OKC Thunder stars Russell Westbrook and Paul George bring bromance to Team USA mini camp

Team USA three day mini camp features OKC Thunder stars Russell Westbrook and Paul George

NBA stars converged upon Vegas for the three day Team USA mini camp which began Thursday, July 26. For the OKC Thunder it offers their two stars an opportunity to hang out with peers and showcase one of the fastest growing bromances in the Association.

Paul George and Russell Westbrook have each played on Olympic teams so this is nothing new for either player. The difference this time around is both stars arrive as NBA teammates and on the precipice of replacing the top tier of stars. More specifically, the banana boat boys (LeBron James, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony) aren’t expected to be on the 2020 Olympic team.

Russ and PG the newest NBA bromance

It wasn’t surprising to see DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry joined at the hip as the mini camp began. After all, the duo, with no offense to the banana boat guys was dubbed the best bromance of the NBA. Having spent the majority of their careers together in Toronto the Raptors backcourt were the envy of the stars. Just ask Kevin Durant. The former OKC Thunder star went so far as texting former coach Rex Kalamian about the relationship and told DeRozan he was envious.

Durant texted Kalamian that he was jealous of Kyle and DeMar’s relationship. Writer James Herbert of CBS Sports covered the Kalamian – KD  discussions of the duo:

"Your two guys are the best. I’m jealous of their relationship, the way they get along with each other and the way they play together. The way they enjoy each other, it’s great,” Kalamian said of that text on Monday, as the Raptors finished up their practice. Durant, all the way from the Olympics in Rio, was in awe of the friendship that Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan had on display with the U.S. men’s basketball team."

Durant is likely seeing the green eyed monster again in Vegas. But, this time with his eyes focused on frenemy  Westbrook who is clearly bonding with Paul George in a manner the two never did during their OKC playing days. Factor in news of possible off court conflict with Draymond Green and the Thunder bromance has to sting KD.

Given Durant Warriors re-signing was on a two-year deal with an opt out  the narrative is already building steam over his possible departure next summer. No doubt, at some point this season OKC will arise as a potential destination. Forgetting the semantics of how the Thunder get there financially, this can’t help but tickle your funny bone.

Personally, I’m happy for Westbrook who took so much of the shade over his temperament in the KD-Russ era.  The fact his bromance with PG is taking center stage at this events is serendipitous.

 Westbrook, George poised to become Olympic starters?

Certainly if James elects to play he’ll be welcomed with open arms, but it’s anticipated the team’s top player will likely pass. James turns 34  in December which is typically the point most stars games are showing regression (see Carmelo Anthony). Despite James defying the odds closely resembling the fine red wine he loves to consume (ie: getting better with age) it’s thought he’ll forego this round of Team USA in order to have the summer off in 2020.

As for Westbrook and George at 29 and 28 respectively they are just embarking on the stage of their careers referred to as “the prime”.  Although pundits vary on who’ll take over as the cream of the crop in Tokyo both OKC Thunder stars got mentions in NBA.com Blogtable as potential Team USA starters. Here’s how the pundits ranked OKC’s superstars:

David Aldridge: ranks Russ and PG as key reserves

Steve Aschburner: suggests if LeBron James is a pass Paul George is his likely replacement.

John Schuhmann: the statsmaster envisions both Russ and PG in the starting lineup based on LeBron not participating. Schuh also brings up the early start date for the Toyko Olympics and tips his hand he envisions Boston and Golden State will have just finished the finals thereby likely excluding their stars.

Sekou Smith: suggests Westbrook makes the starting five as the new regime takes over.

Also of note, Kevin Durant makes five of the six lists and James Harden lands on four. Although I don’t necessary agree with Schuhmann the Celtics and Warriors are a given to make the next two finals, I’ll concede the stars who play in the finals will be less likely to participate. Free agency in 2019 could find a major shift at the top of the food chain, so  I won’t be that presumptuous. Besides, I along with man in Thunder Nation will be crossing fingers OKC might be in that mix.

That said, if Kawhi Leonard is healthy he seems like the logical LeBron replacement. However, George’s chances to start will increase if Westbrook starts because they’ll have two additional seasons of team chemistry on their side.

Vegas becoming prime recruitment territory:

It’s no secret the modern day NBA stars are prone to working on deals behind the scenes (read: collusion). These types of events offer opportunity for the stars to bolster relationship with each other and like the All-Star Game are the few times each season when superstars are conveniently all congregated in one location.

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I envision Vegas becoming the hub for these meetings as more superstars are planning their offseason to include Vegas Summer League. Each summer there is an increase of  superstars on site supporting their squads and working out off site with teammates.

To wit, Vegas has become a vital tool for stars to nurture friendships and begin the recruitment process. If fans think this summer provided a wild free agency it’s time to fasten seat belts for the summer of 2019. Next summer a host of superstars will be free agents. Unlike this year when only a handful of teams had cap space, 2019 features numerous teams who’ll have shed expiring contracts and be players in the mix to lure stars.

Attendees:

Although 35 players were invited to Vegas several stars aren’t on site. Players like LeBron, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green elected to rest due to consecutive finals runs. In Curry’s case the arrival of newborn son Canon also played a factor. Some are nursing injuries like  Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward and DeMarcus Cousins.

Kawhi Leonard elected to focus on prepping for his return (and/or avoiding the drama of being on site with Gregg Popovich).  While others like Anthony Davis, Jimmy Butler, Bradley Beal,  Chris Paul,  DeAndre Jordan and C.J. McCollum elected not to participate.

Full list of the 35 players invited to the camp.