Kevin Durant took to social media to write a beautifully poignant message to Russell Westbrook after the NBA legend announced his retirement.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook almost won a championship together. During the early years of their careers in Oklahoma City, they looked like the next legendary NBA duo.
Things didn’t quite turn out that way. They never got over the hump, and KD eventually left to join the Golden State Warriors. Their relationship has been quite complicated ever since.
However, after Westbrook recently announced his retirement, many fans were reminiscing about the good old days in OKC. And Durant’s tribute to his former teammate shows that he’s thinking about it too.
Kevin Durant calls Russell Westbrook an inspiration and reminisces about all the times they had together
Sports at the very highest level is a cutthroat business. There isn’t much room for sentimentality, and Durant’s move to the Warriors is an excellent example of that.
However, when it’s all said and done, the memories and the emotions are what remain. And KD’s statement about Russ’ retirement is one that could make a grown man shed a tear.
“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,” Durant wrote on X.
“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.”
A lot has been said about Westbrook’s career since he announced his retirement. And there will be a lot more added as people celebrate one of the greatest point guards in league history.
However, considering everything that Durant and Westbrook went through together, it will be hard to find any words that top these. These are the moments where the beauty of sports and life becomes evident.
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