Kevin Durant reveals Russell Westbrook’s true self in emotional retirement tribute

The NBA world was stunned this week when Russell Westbrook unexpectedly announced his retirement from professional basketball through a social media post. One day after Westbrook revealed that he was stepping away from the game, his former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Kevin Durant shared an emotional tribute to the veteran guard.

The Houston Rockets star took to X on Thursday to reflect on his relationship with Westbrook and celebrate his former teammate’s remarkable NBA career and the work ethic and personality he witnessed from Westbrook behind the scenes.

“I remember asking assistant coach Mo Cheeks, what’s harder to do?,” Durant wrote. “Workout after practice or before?? I only asked cuz by time I would get to the gym, Russ was already done in the morning and I usually got mine in after practice. Mo like, “coming in before practice is probably harder”…since then, it’s been my routine….a lot of people looked at the emotions on the court and thought Russ was loud, nah to me, he was quiet and methodical.”

Durant also used the tribute to thank Westbrook for the influence he had on an entire generation of athletes throughout his 18-year career. He extended his congratulations and love not only to Westbrook but also to his wife Nina, their children, and the entire Westbrook family.

“I don’t care what happens, can’t erase what it was…The first YNs, finals run in our early 20s, all star games, seeing each other get injured and bounce back, the bus rides, plane rides, card games, jokes and arguments, the whole thing, memorable!! …to the whole Westbrook family, Nina, the kids, mama Westbrook, big Russ, Ray, Donnell, everybody from luezinger high and ucla and many more that I’m forgettin, much love and Congratulations on a iconic career.” 

Durant entered the NBA in 2007 after being selected No. 2 overall by the Seattle SuperSonics. One year later, Westbrook was drafted fourth overall by the franchise, which had relocated to Oklahoma City and become the Thunder.

For eight seasons, Durant and Westbrook developed into one of the league’s most explosive superstar duos. The duo eventually guided the Thunder to the 2012 NBA Finals, but ultimately fell short as the Miami Heat won the championship.

Their partnership officially came to an end in July 2016 when Durant made the shocking decision to leave Oklahoma City and sign with the Golden State Warriors in free agency. Although their paths eventually went in different directions, the years they spent together remained a defining chapter in both players’ careers.

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