Kevin Durant didn’t count on Russell Westbrook to stroll away from basketball simply but after he introduced his retirement this offseason. Regardless of reportedly receiving curiosity from the Washington Wizards and Sacramento Kings, Westbrook ended a legendary profession that may endlessly be linked with Durant’s.
For Durant, seeing one in every of his closest former teammates retire hit in a different way.
“It simply hit me, man, that’s one of many first dudes you are available in with and also you had been round each day to lastly step out,” Durant mentioned on Boardroom Talks. “Loads of guys which were youthful than me or drafted after me have retired, however I wasn’t as near them as I used to be to Russell. And it’s any person I really feel like might nonetheless play. It shocked me. It’s a type of issues you could admire on a regular basis spent, and any person like Russell is doing so much off the court docket too. I wish to see what he does subsequent.”
Westbrook reportedly had alternatives to proceed enjoying through the 2026-27 season, however finally determined it was time to step away.
Durant believes his former teammate nonetheless had one thing to supply an NBA group, significantly as an skilled voice contained in the locker room.
“It was stunning. Like I mentioned, I assumed he might nonetheless play,” Durant mentioned. “I really feel like he would have been a great veteran presence within the locker room.”
The pair spent eight seasons along with the Thunder after Westbrook arrived as a rookie in 2008, one 12 months after Durant entered the league.
Collectively, they helped remodel Oklahoma Metropolis right into a championship contender, reaching the Western Convention Finals 4 occasions and making an NBA Finals look.
Their partnership ended when Durant left Oklahoma Metropolis for the Warriors in 2016, a choice that led to years of public consideration surrounding his relationship with Westbrook.
Durant went on to win two championships with Golden State, whereas Westbrook remained in Oklahoma Metropolis and have become the league’s MVP.
Regardless of every thing that adopted their cut up, Durant’s response to Westbrook’s retirement made his respect for his former teammate clear.
Now, Durant is to see what comes subsequent for the participant who was alongside him for the start of Oklahoma Metropolis’s rise.
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