Why OKC Thunder fans never lost faith Russell Westbrook would sign extension

Surprising Durant departure created uncertainty:

In fairness, much of the angst and worry surrounding Westbrook began a season ago. Heading into the 2016 offseason there was confidence about the Thunder’s future. After all, OKC pushed the Warriors to a game 7 and held a 3-1 lead early in the series. Moving forward, with Durant the Thunder appeared best suited to be the Warriors greatest rival.  So, most thought a Durant return was a certainty.

Looking back through history a player leaving to join a team they had on the ropes was unthinkable. That’s why there was such shock in OKC when Kevin Durant didn’t re-sign. This was the golden child, OKC held in such high regard and treated as the conquering hero. Therefore his exit wasn’t just deemed as a simple defection.  The fact, his chosen location was none other than the very super team who ended their season felt like a punch to the gut.

Durant’s explanation was the pitch won him over and improved his title chances. Yet, over the course of the past year the truth (as it’s want to do) surfaced. Draymond Green made it known he was recruiting Durant all season. Later, Green outed the fact Durant agreed to join the Warriors immediately after the final game of the 2016 playoffs. And, just recently Durant himself (though without meaning to) tweeted of his disdain for coach Billy Donovan and talent lacking “cats” in OKC.

While the truth served to punctuate the facade Durant had been selling, it did little to appease the fan base. Moreover, it was understandable why Durant’s exit coupled with Westbrook taking his time to sign caused a certain amount of panic.

Having lived through years of stars avoiding the little team north of the border – I get it.  When something happens often enough, or your team gets pigeon holed it’s hard for the fan base not to develop an inferiority complex.