Thunder in the news: Westbrook – fashion king takes Manhattan

Welcome to OKC Thunder in the news for Sunday September 10, featuring topical news on your favorite team.

Today OKC Thunder in the news focuses on Russell Westbrook and his second passion – fashion. Westbrook is in New York to experience Fashion Week and introduce his new book ‘Style Drivers‘ to the masses.

Westbrook’s book Style Drivers connects his passions:

It’s no secret Russell Westbrook is arguably the most stylish athlete in major league sports. Now with the publication of his book Style Drivers he’s connecting his three main loves: sports, fashion and music.  In a recent interview with billboard Westbrook spoke about what he hopes to accomplish with his book. Writer Ashley Lyle details the MVP’s thoughts:

"“My main thing was trying to figure out how I can be able to connect fashion with sports and music,” Westbrook tells Billboard of writing the book. “Style Drivers was the pure definition of being able to create and get different people of influence, from all over the world, to express their views on my fashion evolution, including different things I was doing on and off the floor.”"

In the book Westbrook spoke with different cultural influencers who offered their opinions on his venture beyond the court . Some of these include DJ Khaled and  Victor Cruz.

Charity extends to his closet:

TIME writer Cady Lang interviewed Russell Westbrook about his new book ‘Style Drivers‘ and his position as the resident fashion icon of the NBA. Lang borrows from another NBA star calling Westbrook the “king of NBA style“. Wonder if LeBron James minds his moniker being utilized even off the court.

OKC Thunder and NBA fans who follow Westbrook know his philanthropic efforts stem from his charity ‘Why Not‘ which also happens to be his life motto. Native Oklahomans know it’s not uncommon to for Westbrook and his wife to be extremely charitable in their home city. One interesting revelation arising in Lang’s interview is what Westbrook does with his clothes.

"I also heard that you wear each outfit once and then give it away. Is that true?I do. I mean, I keep some jeans and stuff, like pants, but my shirts and stuff, I’ll give away to my friends, Goodwill; whoever wants it, honestly, and that’s what happens."

Imagine living in OKC and seeing Russ or Nina pulling up to a Good Will box and dropping off clothes. Sure would be cool to get hands on some of Russ more interesting outfits, including a certain bib….

About that ‘Photographer’ bib:

OKC Thunder fans all recall the first game at Oracle last season because it was the initial time the squad would face recently defected Kevin Durant. But, many recall that evening more for what Westbrook sported to the arena. Pictures of Russ in his bright orange ‘official photographer’ bib hit social media with equal attention as some of his dunks. Speculation abounded over what  message Westbrook was attempting to send former teammate Durant who has his own passion for photography. Lang asked the question, but in true Russ fashion his response was typically coy.

"Lang: So last year, when you wore that photographer’s vest before a game and people on the Internet had a lot to say about it, it wasn’t some kind of hidden message? [During the 2016-2017 NBA season, Westbrook showed up wearing a vest with the words “official photographer” to his first game against his former teammate Kevin Durant, and some NBA fans speculated Westbrook was trolling Durant, who has a noted photography hobby.]Westbrook: “I mean, like I said before, I make no messages or side notes. If I want to say something to somebody or do anything, they’ll know I’m doing it. I’m not the one to make statements like that. But I wear what I want. That’s it.”"

Giving some credence to TI’s recent article Wade was made for OKC 2017-18, an interesting picture hit social media. Notice the players in the picture include Paul George and Jimmy Butler – who just happen to be on the two teams in the Western Conference outlined as potential landing spots for Wade, should his contract get bought out.

Three point guard options for OKC Thunder:

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TI welcomes new writer Lawrence George to the team. In his first article George examines three point guard options the OKC Thunder could nab economically to add depth at the guard position.

"OKC have always struggled in the half-court. Dinwiddie is a perfect complementary piece when the game slows and can play off the ball. He offers another ball handler in small ball line-ups, capable of creating for himself or his team mates. Defensively, Dinwiddie’s 6’8 wingspan gives opposing guards problems though he does struggle against smaller, quicker guards.With two non-guaranteed years remaining on his contract, Sam Presti will have full control. With his size, length and controllable contract, it is wise for OKC to consider Dinwiddie for the final roster spot."

That wraps up OKC Thunder in the news for September 10. Enjoy the rest of the weekend and check back each day as TI offers you the hottest news on your favorite squad.