Houston Rockets star Russell Westbrook said earlier this week that he expects it to be emotional when he returns to Oklahoma City on Thursday for the first time since his departure from the Thunder after 11 seasons.
It appears the feeling is quite mutual.
In a statement released Wednesday night, Thunder GM Sam Presti — the man who dealt Westbrook to the Rockets last July — addressed Westbrook’s imminent return to Chesapeake Energy Arena as a visitor.
Presti’s statement reads:
Russell Westbrook gave the Thunder and the Oklahoma community everything he had for over a decade. He arrived when his career and the organization were literally starting from zero. Russell was a catalyst for a lot of incredible moments and memories for our fans, but it is his relentlessness, longevity, and commitment that define his legacy in Oklahoma City. It’s going to be a unique moment when he steps back on the Chesapeake floor, a chance for people to recognize someone that will always figure prominently into the history of our city.
Sam Presti on Russell Westbrook's return to OKC tomorrow: pic.twitter.com/Pm2pUWB7d8
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) January 8, 2020
A future Hall of Famer, Westbrook was a an eight-time NBA All-Star, a two-time scoring champion, and the 2017 league MVP during his 11 years with the franchise. He also stood by the franchise in the tumultuous months and years immediately after the departure of fellow superstar Kevin Durant in 2016 free agency to the rival Golden State Warriors.
Westbrook has earned an ovation from his former fans, and it seems quite likely that he’ll get one in Thursday’s nationally televised game TNT. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Central.
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In 31 games played this season, Westbrook is averaging 24.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in 35.3 minutes for the Rockets (24-11).