Thunder In the news: little Brodie, OKC stars home in LA, Westbrook work ethic began in high school
For OKC Thunder players Russell Westbrook and Paul George participating in the 2018 NBA All-Star Game comes with the benefit of being back home.
Certainly for OKC Thunder players Russell Westbrook and Paul George getting selected to be in the big game Sunday is a big deal. With the changes to how contracts are negotiated in the new era it can result in not collecting on bonuses. But, for these two players being a part of this weekend carries extra weight because it’s in their hometown.
Westbrook established his patented work ethic at a young age:
Because of his tenacious competitiveness Westbrook is often misunderstood. People assume the occasional surly replies to media throngs speak to his personality. The reality is Westbrook is a very respectful, courteous man. He’s just not fond of talking to media, particularly right after losses.
Dive deeper at the individual and his habits to get a more accurate assessment. His charitable work and interaction with media when not at games is a truer representation. I think back to when he spoke to EJ, Kenny, Shaq and Sir Charles after he won All-Star MVP. Repeatedly he said “yes sir” and was extremely polite.
As for the work ethic clearly Westbrook established those habits way back in his school days. Los Angeles Times writer Dan Woike elaborates on Russ’ habits developed at Leuzinger High. And, humorously a previous teacher recalls how big Russ’ feet were as a youngster.
"But before all of that, before the high fashion and the 2017 MVP award — before being tall enough to play varsity basketball — Westbrook was just a skinny kid with laughably big feet that looked like battleships compared to his legs."
"It’s one of the first things Dr. Pamela Brown brings up when asked about the boy who sat on the aisle in her freshman English class at Leuzinger."
Westbrook’s brother is his right hand man:
The other constant in Westbrook’s life is his inner circle. Long reputed to be a guy who trusts those closest. Russ doesn’t stray too far from this group and his younger brother Ray is his best friend. Recalling Westbrook’s MVP speech it was as he began to speak about his brother and respect for him that he choked up.
Writer Jessica Schambach of KOKO News 5 speaks of the younger Westbrook Ray. In the article Schambach reveals it was Russ who first called Ray ‘little Brodie’ and how the term became nationally recognized.
Moreover, the article speaks to the solid efforts Ray Westbrook is making in the Oklahoma City community and his motivational speaking engagements.
"The 26-year-old is the original “Brodie.”“He started calling me ‘little Brodie’ and we started calling our friends ‘Brodie’ and next thing you know ESPN is saying it and everybody saying (it) so it’s funny now,” Westbrook said.Ray is Russell’s right hand man. He says they’ve never had a fight."
OKC Thunder stars prep for big day ahead:
Nick Gallo of the OKC Thunder main NBA site writes about the stars hectic schedule including a practice and three point competition later this evening..
"Later that afternoon there will be promotional appearances for the guys before both head to the Staples Center for All-Star Saturday Night, where George will be competing in the 3-point contest for the second time in his career. He disclosed that he’s been practicing, and that he knows where he’s going to put the money balls, but is keeping that a secret for now.“I’m excited to be in the 3-point contest and to give the fans a show,” George grinned."
Here’s the full schedule for the weekend to keep you on track for all the major events in the next two days.
Next: Top storylines of 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend Part 1
That wraps up OKC Thunder in the news for Saturday February 17. Enjoy the rest of your day and let’s all send positive vibes Paul George’s way for tonight’s contest.