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Oklahoma City witnessed a different side of Russell Westbrook on Monday. The fiery competitor, known for his intensity on the court, was visibly moved as Thunder general manager Sam Presti revealed that Westbrook's No. 0 jersey would be retired on February 7 and hoisted into the rafters of the Paycom Center.
Westbrook was in town to accept the Oklahoma Standard Award from the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum at its Day One Luncheon, which marks the beginning of 168 days of remembrance leading up to the anniversary of the bombing. During his acceptance speech, Westbrook reflected on his relationship with the city, noting that while he wasn't anyone's friend on the court, he strived to serve and care for the community that became a second home.
His emotions surfaced when he tried to express his gratitude. "I want to just say," he began, but his words halted as tears welled up. After a pause of nearly 20 seconds, he continued, "I don't think you understand the impact you guys had on me as a 19-year-old. Coming from Los Angeles to a place where I didn't know anybody, I had no support other than my family and friends. You guys welcomed me with open arms. That's why I'm truly grateful."
Westbrook's message was directed not only at the attendees in the ballroom at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum but also at the entire city and state. "You guys gave me the ultimate confidence that I can do anything, that I can go out and play and be the best version of myself," he said. "You supported me in my downest moments. You never turned your back on me, and that is something that I can never repay you guys for."
Many Oklahomans likely feel that any debt has been repaid many times over. Westbrook delivered more than a decade of spectacular play and, perhaps more importantly, chose to stay in Oklahoma City when the franchise needed him most. After Kevin Durant's departure in 2016, Westbrook re-signed with the Thunder and went on to produce one of the most remarkable seasons in NBA history, averaging a triple-double, winning the MVP award, and helping to heal a wounded fan base.
Presti, who has been in discussions with Westbrook about the ceremony since the player announced his retirement in August, shared a lighthearted moment amid the emotion. He pulled out a pair of red-framed glasses—a style Westbrook made famous early in his career—and put them on, drawing a chuckle from Westbrook. "When you're done," Presti told Westbrook, eyeing his cream cable-knit sweater and matching pants, "I need that outfit back." Westbrook replied with a laugh, "Absolutely."
But the levity was brief. Presti then spoke about the construction of the new downtown arena and mentioned that some work was also being done inside the Paycom Center. "What we're doing there, it'll be finished Feb. 7," Presti said. "We're making some room in the rafters." He glanced at Westbrook, who was already tearing up. "We figured that was a good night," Presti said, his voice breaking, "to retire his jersey."
Westbrook lowered his head, wiped his eyes, blinked, and wiped again, but the tears kept coming. Minutes later, when he spoke to reporters, his eyes were still red. "It's amazing," he said of the honor. "It's a true blessing, quite frankly. It's not just for me but my family, my wife, my kids, my mom, my dad, my brother, my entire city. To get your jersey retired creates a legacy, creates a sense of just all the work you put in, the time and effort and energy you put into the game. I'm truly grateful for that honor, and I look forward to that night."
There will surely be smiles and cheers on February 7, but after Monday's emotional display, fans might want to bring tissues. There will be tears, too.
Originally reported by yahoo.