Former OKC Thunder superstars Westbrook, Harden GQ cover story
The OKC Thunder trade of Russell Westbrook reunited him with James Harden. The duo is igniting the Rockets catwalk, hardwood and now GQ Magazine.
Russell Westbrook spent 11 seasons delivering excitement for the OKC Thunder fanbase on the hardwood. However, his pregame arrivals were equally compelling as he became known as a must see prior to games for his fashion choices.
The Brodie was named most fashionable twice in the awards show voted on by fans. That fact wasn’t surprising given his true passion for clothing. He wrote a fashion book called ‘Style Drivers‘, launched a fashion line ‘Honor the Gift’ and was frequently cited by fashion magazines as the most stylish athlete both in the NBA and Sports. In 2017, Sports Illustrated made him their cover guy and honoring him as their Most Fashionable Athlete.
The new GQ issue is calling Westbrook and teammate James Harden the most fashionable sports duo. After all, the Rockets installed a red carpet mostly sparked by the pair who each have a love for style and love showing up to games in their creations picked for specific purposes depending on the venue, opponent and occasion.
Aside from a highly entertaining and humorous video that has the duo offering up commentary on specific outfits they’ve worn they also dive into their games. Although they offer insight on this season they also discuss the time spent in Oklahoma City.
One section of the Q and A reveals it was a phone call from Harden that initially instigated the trade.
"GQ: If the goal was for you guys to play together again, did you ever discuss James going back to OKC?…Westbrook: Oh, nah! [laughs] No, that wasn’t a thought.Harden: It’s impossible.GQ: Why?Westbrook: I never thought about that until now. [laughs]Harden: I just felt like he gave, what, 12 amazing years. We’ve all seen Russ grow as a player. I just felt like it was time for a change. And I think everybody just needed it."
The above response is interesting as it seems Harden was the driving force behind the trade and pushed Westbrook to consider the change.
The interesting exchange touches on whether the duo felt if Harden had stayed in OKC if they would’ve won the Larry O’B.
"GQ: If OKC doesn’t trade you in 2012, James, would y’all have a chip by now?Harden: Man, hell yeah!Harden: I was there for three seasons. Every team that we lost to won the chip.Westbrook: Every time.Harden: My third year we lost in the Finals. And we just came off USA Basketball, won a gold medal. It was destined. But shit happens."
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This debate has gone on for years in terms of Harden getting traded. Some felt the team made the choice to keep Serge Ibaka over Harden and it was strictly a dollars and cents decision.
Others felt the Bearded superstars regression in the NBA Finals was tied to his partying ways and perhaps wasn’t in line with where the franchise saw their core.
Whatever the reason he was jettisoned to Houston and four years later Kevin Durant excited for the Bay.
It’s a bit crazy when you think about what each of the trio has done – all winning regular season MVP awards. Durant and Ibaka have gone on to win the championship leaving only Harden and Westbrook without rings.
Next. NBA power rankings week 16, how teams rank post deadline. dark
In terms of fashion while the Brodie and Beard may be most stylish don’t sleep on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who has his own drip as does Darius Bazley who are keeping things fresh in OKC.