Thank you, Russell Westbrook; a trip down memory lane

Finally, someone stayed…or did they?

After the season ended at the hands of the Jazz in six games, the attention turned to Paul George.

George was a free agent, and we all know what happened the last time the Thunder saw a prized player hit the open market. Only this time, George never told Oklahoma City, Russell Westbrook, or the organization he was coming back. In fact, it was well documented how badly he wanted to don the Purple and Gold and play in L.A. or so we thought.

The Lakers landed LeBron James and had the money to sign George. PG set up a multi-part mini-documentary with ESPN ahead of his free agency decision. The last time a player did something like that, it was LeBron James with “The Decision” when he jumped ship from his current team.

But Paul George stayed, the Thunder and Russell Westbrook threw him a house party where the two mainstays in Oklahoma City enjoyed cigars and fun.

We got one incredible moment from the ESPN series when Thunder general manager quoted a rap lyric “Scared Money Don’t make none.” which, like “Now I do what I want.” became a rallying cry for Thunder fans.

George re-signed with the Thunder for a three year plus one deal, and Thunder fans were over the moon.

Paul George played like an MVP candidate, but was hurt down the stretch of the season, injuries to both shoulders and the Thunder for the third straight year flamed out in the first round of the playoffs.

Another what if: “What if Paul George doesn’t get hurt, and continued to play at an MVP level?”