Nobody does triple-doubles or tributes quite like Russell Westbrook does.
Oklahoma City Thunder legend Nick Collison, who played his entire career with them, even dating back to when they were still the Seattle SuperSonics, officially announced his retirement on Thursday after 15 NBA seasons.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you. It has been an incredible journey that I’m proud of, and it would not have been possible to do it on my own.”
Nick Collison announces NBA retirement.
News Release https://t.co/ZQclmUeKub pic.twitter.com/qLTuysNF5o
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 10, 2018
In the wake of Collison’s announcement, The Oklahoman requested a statement from Thunder star Russell Westbrook in response to the news. Here was what Westbrook had to say, according to beat writer Brett Dawson.
The Oklahoman requested via the Thunder a statement from Russell Westbrook about Nick Collison’s retirement. This is that statement (edited for content): “F****** LEGEND!!!”
— Brett Dawson (@BDawsonWrites) May 11, 2018
Though perhaps not quite on the level of Michael Jordan’s iconic “I’m back,” the simple two-word statement perfectly sums up the kind of teammate that Collison was. The 37-year-old may have only averaged 5.9 points and 5.2 rebounds a game for his career, but his loyalty to the team and his willingness to do whatever was asked of him will remembered far beyond that.
As for Russ, who has been teammates with Collison since being drafted in 2008, it’s a fitting tribute to his brother in battle and in Halloween hijinks.
