A year ago this Saturday, Kevin Durant was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. The entire Oklahoma City Thunder roster turned out to support him for the honor, of which he said he was “overwhelmed,” but looking back on that event now, well, it’s awkward. Durant selected Russell Westbrook to be his presenter that night, saying that he wanted to “share this night with him,” because Westbrook was “somebody that’s with me more than anybody, who knows me inside and out.”
In response, Westbrook said:
“It just shows that we’re brothers, man,” Westbrook said of Durant picking him. “Me and Kevin, we’re brothers for life. We’ve grown so much. Two young men, and now we’re at a stage in our life where we can communicate and talk to each other each and every day and have that brother relationship.” (Via ESPN)
Yikes. Obviously, things have changed. But the reason we bring this up is because Durant also said of his (former?) best friend, “Hopefully we’ll be here next year for Russell Westbrook’s induction.” He was half right. On Thursday night, Westbrook was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, but Durant was not there. Instead, Westbrook was presented by Michael Jordan, because why the hell wouldn’t you want the GOAT to give a speech praising you?
And Jordan’s speech was certainly full of praise, but most importantly it should have Thunder fans feeling good about Westbrook’s loyalty to the franchise and city.
“Another thing you guys should be proud of is the sense of loyalty this kid has shown,” Jordan said as the crowd burst into an extended cheer.
“He could’ve easily come to Charlotte,” Jordan said, smiling, “But he decided to stay here in Oklahoma. I’m not here to try and bash anybody that’s not here. Everybody has a choice. I’m not saying everybody doesn’t have a choice. But when I saw he chose to stay in Oklahoma I was so proud, and as Clay [Bennett] knows and Russ know, I texted him to show a sense of respect.”
“When Russell asked me to be a presenter, I didn’t even pause because of the relationship and the respect that I have for Clay [Bennett] and obviously the respect that I have for Russell,” Jordan said. “I’m truly a fan of his. If you can ever say, being that we’re so many years apart, that I can now watch him play, I see a lot of resemblance in his passion for the game of basketball in the way I play the game of basketball.” (Via ESPN)
Of course, unlike Durant’s induction, Westbrook’s big moment didn’t have the black cloud of free agency hanging over it. While ESPN suggested that Durant’s ceremony may have been a “ploy” to keep the star from bolting, Westbrook’s recent contract extension means that this was simply a celebration. You know, at least until his player option comes up after the 2017-18 season. Until then, Westbrook is committed to Oklahoma City, both on and off the court, as he used his speech to call for unity in the wake of the presidential election.
“After witnessing the divisions and challenges of our nation that we’ve been facing over the last several months, I’ve realized this honor is not about me, nor is it about the people in this room,” he said. “Oklahoma is an unbelievable community. I’m so appreciative of the fact that the people of Oklahoma have been so supportive of welcoming my family and I. However, there’s always room to grow. I can be better, you can be better, and we can be better together.”
He went on: “Our state is made up of unbelievable, talented individuals, and I look forward to celebrating them no matter their race, gender or creed. I accept this award for all the kids who are told because of the color of their skin, where they come from or what talent they don’t have, they somehow can’t achieve.” (Via the New York Times)
Oklahoma governor Mary Fallin also thanked Westbrook, specifically for signing his three-year extension and “staying in Oklahoma,” but his impact within the community should always draw the most praise. Earlier this week, Westbrook hosted his annual Thanksgiving dinner for his Why Not Foundation, and he called it “truly amazing” to continue working with children in need.
Hopefully he will continue serving mashed potatoes and game-winning dunks in Oklahoma for many more years to come.
