Russell Westbrook's retirement has sparked an outpouring of messages from across the NBA, but few carry the history or weight of the one Kevin Durant shared Thursday.
Durant and Westbrook grew from young stars into one of basketball's most electric duos with the Oklahoma City Thunder. They experienced an NBA Finals run, heartbreaking playoff exits, injuries, individual accolades and eventually a highly publicized split when Durant left Oklahoma City in 2016.
A decade later, Durant put all of that history into perspective after Westbrook announced Wednesday that he was retiring following 18 NBA seasons.
The Houston Rockets star posted a lengthy statement on X celebrating his former teammate, beginning with a story that showed just how much Westbrook influenced him.
Kevin Durant Reveals How Russell Westbrook Changed His Routine
Durant recalled asking then-Thunder assistant coach Maurice Cheeks whether it was more difficult to work out before or after practice.
There was a reason he asked.
By the time Durant arrived at the gym, Westbrook had already completed his morning work. Durant said Cheeks told him working out before practice was probably harder.
"Since then, it's been my routine," Durant wrote.
That small detail illustrated the larger point of Durant's message: Westbrook's relentless approach influenced the people around him.
Durant also pushed back against one popular perception of Westbrook. While fans saw the emotion and intensity he displayed during games, Durant remembered a much different person behind the scenes.
"A lot of people looked at the emotions on the court and thought Russ was loud, nah to me, he was quiet and methodical," Durant wrote.
He described Westbrook as someone who led by example before unleashing his emotions once the games began.
Durant Reflects on Unforgettable Thunder Years With Westbrook
Durant and Westbrook spent eight seasons together with the Thunder from 2008 through 2016.
They reached the 2012 NBA Finals while still in their early 20s and became perennial championship contenders in the Western Conference. Their partnership ended when Durant joined the Golden State Warriors in 2016, creating tension that followed both players for years.
Durant's retirement message made clear that those difficult moments haven't erased what they accomplished together.
"I don't care what happens, can't erase what it was," Durant wrote.
He reminisced about their Finals run, All-Star appearances, injuries, bus rides, plane rides, card games, jokes and even arguments before congratulating Westbrook and his family on an "iconic career."
Westbrook retired with nine All-Star selections, an MVP award and an NBA-record 209 triple-doubles.
For Durant, however, Westbrook's legacy clearly extends beyond the numbers.
Long before both became NBA legends, they were young teammates building careers together in Oklahoma City. Durant's message showed those memories still mean plenty.
