NBA training camps open this weekend and the storylines around the upcoming season are juicy. The biggest of course is the fallout in OKC after former league MVP Kevin Durant bolted in free agency to the rival Golden State Warriors.
We aren’t going to rehash that, it’s over. He left, as was his right. What still has people interested is the relationship between Durant and his ex-running mate Russell Westbrook. Today was media day in OKC and of course Russell was asked about recent comments by Durant that the two are still cool. Russ responds exactly the way you expect him to, direct and truthful.
The thing we all need to remember is, this is work and a career for these guys. While it would be nice for everyone in the workplace to be best friends, and be together forever that’s not realistic. No doubt Russ felt some type of way when KD told him he was going to leave, but life goes on. Just like if you had a friend at work and one of you left, the dynamic would change. It’s no surprise the two haven’t talked, which by the way would have probably been the same had KD stayed. Both guys went their separate ways in the offseason, KD played for Team USA, Russ didn’t. Russ focused on his fashion endeavors, etc. and spent time with his new wife.
In my opinion, Russ and KD are friends and will remain friends. Their relationship had a unique dynamic because they worked together and were the leaders of a franchise. It will be different now because they no longer work together, but you don’t grow up in the league together like they did and not maintain some type of relationship. Just expect that it will be different.