When former Thunder fan favorites will be back in OKC
By Ivan White
Russell Westbrook and Paul George
The LA Clippers will make two trips to Paycom Center on Dec. 21 and Feb. 22. Along with them will come OKC’s former star duo of Westbrook and Paul George.
Westbrook is arguably the Thunder’s most outstanding player of all time. In 11 years with the team, Westbrook was a league MVP, eight-time all-star, and led the Thunder to the playoffs nine times.
After Westbrook’s MVP season in 2017, the Thunder traded for George to form a star duo. George’s tenure in OKC lasted only two seasons, but his impact was significant.
In the 2018-19 season, George had the best season of his career. He was named to the first team for both All-NBA and All-Defense.
Both stars were dealt in 2019 after the tandem posted back-to-back first-round exits. The Thunder sent Westbrook to the Rockets for Chris Paul and picks and George to the Clippers in a package that included Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The two have had many different paths since. George is still with the Clippers, while Westbrook joined the Clippers last season after stints with the Rockets, Wizards, and Lakers.
Considering how Westbrook embraced the community in OKC for so many years, he will always be Oklahoma royalty, and the fans treat him as such each time he’s back.