NBA Basketball News
Kevin Durant couldn’t hide his surprise when he heard the news of Russell Westbrook’s retirement. According to Durant, his former colleague at the Oklahoma City Thunder still has the potential to continue to shine on the NBA scene. However, despite his views, Durant still respects Westbrook’s decision.
Westbrook officially hung up his shoes on August 12. Over 18 seasons, he has played for seven different teams, starting with Oklahoma City, performing brilliantly at Houston, and finally playing for the Sacramento Kings. In the latest episode of Boardroom Talks, Durant revealed that Westbrook’s decision felt different compared to other players who chose to retire.
Durant and Westbrook shared one of their best spells on the Thunder. This team was the starting point for both of their brilliant careers in the NBA. “It really hit me. Russell was one of the first players who was always around me. Now he has finally chosen to leave this league,” said Durant.
These two stars actually started their NBA journey with the organization that later became the Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant was selected at No. 2 in the 2007 NBA Draft, while Westbrook followed a year later at No. 4 NBA Draft 2008. During eight seasons together, they managed to take the Thunder to the Western Conference Finals four times and reached the 2012 NBA Finals, although they never won the title.
Durant believes that Westbrook can still make significant contributions to any NBA team as a veteran player. “There are many players who are younger than me or who entered the NBA after I retired, but I’m not as close to them as I am to Russell. I feel Russell can actually still play,” he said again.
Even though the opportunity to continue his career in the NBA is still open, Westbrook chose to reject offers from the Kings and Washington Wizards. He closed his career at the age of 37. “It makes you appreciate all the time you have spent together. Russell also has a lot to do off the field. I want to see what he will do next,” added Durant.
Photo: Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images
Article Tags: kevin durant, russell westbrook
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