OKC Thunder in the news: Westbrook tops Power 100 rank, celebrates his name day in OKC
Welcome to OKC Thunder – In the news for Saturday August 5, featuring topical daily news on your favorite team and the NBA.
The dog days of summer are here with August upon us, but that doesn’t mean the OKC Thunder In the News column has slowed down.
Westbrook in town, but no contract signed:
Many pundits (including scribes on Thunderous Intentions) earmarked August 4th as the perfect date for Westbrook’ to sign his contract extension. This date was considered likely given it is his name sake day in Oklahoma City. Adding fuel to the fodder was the fact Brodie was in town this past week. But, the date came and passed with no activity. Brett Dawson of News OK detailed Westbrook’s non signing anniversary.
"Last year, Westbrook signed an extension with the Thunder on Aug. 4, and Mayor Mick Cornett named it “Russell Westbrook Day.”But Westbrook’s quick trip into town apparently was unrelated to that anniversary.Westbrook can sign the extension at any point before the start of the season. He also has the option of signing a five-year deal next summer."
Westbrook claims top spot on Ventures power ranking:
Prior to last season Russell Westbrook never found himself among the top 10 polls when it came to brands, social media or even in some cases league players. Following his MVP season coupled with the active social media account things have changed.
Individual league awards came his way like (MVP and All-NBA. External recognition came via the ESPY Best Male Athlete of Year and Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Clutch Player of the Year. Off the court he’s won awards for his fashion best style at the NBA Awards and was SI’s cover boy as well as Most Fashionable.
Related: Westbrook Magical Season
Yet, perhaps the greatest leap Westbrook made is in popularity and brand awareness. Much like Steph Curry and James Harden soared to the forefront in 2015 while vying for MVP. Combining his triple-double record breaking MVP season, his fashion and his active presence on social media saw the Brodie surge in brand awareness.
Proving his point Westbrook actoring in how active Westbrook is on social media. This was mirrored by his top finish on Horrow Sport’s Ventures Power 100 list. The top 100 are ranked based on U.S players measuring their production and social media performance.
Brett Dawson of News OK details Brodie’s placement:
"More from Thunderous IntentionsStealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC ThunderShould the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absenceAleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injuryDamian Lillard does not fit with the OKC ThunderHalf of the Horrow formula is based on on-field performance. The other 50 percent consists of social media presence as measured by MVPIndex, which takes into account reach, engagement activity and conversation surrounding an athlete on social media platforms.It’s Westbrook’s fourth appearance in the seven years of the Power 100 and his first top-10 finish. He ranked first ahead of the NFL’s Matt Ryan, the NBA’s LeBron James and James Harden and NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski."
OKC Thunder preseason schedule released:
Thunder Nation await news on Westbrook’s extension and continue to woo Paul George to remain in OKC. In the interim they can start getting excited about watching PG & Russ on court this preseason. Making for more interesting fodder the Thunder will face the Rockets in the opening game. TI provided a full list with specifics and details
Above chart as per nba.com/thunder
That wraps up OKC Thunder In the News for August 5. Enjoy your weekend and be sure to make OKC Thunder, In the News is part of your daily fix.