Dwyane Wade
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Dwyane Wade always provides interesting and insightful basketball thoughts.
NBA legend Dwyane Wade shocked many fans by naming Russell Westbrook over Kevin Durant and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the best Oklahoma City Thunder player in franchise history. The shift from the Seattle SuperSonics to the OKC Thunder sees just those three names in serious contention for the top spot. All three have won one MVP Award, but Gilgeous-Alexander is the only one to win an NBA Championship.
However, Wade believes that Westbrook’s longevity gives him the top spot for now, via a podcast discussion:
“I still think that Russell Westbrook is the greatest player in Oklahoma City Thunder history right now. Doesn’t mean he’s going to end up that way, but I still believe that. What (Russ) has done has put him in a different conversation and a different room than anyone in OKC history.
Bro, Russ averaged a triple double 4 times, he went and did something that will never ever be done again. He did it four times. Player to Player. I’m not saying (Shai) needs to do more but he has only did 2 (dominant) years. We talking about player, not accomplishments from championships.”
Wade believes that Westbrook averaging a triple double over multiple seasons and making some new NBA history makes him the top choice. Gilgeous-Alexander was argued by the co-host for the ring, but Wade backed up his point.
Kevin Durant Wasn’t Even Mentioned
The most surprising thing about this debate is that current Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant didn’t get mentioned. Durant was often considered the best player on the team when he and Westbrook contended for many seasons together.
Legion Hoops
Dwyane Wade says Russell Westbrook is the greatest player in OKC history:
“Bro Russ averaged a triple double 4 times, he went and did something that will never ever be done again. Player to Player. (Shai) has only did 2 years.”
(h/t @TheWestbrookEra)
Wade’s era saw most players and fans viewing Durant as the clear best player on that team. Westbrook didn’t become an MVP candidate and average triple doubles until Durant left the franchise to join a 73-win Golden State Warriors squad.
Many believe that Durant lost his place in Oklahoma City history by stabbing fans and teammates in the back by joining the top rival West team. Wade didn’t feel Durant was worth mentioning when he argued Westbrook over Gilgeous-Alexander for the top all-time great Thunder spot.
How Long Before Shai Passes Westbrook
Westbrook’s argument over Gilgeous-Alexander is the longevity, triple double history, and connection to the fan base. Wade didn’t discuss that Westbrook gave Thunder fans hope after the all-time low moment of losing Durant before winning an NBA Championship with their homegrown core.
Gilgeous-Alexander has a fair argument upon looking at the accomplishments of one ring and one MVP. The current season sees Shai as the strong favorite to win another MVP and another NBA Championship. It would be hard to say Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t taking the top spot, but Wade wants to see the longevity play out first.
Westbrook will likely get his jersey retired by the Thunder shortly after his eventual retirement. Durant is a trickier situation since many Oklahoma City fans still resent him for the ugly departure. Wade’s comments shine a light on Thunder General Manager Sam Presti drafting four future MVPs, including James Harden.