Views from OKC: Russell Westbrook has won me over

Feb 17, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; NBA former player Shaquille O'Neal, New Orleans Pelicans center Anthony Davis and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook watch during the Rising Stars Challenge at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 17, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; NBA former player Shaquille O'Neal, New Orleans Pelicans center Anthony Davis and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook watch during the Rising Stars Challenge at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Feb 19, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; Western Conference guard Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder (0) reacts in the 2017 NBA All-Star Game at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; Western Conference guard Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder (0) reacts in the 2017 NBA All-Star Game at Smoothie King Center. Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Welcome to Views from OKC, Thunderous Intentions’ daily roundup of the best OKC Thunder stories across the web.

New to Views? Glad to have you here, and I hope you’ll make this a daily destination. Well, let’s get started!

Before we get to Russell Westbrook a note on his former friend

“That narrative persisted until last June, when Mr. Durant, who had spent eight years dutifully toiling in small-market Oklahoma City for the Thunder, became one of the most heavily courted free agents in league history. The bidding war for his services was like a sports-world variation of ‘The Bachelor.'”

I didn’t know that four conference championships, one Finals appearance and an MVP meant you were “toiling” in Oklahoma City. But that isn’t even what the article is about. I’m not gonna lie I enjoyed reading this. I like hearing that KD is taking advantage of his location, a promise I was unsure he would keep. This move truly was more about basketball for him. Now for a rare second paragraph.

I’m done being angry at KD. He truly is happier in San Francisco. Will I ever root for him again? Heck no. If I ever have the chance to meet him I promise you I will tell him I think the move was soft. Because it was on a basketball standpoint. He could have at least given it one more season, one chance to try it out with Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis on board. But I have moved on. I like the crew we have now. I wish you no look bud 😉

The alley-oop heard round the world

“Perhaps there was a brief détente for the West’s 192-182 victory over the East. In the first quarter, Westbrook came off the bench to join Durant on the floor. On their fourth possession together, Durant tossed a lob to Westbrook for a dunk. Their teammates erupted on the bench, and it appeared as though Westbrook and Durant were capable of coexisting, at least for one night.”

Russell Westbrook put it best. “It’s just basketball.” At this point I’m so tired of hearing this nonsense. We’ve played 57 games without KD. At this point I don’t even remember what he looks like in OKC blue and orange. Let us revel in the fact that Westbrook is still apart of our lives. And that we have this mountain man from New Zealand who is blossoming into a star. We’re happy. Chill.

Views from Twitter

When Westbrook waved his arms to cool himself off I knew. I’ve always said that I love Russ’ off the court persona, but the way he plays just urks me. No more. I’ve accepted that if Russ played differently he wouldn’t be the human being he is. I’m sorry for the way I treated you Mr. Westbrook. Thank you for everything you do for me and the rest of Thunder Nation. YOU the Real MVP.