As if the start to the 2026-27 season wasn't already slated to be action-packed, what with their matchup against the rival Spurs right out of the gate, Jalen Williams just floated an idea that, if executed, would make the first two games for the OKC Thunder the perfect way for them to kick things off.
With the recent announcement of Russell Westbrook's retirement, many have begun to wonder when, not if, Oklahoma City would make the decision to retire the legendary guard's No. 0 up into the rafters at Paycom Center.
To Williams, waiting for such an event seems rather unnecessary, as he pitched the idea on his personal X account of having it be held during OKC's home opener on October 22.
Frankly, doing so could make the ceremony an amplified love fest for Westbrook, for not only do Thunder fans and players have a connection to the future Hall of Famer, but so, too, do many members of the Nuggets organization, as he spent one highly successful and impactful season with the club during the 2024-25 campaign.
Denver cornerstone Nikola Jokic has since gone on record saying it's "always good to see Russ" and praising the "really good chemistry" they established during their lone season as running mates.
A matchup between two of his former teams, both flush with players who have the utmost respect and appreciation for Westbrook, could prove to be an ideal opportunity to hoist his jersey up into the rafters.
Thunder members from past & present rightly praise Russell Westbrook
Since his retirement announcement, past and present members of the Thunder organization have been busy heaping praise on the legendary career Westbrook built during his 18 seasons in the association.
Current cornerstone Shai Gilgeous-Alexander snapped his four-year dormancy on X to congratulate Russ for being "a legend on and off the floor," and to thank him for "everything you gave to the city" of OKC.
GM Sam Presti, who not only built up this current dynasty-pushing core but also the contender Westbrook was a part of back in the late aughts through late 2010s, went as far as to brand the point guard as "the ultimate competitor."
Heck, even his once Thunder brother turned biggest NBA enemy, Kevin Durant, couldn't help but pen a truly heartfelt message about Westbrook, saying he was a true inspiration throughout his "iconic career," citing his work ethic both on and off the court, and took a walk down memory lane by writing: "finals run in our early 20s, all star games, seeing each other get injured and bounce back, the bus rides, plane rides, card games, jokes and arguments, the whole thing, memorable!!"
Westbrook's impact on this game and those in the league is truly legendary. With this, despite Skip Bayless' belligerent analysis, Russ is, without question, worthy of becoming a first-ballot Hall of Famer once he becomes eligible in 2029.
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