For what Russell Westbrook has meant to not only this basketball organization, not only the city he plays in but the entire state of Oklahoma, thank you is not enough.
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” The great Dr. Seuss said that and it has been used on every single cliche card, note of inspiration, or acknowledgment of new beginnings since the day Dr. Seuss pinned the quote. For OKC Thunder fans, this sentiment rings true for the end of the Russell Westbrook era.
With Russell Westbrook being traded, it ends the first era of Oklahoma City Thunder basketball. It ends the first era of permanent professional basketball in Oklahoma City. It ends a lot of our childhoods. It ends a lot of our favorite sports memories.
For some, their first ever profession basketball fandom moments coincide with Russell Westbrook and the first era of Thunder basketball. His ferocious dunks, explosive play, give it all mentality and play every possession like it’s your last set the tone for Oklahoma City’s basketball culture, and what fans expect of their players.
For Russell Westbrook, he has meant so much to the state of Oklahoma, the city of Oklahoma City, and the Thunder organization.
I will not pretend that this article will even begin to be enough to summarize how impactful he was and is on the lives of so many Oklahomans, and fans around the world, but I can try.