Why OKC Thunder fans never lost faith Russell Westbrook would sign extension
OKC Thunder the little market that could:
Being a fan of the third smallest market by population in the NBA can have it’s pitfalls. OKC isn’t necessarily at the top of most stars destination checklists. Nor are they a market who’ll reap large TV contracts like the Lakers. Heading into their first decade the Thunder also aren’t able to compete with teams with long storied histories like the Celtics and Knicks.
But, what they do have is a community who gets behind their lone major league sports franchise. As witnessed by the welcome party who greeted Paul George, Patrick Patterson and Carmelo Anthony upon their arrivals to OKC. Further, the collegial atmosphere on display at Chesapeake Energy Arena is also evidenced on the streets of Oklahoma City. OKC fans embrace their team, making sure they feel supported.
That might seem like a small thing, but ask any player whose toiled in a big market and they’ll probably tell you OKC is a breathe of fresh air. Carmelo Anthony bore the responsibility of his Knicks. This in spite of Phil Jackson’s head scratching choices and owner James Dolan’s meddling which were arguably the root of the problems in the Mecca. No doubt, this year will offer a welcome respite to Anthony.
Oklahoma City may be the small town team, but they are mighty. Much like the children’s story the little engine that could – the OKC Thunder continue to defy the odds of the small market team who refuses to fail.
Presti really said, “Give me one extra year” after KD left, Russ trusted him, Presti got PG/Melo, and Russ rewarded that trust w/ this
— Jeremy Lambert (@jeremylambert88) September 29, 2017
OKC Thunder did everything to prompt Westbrook re-signing:
Much of this confidence stems from the top down. Nurtured in the Spurs system General Manager Sam Presti brought the template of a successful franchise to OKC. Moreover, this professional and classy mandate reverberates throughout management, the coaching unit and permeates the team. Given these traits and the moves Presti made this offseason it wasn’t much of a stretch to envision Russell Westbrook signing his extension.
Unlike Durant, Westbrook is someone who appreciates the moves Sam Presti makes and has long held confidence in the GM. To wit, rumors of friction between Durant and Serge Ibaka likely precipitated the deal which sent the big man to Orlando. That and Durant’s desire for more help which presumably was supposed to be Victor Oladipo who would have served as the sixth man had Durant stayed. And, we’ll never know what other moves Presti would have made to augment the 2016-17 squad if KD had remained in OKC.