Only a day after news came that Russell Westbrook was staying put in Oklahoma City, taking a pay raise and accepting the challenge of putting the team on his back, the Thunder held a press conference to speak on the new contract. Sam Presti kicked things off by speaking why Russ is so important to the team and emphasized that Westbrook is probably only going to get better next season.
Of course, you knew the media was going to send questions his way about Kevin Durant and Russ managed to answer the questions in a jokingly manner, but still throw small shots.
On playing the Golden State Warriors, he said no game was bigger or smaller to him because he plays every game like it’s his last. He loves OKC and saw the guys in the locker room and he still thinks it’s the best team for him. He knew what he wanted to do, so he didn’t hesitate to resign and give the rumors any further legs.
In terms of Durant, he understood KD’s decision, but when he heard about it, he asked Presti “what’s next?” and how they could help the team get better.
WESTBROOK FOR MVP 2017!
OS REWIND: Russell Westbrook’s Reaction to Kevin Durant Question is Golden