I remember asking assistant coach Mo Cheeks, what’s harder to do? Workout after practice or before?? I only asked cuz by time I would get to the gym, Russ was already done in the morning and I usually got mine in after practice. Mo like, “coming in before practice is probably harder”…since then, it’s been my routine….a lot of people looked at the emotions on the court and thought Russ was loud, nah to me, he was quiet and methodical. He lead by example and once the lights were bright, he let everything out and experienced pure freedom. It was inspiring as his teammate and everywhere I went, I seen it inspire people from all walks of life, crazy thing is, he didn’t say much, he just showed up. For 18 years. This basketball life is sacred to us as professionals, what we put into that court means everything. Some of us wish we could go back and do things with a little more intent and some can just wipe their hands and be satisfied with the time spent. Who u gonna be? We know what zero was on…keep inspiring in the next phase of life champ. I don’t care what happens, can’t erase what it was…The first YNs, finals run in our early 20s, all star games, seeing each other get injured and bounce back, the bus rides, plane rides, card games, jokes and arguments, the whole thing, memorable!! …to the whole Westbrook family, Nina, the kids, mama Westbrook, big Russ, Ray, Donnell, everybody from luezinger high and ucla and many more that I’m forgettin, much love and Congratulations on a iconic career.
Draymond Green says fans called Russell Westbrook “Westbrick” for ten years then loved him the day he quit, and Westbrook heard every word
“Basketball fans, y’all suck. Basketball fans suck. And by the way, I am a basketball fan, so you can throw me in that category too. But basketball fans suck.”
“Because for the last 8 to 10 years, all this guy has heard is how bad he sucks, how he don’t shoot it well, how he stat pads, and how he messes up teams.”
“Make no mistake about it. “Westbrick,” and all the things y’all said about him. And the moment he steps aside, ‘oh man, y’all did Russ wrong. Can’t tell me he couldn’t be on a team. Wow, how he played the game. Gonna miss him.’ All these great, beautiful things.”
“Why we can’t feel that when you gone? It’s like when somebody die. Everybody’s like, ‘oh man, best dude ever, best woman ever, would take the shirt off their back.’ Everybody got all these great things to say. But when that person was living, you don’t show that love.”
“Why is it that Russell Westbrook has to announce his retirement, unexpectedly, to finally see the love that he deserves? Why is that?”
Russell Westbrook was the reason I fell in love with the Oklahoma City Thunder and basketball itself
He never went any less than 110%, he lifted up the franchise countless times, he won an MVP, and even after he left he deservingly got a standing ovation every time he returned to OKC
I’m really sad he didn’t get one last shot at a ring because few players ever deserve a championship more than Russ
But I am excited to sit front and center for when that #0 gets raised into the rafters of Paycom Center, nothing will stop me from being there for that and the statue unveiling when that comes around
To one of the greatest players in NBA and Thunder history and the one who made me fall in love with the game, thank you @russwest44
Enjoy retirement Brodie
Being the first one to poop in the bathroom in the w*rk stall in the morning is the equivalent of being the first one to step on the dirt of a baseball diamond before a game
Lu Dort says goodbye to OKC on IG along with a special video:
“Dear OKC,
There are no words that could ever fully express what the 405 means to me, but one thing will always be true:
I'Il forever be grateful.
Thank you to the Oklahoma City Thunder organization for taking a chance on a young, overlooked kid from Montreal seven years ago. To the coaching staff, thank you for pouring so much into me day after day, year after year. To this city, thank you for making this HOME
- not just for me, but for my family. And to my teammates, thank you for every battle we fought together and every challenge we faced along the way.
To YOU, Loud City- I will forever appreciate the relentless support. Through all the highs and lows, you never stopped believing in us as we chased the goal of bringing this city its first championship.
I wouldn't trade my time here for anything. This place helped shape me into the man you see today, and I'll always carry these memories with me. I leave with nothing but the deepest sense of love, gratitude, and appreciation for everyone who made this chapter so special.
With love,
Luuuuuuuuu
5 out”
BREAKING: LeBron James is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8 million deal with a player option, Klutch Sports Group and Klutch CEO and Game Over show host Rich Paul tells ESPN.