Russell Westbrook is as Russell Westbrook does. Last year, it meant signing a contract extension exactly a month to the day supposed partner Kevin Durant decided to chase rings and leave the Thunder for the Warriors. It wasn’t prompted; he affixed his Hancock on a deal that affirmed his ties to and with the city because he felt it was only right, and on Aug. 4, 2016 because he felt it was the time to do so.
Westbrook is as Westbrook does. This year, it meant having all and sundry wait nearly three months before getting confirmation that he would stay with the Thunder throughout his prime. The Designated Player Veteran Exception that promised the richest deal in National Basketball Association history had been waiting for his okay since July 1, but he decided to own it just last Friday, and without fanfare. He dropped by the franchise offices, made it official, and then went about his way, with the press conference formally announcing it not slated to occur for a couple more days.
Westbrook is as Westbrook does. Perhaps he could have been more forthright. Every day that passed without him reaffirming his commitment became another day of speculation. Thunder fans couldn’t help but be anxious. Was he first going to see if his partnership with new acquisitions Paul George and Cardeno Anthony would reap dividends before saying yes to another five seasons? Did the lure and allure of Los Angeles, where he resides and where the Lakers are, give him pause?
Westbrook is as Westbrook does. Amid all the uncertainty, it meant being secure in what he knew to be true. “Loyalty” and “trust” aren’t merely words to him. He lives by them, and whenever he opens his mouth, he makes a pledge. There are no ifs and buts, no reading between the lines, no contextualizing, no taking back the essence of his statement. So when he noted last year that “there’s no place I’d rather be,” he wasn’t engaging in cheap talk. He was assuring his allegiance — which, moving forward, made the supermax arrangement a done deal; signing it was a formality.
Westbrook is as Westbrook does. In the case of the Thunder, it meant repaying faith with faith. They got him outstanding help in George and Anthony. In turn, he got them stabilizing security. On their 10th Anniversary in Oklahoma City, they look to the horizon with hope. Next year presents another set of complexities: Their other stars may opt out and leave them, or opt in and push them deep into luxury tax territory. But because he’s sure to be around, they’re in peace.
Westbrook is as Westbrook does, and the Thunder couldn’t be happier.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is the Senior Vice-President and General Manager of Basic Energy Corp.
