Stale offense and internal conflict cited by former OKC Thunder players

Former OKC Thunder forwards Paul George and Jerami Grant (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
Former OKC Thunder forwards Paul George and Jerami Grant (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Former OKC Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Russell Westbrook takes the high road:

It should come as no surprise the one former player who had nothing bad to say (in fact he made no mention of his former club) was Russell Westbrook.

As the face of the franchise, these past few seasons Westbrook is beloved by the fanbase and he’s not about to mess with that.

In truth, Westbrook loves Oklahoma City. His wife Nina opened a store in the city and they welcomed all three of their children, son Noah and twin girls Skye and Jordyn while they were in OKC.

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Undoubtedly, Westbrook will receive a hero’s welcome January 9 in his first visit as an opponent. Eventually, his jersey will be hoisted into the rafters at the Peake.

Less certain is the type of welcome awaiting Paul George and Patrick Patterson on December 22nd or Jerami Grant on February 21st?

Ultimately, the players aren’t wrong. The Thunder offense last season could be unbearable to watch at times. The issue is Patterson never did himself any favors, Grant grew as a result of the Thunder and George benefitted the most because the team made him their central focus.

Personally, I’m not generally someone who promotes booing. In fact, it’s too bad the options are only to boo or applaud. If the fan base really wants to send a message it would be to give George the silent treatment. Unfortunately, that’s a hard act to deliver given the sheer number of fans in attendance.

Paul George’s insights on player empowerment, exit from OKC raise eyebrows. dark. Next

What are your thoughts regarding the statements made by Grant, Patterson, and George? Are they fair or simply a salty shot? Let us know what you think in the comments section and also how you plan to respond to each of them when they return to the Peake.