The 2025-26 NBA season began with an interesting matchup. Kevin Durant returned to Oklahoma City as the Thunder received their championship rings. He was the team’s main star the last time they got close to winning one, although that team famously fell short.
KD’s many achievements with the Thunder were overshadowed by the way he left. Choosing to join the Golden State Warriors in 2016 permanently destroyed his relationship with the OKC fans. So much so that both the fans and Durant were booing one another before the game began on Tuesday night.
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MORE: Kevin Durant greets OKC crowd with boos before season opener
Until they won it all last season, the Thunder were known as one of the 2010s’ greatest ‘what-ifs. ‘ They drafted three NBA MVPs, but couldn’t win a championship. And while James Harden blossomed elsewhere, and KD left on terrible terms, Reggie Miller thinks they all deserve to have their jerseys retired.
Reggie Miller: "Russell Westbrook should be retired here. Kevin Durant — I know it's very unpopular — should be retired here. I think Serge Ibaka should be retired here. James Harden, I think, should be retired here. You're not agreeing with *that* one there, Michael Tirico." pic.twitter.com/3VzWS0dECG
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 22, 2025
“Russell Westbrook should be retired here,” Miller said while commentating on the game. “Kevin Durant, I know it’s very unpopular, should be retired here. I think Serge Ibaka should be retired here. James Harden, I think, should be retired here. You’re not agreeing with *that* one there, Michael Tirico.”
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Oklahoma City Thunder players Russell Westbrook, Derek Fisher, Kendrick Perkins, James Harden, and Kevin Durant on the court against the San Antonio Spurs. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images
No one can question Russell Westbrook’s legacy in OKC. His jersey will be retired. However, KD has a complex one, and with all that’s happened, one wouldn’t begrudge the Thunder for not raising his number into the rafters.
As for James Harden, he was a bench player during his time there. Serge Ibaka was a role player, too, albeit a great one. Most fans of the franchise are likely to entirely disagree with Miller.
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