Even though Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant each reached extraordinary heights during their NBA careers, the two players’ legacies will forever be linked from their time with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Even though both Westbrook and Durant were technically drafted by the Seattle Supersonics, they became NBA stars in Oklahoma City with the Thunder. Both Westbrook and Durant would win MVPs with the Thunder, with the duo leading Oklahoma City to their first-ever NBA finals appearance in the 2011-2012 Finals.
The two had an awkward ending, with Durant heading to the Golden State Warriors immediately after the Thunder blew a 3-1 series lead in the Western Conference Finals against the very same Warriors. Durant’s decision led to some must-watch showdowns between Durant and Westbrook.
Westbrook announced his NBA retirement earlier this week, which led to Durant returning to Twitter to post a lengthy message about Westbrook’s career, legacy and work ethic.
“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,” Durant said. “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.”
Durant even managed to shout out the UCLA Bruins during his congratulations message to Westbrook.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Kevin Durant congratulates Russell Westbrook for his retirement