Latest news with #RussellWestbrook
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dwyane Wade believes Westbrook is still the OKC GOAT despite Shai's historic season: "We are talking about a player who went and did something, and people said it will never be done again"
Dwyane Wade believes Westbrook is still the OKC GOAT despite Shai's historic season: "We are talking about a player who went and did something, and people said it will never be done again" originally appeared on Basketball Network. We're just days removed from watching the Oklahoma City Thunder climb the NBA's mountaintop for the first time in franchise history. A young, hungry squad led by a calm killer who turned the entire league into his playground for eight straight months. If it wasn't one of the greatest individual seasons of all time, then it was easily one of the best we've seen in recent memory. Advertisement Oh, to be completely honest, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn't just lead — he dominated. He took home the scoring title, started in the All-Star Game, was All-NBA First Team, and ran through the Playoffs like a seasoned vet. He bagged Western Conference Finals MVP, followed it up with Finals MVP, and just for good measure, he added the league MVP to the trophy case. Then he topped it all off with a ring. That run right there doesn't happen often. So it's no surprise the "Shai-for-Thunder-GOAT" conversations have hit another gear. It's only been six seasons, but with everything he just pulled off, fans are starting to wonder if we've already seen the best to ever do it in an OKC jersey. But not everyone's ready to give him that crown. Dwyane Wade, a guy who knows a thing or two about being the legend of the franchise, still sees Russell Westbrook at the top of that list. Advertisement "To me, I still think that Russell Westbrook is the best player in Oklahoma City history. Right now… Doesn't mean he is going to end up that way, but to me, I still believe that," Wade said in his recent breakdown after the 2025 Finals. "You can tell me now that a player can come to Miami, win a regular season MVP, win a Finals, a Finals MVP and he just becomes the greatest player in Miami history like that," he added. Westbrook embodied the OKC spirit for over a decade D-Wade's argument isn't only nostalgia talking; it's about the whole body of work for over a decade. When he looks at Russ, he sees a guy who gave everything to that franchise, a walking highlight reel who never cheated the game. Advertisement Westbrook won MVP in 2017 and made eight All-NBA teams and eight All-Star appearances during his 11 seasons with the Thunder. And, of course — he averaged a triple-double for three straight seasons in OKC, something most of us thought was impossible in this era. "Wait a minute. We are talking about a player who went and did something (average a triple-double), and people said it will never be done again. He did it four times," the Miami Heat legend argued. Sure, he didn't bring the Larry O'Brien title home. And yes, the team never made it back to the Finals after Kevin Durant left. But in terms of doing the heavy lifting night after night, carrying rosters, setting the tone and building a brand of basketball that was all heart, nobody embodied Oklahoma City more than Russ did. Related: "We only needed one more guy" - Patrick Beverley says the Clippers lost SGA because Kawhi thought he needed more help The narrative could shift soon The Thunder have something real on their hands. A young core, a winning culture and a new face of the franchise who's already accomplished what Russ couldn't — and he's only entering his best career years. Advertisement If the Thunder runs it back and Shai keeps performing at this level, the conversation is going to shift fast. Because when you start stacking rings on top of MVPs, Finals MVPs, and everything else he just pulled off, that's when legacy talk gets real. Westbrook's impact in OKC will always be legendary, and there is no doubt about it. But if SGA keeps leading this franchise like he did in 2025, not even Wade might be able to keep Russ at the top of that mountain. Related: Montrezl Harrell says Clippers gave up too soon on Shai: "All you had to do is let the kid develop" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers Fans React to Russell Westbrook News on Thursday
Lakers Fans React to Russell Westbrook News on Thursday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Sacramento Kings are entering free agency with a clear point guard priority following the departure of De'Aaron Fox in a midseason trade. The franchise, which finished the 2024-25 campaign at 40-42 and missed the playoffs in the Western Conference play-in tournament, is actively evaluating veteran backcourt options to stabilize its rotation. Advertisement Russell Westbrook is among the names under consideration. The 35-year-old guard spent last season with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds across 75 regular-season games. Westbrook started the year in a backup role, but he gradually earned more minutes and contributed significantly during the Nuggets' playoff run. However, he declined his player option for the 2025-26 season, making him an unrestricted free agent. Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (0).Jerome Miron-Imagn Images The Kings' reported interest in Westbrook signals a potential shift toward veteran leadership at the guard position. According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, Sacramento is weighing options that include Westbrook and Tyus Jones as it prepares for the official start of free agency. Advertisement "Fellow free agents Tyus Jones and Russell Westbrook are also known to be options that the Kings are considering," he wrote. "Free agency formally begins at 6 p.m. Eastern on Monday." Fans of the Los Angeles Lakers, where Westbrook spent two unsuccessful seasons, have been reacting to the former league MVP potential returning to the Pacific Division. "Nobody wants him," said one Lakers fan. "Someone pray for the kings," joked another. "They tryna add more to their [expletive] show," one added. Other Lakers fans implored the Golden State Warriors to sign him, believing the move would make them worse. Advertisement "Nooooo hes supposed to be a golden state warrior," a Lakers fan wrote. "Golden State Warriors sign him please," echoed another. Related: Lakers Fans Excited After Unexpected Nikola Jokic Trade Message From Nuggets Owner Related: Lakers Fans Upset After Celtics Trade Report on Wednesday This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Russell Westbrook Set To Decline $3.5 Million Option To Enter Free Agency
