Winding through Oklahoma City and walking into Chesapeake Energy Arena on Thursday, signs and displays from fans and businesses lined the streets. Outside the arena, there were 2,500 Oklahomans patiently waiting. News helicopters circled above to get a glimpse of the scene. Even the city’s mayor, Mick Cornett, chimed in to get a question asked at the press conference. Truly, in Oklahoma City, this was Russell Westbrook’s day.
On Thursday, Westbrook made official his intentions of continuing his time with the Thunder by putting pen to paper on a contract extension with the organization. The five-time All-Star made a commitment, showing the depth of his love for the city that has raised him since he was drafted to the Thunder in 2008, before the team even had an official logo.