OKC Thunder In the News: Loyal Westbrook marches to his own drum, owner Bennett deserves praise

Welcome to OKC Thunder in the news for Tuesday October 3, featuring topical news recognizing  the uniqueness which is Russell Westbrook and the community of OKC.

OKC Thunder in the news October 3, ushers in some of the best articles penned in recent memory. In fact, while players like Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kristaps Porzingis have been cited for their distinctiveness  on court with terms like unicorn, it’s Russell Westbrook whose actions off it have earmarked his uniqueness.

As Carmelo Anthony, Paul George and other new additions prepare for their first competitive game in an OKC Thunder jersey tonight, the timing of these articles feels very apropos.

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Russell Westbrook is affecting the entire NBA via his loyalty:

If you read one article about Russell Westbrook do yourself a favor and make it this article by NBA.com scribe David Aldridge. It’s quite simply brilliant!

Although we at TI have been discussing many of the myriad of topics Aldridge touches on, he’s pulled them together masterfully. Among them – what many might not perceive as real outside OKC– which is the depth of the pain Durant’s departure had on the team, on Westbrook and on the OKC community.

The hurt is real:

"It is, to be sure, a relationship built on mutual loyalty and shared pain. Neither the team nor Westbrook will ever cop to just how much they were wounded by Durant’s departure. Regardless of the back and forth of their relationship over the years, Westbrook and Durant were the foundation on which the Thunder built their franchise upon moving from Seattle in 2008."

NBA small markets stand up and cheer ‘Why Not!’

Later in the same article Aldridge comments on how Westbrook’s return came at the perfect moment for the association. With Adam Silver and the BOG beginning to wonder if the redesigned CBA was in fact helping the smaller markets given the rush of stars to form super teams.  Westbrook once more single handedly changed the narrative.

But, most poignant was Aldridge’s observation of the special relationship that exists for the OKC Thunder and Westbrook.  He points out owner Clay Bennett’s commitment. Not just  to the MVP but to the team and community. This while thrusting himself deeply into the luxury tax. It sends a loud and clear message regarding who this franchise believes themselves to be – competitors. And, he further points out a simple but profound truth. While everyone is calculating the luxury tax implications of Paul George’s return. Ignored is the fact it’s equivalent to what returning McDermott and paying Kanter would’ve been..In essence the cost were there regardless – they’re just attached to better talent now. Trust me, read the article – it’s one not to be missed.

Bennett equally deserving of praise:

"This all serves as catnip for the league, seeing its third-smallest TV market now set up to continue to thrive into a second decade — a point of considerable pride in Oklahoma City. They had to trade Harden, and they kept winning. They had to fire Scott Brooks, and they kept winning. Then they lost Durant — cruelly, to the team that had destroyed their championship dream just a couple of weeks before — and they kept winning.Now, there’s a good chance that the Thunder will not just keep winning, but will be able to compete into the 2020s for a championship. OKC was ready to go deep into the tax, anyway — but to re-sign Durant last year. Now, that money will just be shifted to George, if he wants it. Bennett has come to see the value of retaining superstars, even at these prices. And keeping Anthony, basically, will equal what OKC would have had to spend to re-sign McDermott next summer and keep Kanter for the last year of his deal."

Klay Bennett commitment:

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Under the category of great minds think alike my cohort Tony Heim penned an article pointing out OKC Thunder owner Klay Bennett’s commitment to the franchise was equally as impressive as the moves Sam Presti made  this summer.

"Sam Presti makes the moves, Clay Bennett writes the checks. Even with Presti’s brilliance, Bennett ultimately decided the fate of the OKC Thunder this season. $27.8 million. That’s how much money Oklahoma City Thunder owner Clay Bennett is set to pay in additional taxes to the NBA this season (if no other roster moves are made).In today’s NBA it costs to compete. Cleveland, Golden State and Oklahoma City – the top three contenders as of now – all have payrolls over $130 million. Four other teams are currently above the luxury tax line just to make the playoffs. In a time when many NBA teams are still losing money, owners aren’t as motivated to reach deeper in their pockets."

That wraps up OKC Thunder in the news for October 3.  Hope you enjoyed the featured articles today. Be sure to visit the site as the preseason preview is up along with a host of other compelling articles. In fact make Thunderous Intentions your go to OKC Thunder source.

Enjoy the game tonight (at 7:00 p.m. central time,. Interact with us during the game on Twitter and check back post game for review of the game action.