Thunderous Intentions
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Views from OKC: Russ is the leader Oklahoma City needs

By Tony Heim

Apr 21, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) passes the ball between Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) and Houston Rockets center Nene null (42) during the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) passes the ball between Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) and Houston Rockets center Nene null (42) during the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 26, 2017; New York, NY, USA; OKC Thunder player Russell Westbrook poses for photos with his 2017 NBA most valuable player award during the 2017 NBA Awards at Basketball City at Pier 36. Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2017; New York, NY, USA; OKC Thunder player Russell Westbrook poses for photos with his 2017 NBA most valuable player award during the 2017 NBA Awards at Basketball City at Pier 36. Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Views from OKC is a public diary from an OKC Thunder fan. Today we address the scene behind Russell Westbrook during his MVP speech.

Last night was everything Thunder fans expected and so much more. Russell Westbrook thanked us fans for the support, broke down crying while discussing his family and showed humility while mentioning his teammates that helped him break hist0ry.

While making his speech Russ was backed up by

five

two Thunder players; three of the five men standing behind the League MVP aren’t currently under contract with Oklahoma City. One of the two under contract is in nearly every trade rumor surrounding the Thunder (Enes Kanter) – the other recently came up on a $80+ million contract that many OKC fans aren’t happy about (Victor Oladipo).

That didn’t matter last night though. Taj Gibson only playing with Russell Westbrook for three months was inconsequential. Andre Roberson potentially getting an offer too big for the Thunder to match was irrelevant. Mr. Thunder himself Nick Collison isn’t even sure if he will be back in the NBA next season.

Respect. Admiration. Love. That’s why those men joined Russell Westbrook on stage to help him accept his MVP award.

Russell Westbrook isn’t in the business of appeasing those he doesn’t know. Unlike a former Thunder superstar he doesn’t answer questions based on what other’s want to hear. Russ doesn’t step on the basketball court with the critics on his mind. He’s unfiltered 100% of the time; everything he says and does is genuine Russ.

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Because of this people outside of Oklahoma see him as a pariah. They see him as angry. Divisive. Mean. They mistake his outward emotions – his passion for the game – as animosity towards everyone else in the world.

It’s a shame really.

Outside of our Oklahoma City Thunder inner circle Russell Westbrook is seen as an isolator, the man who made Kevin Durant leave. They don’t see the man who dedicates hours and hours to helping the Oklahoma community. Or the man who immediately texted Enes Kanter when he heard about his troubles overseas. Or the man who is prepared to keep the Thunder relevant for the next few years.

His teammates understand that though. The Oklahoma City organization understands. The people that are around him each and every day understand the man that Russ is. It’s why a three month rental teammate, two free agents and two players on the trade block wanted to support him. Russell Westbrook genuinely cares for his teammates and co-workers; as long as they understand that sentiment he doesn’t care what anyone else believes.

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That’s why seeing Nick Collison, Taj Gibson, Enes Kanter, Victor Oladipo and Andre Roberson last night was so inspiring. Russ wanted to make it clear that the “supporting cast” that national media members ripped apart was a part of this historic season. His teammates wanted to make it clear that they stand by him even if their future in Oklahoma City is unsettled.

It’s why Westbrook is such a transcendent talent in the NBA. Those outside believe he ostracizes teammates; in reality he brings them together like few can.

Russell Westbrook is officially the Most Valuable Player in the NBA. Russ may have won the award for his on-court performance, but his real contribution came by refusing to change the dynamic in OKC once Kevin Durant left.

He showed a young Oklahoma City roster how to never quit even when the odds are against you. He showed a city/state filled with adversity how to fight back when times get tough. Most importantly, he showed the world what Russell Westbrook is capable of.

Russ may never win an NBA championship. And it doesn’t hurt to say that. Why?

Because Russell Westbrook showcased that yesterday’s misfortunes are tomorrow’s opportunity to ascend.

Thank you Russ.

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