An open letter to Russell Westbrook, Thank You

Apr 18, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) yells as he takes the floor prior to action against the Dallas Mavericks in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) yells as he takes the floor prior to action against the Dallas Mavericks in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Russell Westbrook
Apr 12, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; NBA great Oscar Robertson (left) congratulates Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during a presentation honoring him for breaking Robertson’s single season triple double record prior to game against the Denver Nuggets at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Beyond

What Enes Kanter said in his piece to you is totally how I and each and every Thunder fan should feel.

"“A lot of these MVP candidates, they put the great numbers up, and maybe they even put the team on their back. But Russ? I have to say, this year, that Russ put an entire city on his back.”"

Kanter would go on to explain in his article that even though the Thunder and their fans seem to have gotten the raw end of the deal last summer, things happen. They almost want to be in this position because they have Westbrook.

Must Read: The Kiwi Bible

Yeah, it sucks that Durant left, but there seems to be a greater sense of pride. Something that already ran strong in the veins of Oklahomans.

This team seems tougher, the fans seem tougher, and you, Westbrook, seem tougher. We all have a chip on our shoulder now. A chip to prove to the haters that we are not going to lay down and cry, but stand up taller than ever and fight.

Down the road, when you retire and walk along the streets of Oklahoma we will all thank you for the hope that you inspired us with this season.

A hope not many players can conquer in their lifetime, but you achieved by ascending that great mountain. Basketball is bigger than just winning games. Impacting lives and putting a city literally on your back in their darkest time is something we will always admire you for.

The tide has turned. Many thought you would be the one who would leave OKC, but you stayed. For us. We could never repay you for that. Putting all your faith and hope in us has only made us want to do the same for you.