Russell Westbrook Set To Decline $3.5 Million Option To Enter Free Agency originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Russell Westbrook, the 17-year veteran in the NBA, has likely decided to move on from his time with the Nuggets, as sources confirm that Westbrook will not be exercising his player option and testing free agency in the summer. Westbrook may re-sign with the Nuggets on a better deal, but it is anticipated that he may be looking to go elsewhere. Advertisement Westbrook played only one season with the Nuggets as he joined them in 2024. This news comes days after a reported heated discussion between Nuggets teammates Aaron Gordon and Westbrook. While Gordon publicly claimed that the report was untrue, Westbrook's decision seems to make it clear that he no longer wants anything to do with that locker room. In his only season with the Nuggets, he played 75 games where he averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. The six-time All-Star has moved around the league to multiple teams ever since he left the Thunder. Which Teams Are The Best Fit For Russell Westbrook? As the next question in Westbrook's future is where he goes next, let's take a look at four potential teams that could make a move for Westbrook. Advertisement 1. Miami Heat: With Jimmy Butler's exit to the Warriors, the Heat are ushering in a new era led by the likes of Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. They could use his veteran experience to bolster their bench. 2. Sacramento Kings: As the Kings lost Tyrese Haliburton and De'Aaron Fox in trades with the Pacers and the Spurs, they are now facing a major hole in their point guard position's roster depth. While Westbrook may not be an explosive scorer anymore like he was in his prime days, his passing vision should be enough to elevate the Kings' game from the point guard position. Despite playing less than 30 minutes a night, he averaged 6.1 assists on a team that already had Nikola Jokic as their primary playmaker. Therefore, his court vision could help the Kings. 3. Utah Jazz: With the Jazz reportedly looking to trade Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson, they are set to anticipate a lack of depth in their point guard position. As they pivot towards young guards like Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier, Westbrook could be the perfect veteran to come off the bench and provide the necessary input to teach younger players. 4. Oklahoma City Thunder: While the Thunder do not need another addition to this young roster that is already a championship contender, the Thunder will be a storybook ending to Westbrook's career. Retiring with the team that drafted him would be the perfect full-circle moment for Westbrook. Even during the Nuggets' series with the Thunder, Gilgeous-Alexander jokingly invited him to come back 'home' to the Thunder. And while he doesn't exactly fit that franchise's timeline, he will always be 'Mr. Oklahoma,' and that city will always welcome him back with open arms. This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Al Arabiya
4 days ago
- Sport
- Al Arabiya
Oklahoma City Thunder Fans to Celebrate NBA Title With a Parade After Years of Heartbreak
Oklahoma City's unwavering fans finally get to celebrate a championship after suffering through several close calls and heartbreaking moments the past two decades. The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers on Sunday to clinch the NBA title, and the city will hold a parade on Tuesday morning to honor its first major professional championship. Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, All-Star Jalen Williams, and their teammates will pass through downtown for an event that is scheduled to last 90 minutes. Oklahoma City first hosted an NBA team during the 2005–06 season when the New Orleans Hornets temporarily relocated after Hurricane Katrina. Oklahoma City's fans fell in love with the team and a young point guard named Chris Paul, who would be named rookie of the year. The Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City in time for the 2008–09 season, and fans feverishly supported the team despite its early struggles. The Thunder became contenders with young stars Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. Even with all that talent, they couldn't break through. They lost to the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals in 2012, and Harden left for Houston. A possible run in 2013 was derailed when Westbrook was injured during the playoffs. The 2015–16 team led the Golden State Warriors 3–1 in the Western Conference finals before losing the series in seven games. Durant left to join the Warriors after that season, ending that version of the Thunder. Westbrook was the league MVP in 2017 and averaged a triple-double for three straight seasons, but the Thunder never got out of the first round those years. But with its new set of superstars, finally, Oklahoma City has its moment.
The Independent
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Oklahoma City Thunder fans to celebrate NBA title with a parade after years of heartbreak
Oklahoma City 's unwavering fans finally get to celebrate a championship after suffering through several close calls and heartbreaking moments the past two decades. The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers on Sunday to clinch the NBA title, and the city will hold a parade on Tuesday morning to honor its first major professional championship. Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, All-Star Jalen Williams and their teammates will pass through downtown for an event that is scheduled to last 90 minutes. Oklahoma City first hosted an NBA team during the 2005-06 season, when the New Orleans Hornets temporarily relocated after Hurricane Katrina. Oklahoma City's fans fell in love with the team and a young point guard named Chris Paul who would be named rookie of the year. The Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City in time for the 2008-09 season, and fans feverishly supported the team, despite its early struggles. The Thunder became contenders with young stars Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Even with all that talent, they couldn't break through. They lost to the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals in 2012, and Harden left for Houston. A possible run in 2013 was derailed when Westbrook was injured during the playoffs. The 2015-16 team led the Golden State Warriors 3-1 in the Western Conference finals before losing the series in seven games. Durant left to join the Warriors after that season, ending that version of the Thunder. Westbrook was the league MVP in 2017 and averaged a triple-double for three straight seasons, but the Thunder never got out of the first round those years. But with its new set of superstars, finally, Oklahoma City has its moment. ___
