Why OKC Thunder fans should bring the tissues to Russell Westbrook jersey retirement

Oklahoma City saw the many faces of Russell Westbrook during his time as a Thunder . He snarled and sneered. He smiled and cheered. But on Monday, when Thunder general manager Sam Presti announced that Westbrook’s jersey would be retired on Feb. 7 and his No. 0 would hang from the Oklahoma City rafters forever, Westbrook showed us a new face. He cried. The two men have been in conversation about the ceremony almost since the August day Westbrook surprised the basketball world and announced he was retiring. Westbrook knew an announcement about his jersey retirement was coming. Still, this was an emotional day. More: OKC Thunder exercises options on Jared McCain and Thomas Sorber but not Nikola Topic Westbrook was in town to receive the Oklahoma Standard Award from the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum during its Day One Luncheon, which begins 168 days of remembrance culminating on the anniversary of the bombing. He talked about not being anyone’s friend when he was on the court but doing lots to serve and care for the city that became a second home. “I want to just say,” he began, “it’s like you guys … ” But then his words stopped, and his tears started. Westbrook paused for nearly 20 seconds before he spoke again. “I don’t think you understand the impact you guys had on me as a 19-year-old,” he said of his early days in Oklahoma City, “because I’m coming from Los Angeles. I’m coming to a place where I don’t know anybody, I don’t have any support other than my family and friends. “You guys welcomed me with open arms. That’s why I’m truly grateful.” Westbrook wasn’t just talking to the people in the ballroom at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. He meant everyone in the 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 continued. “You guys 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.” More: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wills OKC Thunder to much-needed win over Cleveland Cavaliers Pretty sure Oklahomans feel like any debt, if there ever was one, has been paid back and then some. Westbrook not only gave the Thunder more than a decade of amazing but also chose Oklahoma City when the franchise, city and state needed him most. After Kevin Durant left, punching the Thunder in the gut and Oklahomans in the jaw, Westbrook re-signed with the franchise, then produced one of the most amazing seasons in NBA history. He averaged a triple-double, won the MVP and healed Thunder Nation. Of course, his jersey has to hang in the OKC rafters. No better time to announce it than Monday. “Just before we wrap up,” Presti said after Westbrook’s remarks had finished, pausing to take off his glasses, fish around inside his suit jacket and pull out another pair of spectacles. Red-framed ones. Westbrook made the look famous during his early days, and as Presti put them on, Westbrook chuckled. “Yeah,” Westbrook said. “When you’re done,” Presti told Westbrook, eyeing his cream cable-knit sweater and his matching pants, “I need that outfit back.” “Absolutely,” Westbrook said, still chuckling. But soon, the laughs became tears. More: OKC Thunder sets Russell Westbrook jersey retirement ceremony date “I think everybody knows we’re doing a lot of construction downtown … ” Presti said of the new downtown arena being built. “Most people don’t know we’re actually doing some construction inside the Paycom as well. What we’re doing there, it’ll be finished Feb. 7. We’re making some room in the rafters.” Presti 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, wiped some more. It didn’t help. Several minutes later, when Westbrook talked to reporters, his eyes were still red. “It’s amazing,” he said of having his jersey retired. “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.” No doubt there will be smiles and cheers, but after Monday, someone might want to bring the tissues. There will be tears, too. ​ Jenni Carlson: Jenni can be reached at jcarlson@oklahoman.com. Like her at facebook.com/JenniCarlsonOK, follow her at @jennicarlsonok.bsky.social and twitter.com/jennicarlson_ok, and support her work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today.