Russell Westbrook’s anger over Paul George being left off the All-Star team made a huge impression on his teammate.
The reserves for the All-Star team were revealed on Tuesday, and George was left off the squad in what many viewed as one of the biggest snubs. After Oklahoma City’s win over the Brooklyn Nets later that night, Westbrook went to bat for George and called the snub “outrageous” and “unbelievable.”
Russell Westbrook calls it “unbelievable” and “outrageous” that Paul George didn’t make the All-Star Game. pic.twitter.com/CbeZNXRBmL
— Brett Dawson (@BDawsonWrites) January 24, 2018
A day later, George told ESPN’s Rachel Nichols that the support from Westbrook felt great.
“Russ is the reason why this decision is becoming even more easier to make, is the character Russ [has],” George said on Wednesday. “A stand up guy, and he has his teammate’s back.
“It was awesome for a teammate to have your back and to stand up. And to be honest, he should be a starter. He’s been the MVP, been the best player at his position. He should’ve been a starter. But that’s another story. But the fact Russ had my back, that’s my guy forever, and it’s more apparent what this decision needs to be made when it comes down to it.”
It’s looking more and more like Thunder GM Sam Presti’s gamble to trade for George without a guarantee that he would remain with the team longterm will pay off. He already got Westbrook to sign a long-term extension, and now it sounds like George may commit to the team longterm. That is how to build a team.
