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

Westbrook did everything but overtly say it’s a done deal:

First of all, Russell Westbrook holds loyalty in high regard and he’s someone who likes constancy. A view of those closest to the MVP speaks to this. His entire NBA career has been spent with one franchise and during that time his inner circle (outside his teammates) has never changed. Kevin Durant even pointed to Russ’ inner circle citing it as a difference in the two super stars.

Review Westbrook’s MVP speech and he notes how his brother messages him before every single game. That’s 668 regular season games and 87 playoff games (755 total) messages were left by Russ’ brother for those keeping count.  To be sure, Russell Westbrook likes constancy and loyalty. So, again his re-signing with the OKC Thunder seemed inevitable, at least to Thunder Nation.

History of Russ proved his mettle:

Taking a glance back to last summer it was Russell Westbrook who was the catalyst which allowed the franchise to regain it’s footing and direction. It was Westbrook who nonchalantly extended his contract early. At the time, it was an unnecessary move, but the action served to steady the storm and simultaneously reinforce faith among Thunder Nation.

Oh, and the date Westbrook signed last season’s early extension? One month and one day after Durant’s announcement.

When pundits immediately said  the Thunder would be lucky to make the playoffs, the point guard put the young team on his shoulders to deliver an individual season that marvels the best in history.

Russell Westbrook is an enigma in the modern NBA:

Repeatedly Russell Westbrook has told anyone who asked “this is where I want to be”. He said it when he signed his extension last season. Westbrook said it throughout the year and again at Media Day.  But, immediately after his podium time, the pundits looked for reasons to deny the truth. Surely, Westbrook’s new fatherhood, tour to promote his book, collect copious awards and simply spend time with family were excuses.

Related: Westbrook hints extension is inevitable at Media Day 2017

As for the fan base for those who felt unease, it was likely due to what happened with Durant and the continual narrative from media speaking to the lure of bigger markets. But, examination into the character of Westbrook will offer repeated examples of a player who doesn’t use arbitrary words to express himself.

Nor will you find examples of Westbrook saying one thing and doing another. Additionally, Russ isn’t the type of individual who cares about creating an image. What you see is what you get.

That attitude hurt him early in his career as fans, the media and perhaps even teammates seemingly preferred Durant. Time and again KD was given the benefit of the doubt, positioned as “the positive role model” in the new NBA.

It was just easier to paint Russ with the dirty brush. While Durant kissed his Mother after every game, Russ snapped at reporters.  In hindsight, the truth was exactly the opposite of where the two were characterized to be. Durant created a public image which was masking his true identity. Don’t get me wrong, KD is one of the top three players in the league. I’m speaking purely in terms of his off court persona and the image he created.  Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook was more protective of his private life and feelings.