Kevin Durant on Thursday publicly credited Russell Westbrook's pre-practice workout routine as a lasting influence on his own career, sharing the tribute on X following Westbrook's retirement from professional basketball.
Kevin Durant credits Russell Westbrook's pre-practice workouts as inspiration in farewell post
Kevin Durant on Thursday publicly credited Russell Westbrook's pre-practice workout routine as a lasting influence on his own career, sharing the tribute on X following Westbrook's retirement from professional basketball.
Durant wrote that he had asked former Oklahoma City Thunder coach Maurice 'Mo' Cheeks which was harder — working out before or after practice — after repeatedly finding Westbrook already finishing morning sessions. Cheeks told him coming in before practice was probably harder, Durant wrote, and said that exchange shaped his own daily routine.
Durant described Westbrook's approach as 'quiet and methodical' despite a reputation for on-court intensity, writing that Westbrook 'didn't say much, just showed up' and led by example over 18 years.
Westbrook and Durant were teammates with the Thunder from 2008 to 2016, reaching the Western Conference Finals five times. The two, alongside James Harden, reached the 2012 NBA Finals, where they lost to the LeBron James-led Miami Heat. Harden was subsequently traded to the Houston Rockets.
Durant won the league's MVP award in 2014. He and Westbrook reached the Western Conference Finals together again in 2013 and 2016, before Durant entered free agency and signed with the Golden State Warriors. Durant won NBA championships with Golden State in 2017 and 2018, earning Finals MVP honors in both series. Westbrook won the league's MVP award in 2017.
In the post, Durant wrote, 'Some of us wish we could go back and do things with a little more intent, and some can just wipe their hands and be satisfied with the time spent,' a line the source interprets as hinting at his departure from Oklahoma City. Durant closed by sending his love to Westbrook and his family and congratulating him on an 'Iconic career.'
- The source does not state the specific date or circumstances of Russell Westbrook's retirement.
- The source does not include any statement or response from Russell Westbrook.
- The source does not state whether Durant's reference to doing things 'with a little more intent' was explicitly confirmed by Durant himself to be about his Oklahoma City departure.
- The source does not state what prompted Durant to publish the post on Thursday specifically.
- The source does not establish the year of the Western Conference Finals appearances beyond 2012, 2013, and 2016, listing five appearances without dating all of them.
Read the original at New York Post