When the Thunder originally relocated to Oklahoma City and rebranded as the Seattle Supersonics, they needed a unique identity to attract fans and establish themselves in the NBA. Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and James Harden all contributed to this. After Durant joined with the Golden State Warriors and Harden was moved to the Houston Rockets, Westbrook remained with the franchise. The Thunder crowd has a special fondness for Russell Westbrook, which was evident when the Los Angeles Clippers visited town this week.

Russell Westbrook spent 11 seasons with the Thunder after being picked fourth overall in the 2008 NBA Draft. Before the 2019-20 season, he was traded to the Houston Rockets. He was with the Rockets for one season before going on to the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, and now the Clippers.

Westbrook averaged 23.0 points per game, 7.0 rebounds, 8.4 assists, and 1.8 steals while with the Thunder, shooting 43.4 percent from the field, 30.8 percent from the three-point line, and 80.1 percent from the free throw line. With the Thunder, Westbrook was an eight-time All-Star.

Russell Westbrook is in his first full season with the Clippers after signing a buyout contract with them last season. The Lakers traded him to the Utah Jazz, although he never played for them since they were negotiating a contract buyout. Whatever path Westbrook takes in his career, it’s evident that he’ll always hold a special place in Thunder fans’ hearts.