high school coach who had to do some talking to get Westbrook into an Atlanta camp, the kid who was only given a scholarship to UCLA when a spot opened for him. This is really the first time in Westbrook’s basketball life where he’s the story…and the thing is I think he kind of likes it here.
Whether Westbrook ultimately stays, we’ll see. But for the time being this is Russell Westbrook’s city and will remain so as long as he wants it that way. He gave this city a chance to breath and get its legs back under it after the tragic death of Aubrey McClendon, the cratering of oil prices, and the cold departure of Kevin Durant.
OKC is a small market. The community basically worships the players in a setting somewhat similar to the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay has in Aaron Rodgers the best quarterback in the NFL, while Oklahoma City has the best quarterback in the NBA in Russell Westbrook. Since the Packers are my favorite NFL team all is pretty good in my sports world. I’m good.