Russell Westbrook, Durant relationship status remains topical

As media interviews for the 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend occurred additional insight on the most precarious relationship in the Association was discussed.

For Russell Westbrook heading to the 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend in his hometown was always going to be special. And, while it’s likely he expected some additional  exposure given the events are occurring in LA he has experienced surprises. For example, Westbrook said he was completely shocked by the copious large billboard images peppering the sides of buildings in the area he grew up, went to high school and college.

The other positive is Westbrook is attending with fellow OKC Thunder teammate Paul George. This wasn’t always guaranteed and in fact took an injury to come to fruition, as George replaced DeMarcus Cousins. To that end, the odds of keeping PG13 past this summer gained additional traction shortly after Westbrook’s public tirade regarding George’s exclusion.

So, as the teams took to the media session there was slightly less interest surrounding the relationship between former OKC Thunder teammate Kevin Durant and Westbrook. As they say, time has a habit of healing open wounds.

Relationship thaws?

Still, that’s not to say these two are best friends or that Westbrook won’t come at KD with the same vengeance Thunder Nation has witnessed in the previous two wins against the Warriors this season. Rather, it’s to say there is less vitriol between the pair given the passing of a full season since KD’s departure.

Moreover, for Westbrook having other partners with mutual desires has him focusing on his team instead of still reacting to a blindside which left him virtually carrying a team on his back last season.

As the players prepared for action there was far less urgency or emphasis being placed upon the status of the pair’s relationship. Still, there was curiosity about how the pair would interact or respond regarding the current relationship.  Certainly, another factor playing into dampening any chance of continuing the feud softened with both players ending up on the same team (Team LeBron).

Responding to media:

With that here are a few snippets of comments made by Westbrook and Durant providing insight on the pair’s current relationship.

With the release of the above picture, the NBA seems to be trying to indicate all is well. But, on closer examination Kyrie Irving is the only one in the picture with a smile on his face. Westbrook on the other hand (at least if you’re an OKC Thunder fan) is using a similar expression Thunder Nation has seen a million times.

Based on his response below, I’d say Russ would prefer the narrative to disappear. And, while I doubt Russ will invite KD out for dinner (maybe a cupcake) and won’t come at the Warriors any less intently each time they meet I do think he won’t invite additionally attention. It simply doesn’t behoove him to continue the feud, at least from an aggressive standpoint.

Russ never seemed to want to discuss it initially anyway.  Last season the timing was still fresh. And adding fuel to the fodder the teams had just played in OKC for the first time a few days prior to arriving in New Orleans. The cut was so fresh it was still dripping blood.

Even dissecting Westbrook’s response could just as easily be read as – the two were never close, never will be, but can do the professional thing. At least that’s how I read it ie: just stop asking, let this topic disappear and come spring I’ll show you what I think.

Durant has often driven the narrative:

On the other hand, Durant tends to want to be loved by everyone, including those he may not have treated in the manner he wants people to treat him.

For his part, KD is taking ownership (caution – language in this clip), as he claims to have read the situation wrong and made something out of nothing.

To that end, my initial reaction was wait – so ALL of this is about you? How it affects you? It’s comments like this that tend to reinforce Durant’s narcissistic persona.

Other scribes seem to disagree and are buying what KD is currently selling.

Sorry to play devil’s advocate, but come on Kevin. Clearly, at least a good portion of OKC Thunder fans know there was (and still is) something.  Simply based on the process of events this is obvious.

Taking ownership needs to be definitive, not a simple sweep under a rug:

First, by not telling his co-captain his actions weren’t an oversight it demonstrates an intentional choice. And KD proved that via selected words and actions. The actions invariably were equivalent to a slap in the face.  Westbrook (from my standpoint) inarguably sacrificed more of his game than you Durant did for the team to succeed.

To insist everything is fine is one thing, but to not stick by the feigned innocence of being sold to leave by Golden State the last minute was shady. Especially when the dog sound asleep at your feet wasn’t left alone.

Comedy of constant errors:

It was already bad that the former Thunder star chose to let Westbrook learn about the situation at the same juncture as the rest of the population via a “hastily prepared farewell letter” (sarcasm). Electing to let Westbrook find out via social media of the departure was yet another selfish (and hurtful) decision. Opting to join the same Super Team OKC had on the ropes and who he himself claimed they would destroy next season was just another in a series of bad choices.

Plus it was always Durant who would feed the controversy. Every time the narrative would die down KD would reignite the fire. His initial proclamations indicated Golden State sold him and it was a “tough decision”. Months later, first Draymond Green, then Durant confirmed the decision was made before the towels were dry from the night the finals were decided.

Granted, KD may not owe anyone anything because it was ultimately his decision. But, I’ll always maintain that dinner a week prior was the opportunity, to be honest.  As we know via Nick Collison when point-blank asked by Westbrook, KD told him not to worry, everything was fine.

More from KD in LA:

Even simple comments can be misinterpreted. Perhaps I’m missing KD’s message here and he’s trying to be humorous. But, after just stating this whole thing got blown up on your end, why not simply say Russ’ name?

More from Thunderous Intentions

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• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

Perhaps you’ve heard the expression “he was his own worst enemy”. That particular adage applies in this situation. Again, perhaps it’s KD’s attempt at humor, but if so then his timing sucks. Just after stating “I made too much of this”, why then fuel the fire to keep burning?

Chemistry is intangible:

Putting into perspective how precarious chemistry and relationships can be. It was noted here in Toronto that while Durant was in Rio for the Olympics he told DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry how envious he was of their genuine friendship.

Durant said he’d never had a relationship like theirs with any of his teammates. Perhaps, it is unusual for close bonds to form. And, in fairness Westbrook is known to be closest to his brother and inner circle.

Then again, there are things like the following image which provide fodder to believe otherwise.

Even watching the events of Saturday night. I noted both James Harden and Serge Ibaka sitting beside Russ along with their new teammates DeRozan and Lowry. And, there was an interaction between Russ and last season’s OKC teammate Victor Oladipo. In my book (even as a writer) actions always speak much louder than words.

So, whether this is just me looking too deeply or reading too much between the lines, I’m not sure. But, for now, these simple actions leave a profound impression.

Next: OKC Thunder: All-Time Top Scorers

This battle isn’t over, and although it may have subsided somewhat. Come spring it will be renewed with full venom intact and used for motivation.  Ultimately, that alone could prove to offer an intangible to help OKC pull off a shocking upset.