OKC Thunder exit interview: Russell Westbrook ‘I’m okay with who I am’

Following another first round exit, OKC Thunder star Russell Westbrook was poignant, honest and genuine about the team, his offseason and being okay with who he is.

Despite falling on the favorable side of the bracket, the OKC Thunder off-season started much earlier than anticipated. Due to an all-time great shot and performance by Damian Lillard, as he hit his second series-winning career walk-off buzzer beater. For the record, only five such shots have been hit in NBA history, and Lillard has made two of them.

For the first time in Russell Westbrook‘s career, it was definitive he was not the best point guard on the floor in the Thunder’s Round 1 series. That was Lillard, the margin was not close, for that reason the Blazers are moving on and the Thunder are going home, facing their third consecutive first-round defeat.

Moreover, since Kevin Durant departed the Brodie has not won a playoff series, nor has he won a postseason road game. In the post-KD era, Russ and his Thunder possess a cumulative playoff record of 7-12, with a road record of 0-9.

Incredibly, Westbrook averaged a triple-double for the third consecutive season something no other player has accomplished except Oscar Roberson and that was for a single season. Until his all-time great numbers begin to translate to victories, with each passing season Westbrook’s statistics are beginning to feel more and more arbitrary.

Like the rest of his teammates, Russ took to the podium for his annual exit interview. Unlike the rest of his squad, the Brodie provided an hour gap between himself and coach Billy Donovan; before he began speaking to the media. Below are some of his best quotes and highlights:

On his relationship with Coach Donovan over the last four years

"Ugh, it’s been good. Me personally, I’ve never had a problem with coach Donovan. We’ve also been straight forward with each other and had a good communication and respect for each other’s job."

Does Having three children affect the way you prepare?

"*Giggles. What? *provides a large genuine grin. Ugh, like I said, basketball is a short period in your life. Family is the most important thing to me. It always has been, and it always will be. You only get to play for 10, 20, seven, eight years, but you have a life to live."

This might have been my favorite quote from Russ. He was candid, and the exchange was lighthearted. It would be lovely if he could share more exchanges such as the paragraph above.

How much did missing training camp affect you?

"Ugh, it doesn’t matter. I don’t practice during training camp anyway. (he said the second sentence jokingly)"

Have you made averaging a triple-double passe?

"*Throws hands up and smirks. I just play man, that’s it. If it’s passe so be it. It’s okay let somebody else do it.*This was Berry Tramel’s question."

That was the most cordial and insightful Russ has been with Berry in a long while. It was refreshing to see, I hope the pair can build on this exchange moving forward, because the next question phrase, was getting old.

On 3-point shooting

"I can better, there can be an emphasis on that. But, I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing."

This was both concerning and encouraging. When Westbrook sets his mind to do something he can accomplish anything. He did register a double-triple-double. Don’t doubt Russ, if he comes back a better shooter, Oklahoma City will not suffer a fourth consecutive first-round exit.

Calling out the haters

"I am very confident in what I do, I believe I am the only player that can do what I do. Because if they could, I believe that they would."

This might have been Russ’ most insightful quote he has ever given; cherish it, he might not provide another until it’s time to hang it up.

How did the first-round exit motivate you moving forward?

"Did the early exit motivate me? Yes. (Provide) drive? Ugh, I guess. I don’t really need anything else to motivate me."

In conclusion, Westbrook started out with his typical hostile demeanor. But like an onion, he was peeled back one layer at a time, and he slowly became charismatic, straightforward, and astute. He displayed a lot of growth, let’s hope it translates to the hardwood when the OKC Thunder return in October.

Stay tuned for more OKC Thunder exit interview coverage.