Kevin Durant Reflects Emotionally on Russell Westbrook’s Retirement After Eight Years Together
Source: basketnews.com
Kevin Durant, forward for the Houston Rockets, expressed heartfelt emotions following the retirement of Russell Westbrook, his teammate for eight years at Oklahoma City Thunder.
“I remember once asking assistant coach Mo Cheeks whether it was harder to train after the team practice or to come to the gym before it. I asked because by the time I arrived, Russell had usually finished his morning workout, while I tended to train after the team session. Mo said, ‘Probably harder to come before practice.’ Since then, it became a habit for me.
Many people saw Russell’s emotions on the court and thought he was loud. Not for me—he was quiet and methodical. When the lights came on, he gave everything he had and felt true freedom. That inspired me as his teammate. Wherever I went, I saw how he motivated people from all walks of life. The craziest thing was that he barely spoke; he just showed up and did his job. For 18 years.
This basketball life is sacred to us as professionals. What we put into the court means everything. Some of us might want to go back and do certain things with more focus, while others can just shake it off and be satisfied with their time in the game. Who will you be?
We know what Zero was all about… Keep inspiring people in the next chapter of your life, champion. I don’t care what happens; you can’t erase what was. The early years making the Finals when we were just over 20, All-Star Games, watching each other get hurt and come back, bus rides, flights, card games, jokes, and arguments—all unforgettable!
To the entire Westbrook family—his wife Nina, the kids, his mom, the Great Russell, Ray, Donnell, everyone from Lewisinger High School and UCLA, and many others I’m forgetting now—huge love and congratulations on an outstanding career,” Durant wrote.
