Thunderous Intentions
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Original OK3 interact at USA mini camp as Westbrook imitates Harden and gets in KD tiff

By Tamberlyn Richardson

LAS VEGAS, NV - July 27: Russell Westbrook, DeMar DeRozan and James Harden talk before USAB Minicamp at Mendenhall Center on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus on July 27, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - July 27: Russell Westbrook, DeMar DeRozan and James Harden talk before USAB Minicamp at Mendenhall Center on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus on July 27, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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With OKC Thunder star Russell Westbrook in attendance at the Team USA mini three day camp it offered plenty of fodder especially with his former teammates.

Although Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James and Stephen Curry weren’t among the stars in Vegas for Team USA’s mini training camp plenty of stars hit the hardwood. Among those were both OKC Thunder superstars Russell Westbrook and Paul George.

With no game on tap this summer for the national team this event was meant more to keep the process running smoothly. This included new national team coach Gregg Popovich taking over from Mike Krzyzewski. The other key reason to meet is to keep the camaraderie strong and players invested in the program.

As noted in our last peek into the camp this is the perfect setting for stars to build relationships with one another. That’s a huge deal given how many stars will hit free agency in the summer of 2019. Also noteworthy is the strong bonds existing on the court with current and former teammates.

Westbrook imitates Harden:

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One such relationship which began in their youth is Westbrook and James Harden who both grew up in LA. Unlike the Kevin Durant situation Russ and James have remained close despite playing on opposite squads. Sporting News highlighted Westbrook impersonating Harden’s patented step back move and making fun of him.

"Rockets guard James Harden has become notorious for his signature step-back, and former teammate Russell Westbrook had some fun with the move when the two were reunited and playing together on the same court during Team USA camp.The Thunder guard hilariously called out Harden for the move by mocking his step-back. It’s a play Harden uses to create enough space between him and the defender to get his shot off. Harden comes close to traveling, but he is rarely called for the violation."

https://twitter.com/overtime/status/1022925092655980545

And then gets in a tiff with KD:

On the other end of the spectrum is Kevin Durant. In the clip below Westbrook and Durant have a disagreement which brings Kyrie Irving off the bench to help diffuse the issue. Also of note number 55 is Johnny on the spot to help out. Although my copy of the video wasn’t too clear I’m pretty sure that’s Russ’ former teammate Victor Oladipo.

Although KD and Westbrook worked it out it just highlights how different Westbrook’s relationships are with his former OKC Teammates.

Even the fact Oladipo came to his aid points to how the majority of Russ’ teammates like him. Although I’m sure Reggie Jackson might side with Kevin Durant, on a whole Russ seems to be winning this debate.

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