Russell Westbrook has always been Batman, now you’ll see it.
It’s old news by now, but for me as a Thunder fan, this took time to sink in. After the debacle on July 4th when KD decided to head to Golden State, the Thunder were left with a decision. I said the first order of business would be to re-sign Westbrook. This has always been plan A-Y and plan Z was to trade him if he did not want to be there.
BUT he decided to stay, signing a 3-year extension with OKC (3rd year is a Player Option, but we’ll talk about that on another date). Russell Westbrook will be wearing a Thunder Jersey for at least 2 years now after the state of Oklahoma thought all hope was lost for their beloved franchise, the hero they have always had but never fully realized they did have, saved them from the depths of the NBA where a franchise can be lost for decades.
I read an article before the KD sitauation went down and what that meant for Mr. Westbrook. It said that he could finally be a Batman instead of a Robin. The more I think about it, the more it is clear that Russell Westbrook has always been the Batman in OKC, at least for the better part of the past six years.
The media considered him a Robin, but if you really paid attention, he was, is, and will continue to be the Batman. Too often when the Thunder were down you would see Durant’s body language turn sour, he would clap for the ball and if he didn’t get it, his arms would be thrown in the air like a little kid throwing a temper tantrum. The ignitor and the spiritual leader? You guessed it, number 0. The Thunder could be down 30 and you would still get the same intensity, the same passion and the same drive from Westbrook. He would spark the comebacks, ignite the crowd, and bring “Loud City” to a roar.
KD has shown he is comfortable being a Robin by heading to Golden State, playing next to three all stars (one of which is the only unanimous MVP ever in the history of the league). Westbrook could have not signed the extension, he could have played out this season and tested free agency immediately following this season. Instead, a superstar will remain in OKC. A major piece to build around, possibly attract a big free agent (Hi, Blake Griffin).
Westbrook has always been the ignitor and the heart and soul behind the Thunder. We finally will get to see Westbrook become the person he has always believed he was, Batman. The Robin talk is gone. The honeymoon period is short in the NBA, but yesterday hope was restored to a franchise, a city, and a state.
The roar certainly will continue. Thank you Russell Westbrook.
#ThunderUp #WhyNot
