OKLAHOMA CITY — Although he never played alongside future Hall of Fame guard Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander understands the legacy Westbrook left after 11 seasons in OKC. Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on Westbrook's impact on the Thunder organization during training camp.

Although Gilgeous-Alexander's first season in Oklahoma City was the Thunder's first without Westbrook in nearly a decade, the two-time MVP says the foundation Russ helped build still resonated in his departure.

“He's as dynamic as they come in terms of NBA player, personality, teammate; he's the whole package,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “He laid the foundation for what we stand on now. Part of the reason why this city is what it is is because of Russell Westbrook, and he deserves all those flowers for what he's done off the court and on the court. It's obviously a little shocking that it's this soon. Feels like he had a little more in the tank.

“But everyone has their own journey. He deserves his flowers, and I think it's kind of how the world is; usually you get them when you're done. It's unfortunate, but what he's done for the game of basketball, for the kids, for the city, for the world has been special. We'll miss Russ for sure. The game will miss Russ.”

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As for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander eclipsing Russell Westbrook as the most-beloved Thunder player ever in Oklahoma City, SGA isn't sure if that's possible despite leading the organization to its first championship in franchise history in 2025.

“Russ is like Oklahoma's baby. I don't think there will ever be another,” Gilgeous-Alexander added. “You feel it in the streets. Russ is everywhere. He's a pioneer for what we stand on, like I just said. So, it's hard to even compare. Hats off to Russ and his career. It was amazing. It was beautiful. Hopefully, we all get to that level of inspiration one day.”

Presti teased that the Thunder will honor Westbrook during the 2026-27 season in one form or another. After Westbrook announced his retirement from the NBA, Thunder fans called for Russell's jersey to be retired, which could be one of a few ceremonies to come in Oklahoma City.