Shai Gilgeous-Alexander understands OKC's love for Westbrook: 'Russ is [their] baby'

Zero jealousy revolves around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Russell Westbrook. Both era-defining NBA superstars are content with sharing the spotlight. Despite their youthful franchise history, the Oklahoma City Thunder have already seen their fair share of absolute basketball rockstars rock the rims in their nearly two decades.

Many view Gilgeous-Alexander as Westbrook's successor. A symbolic passing of the torch happened in July 2019. One arrived via trade while the other was dealt. Gilgeous-Alexander is viewed as the best and greatest Thunder player ever. But it wasn't that long ago that Westbrook held both sentimental titles. Still, he'll forever be OKC's first NBA superstar.

After Westbrook announced his NBA retirement this past August, the

entire basketball world showered him with compliments. Both active players and all-time legends voiced their two cents' worth of praise for the future Hall-of-Famer. Gilgeous-Alexander is the latest.

Unlike the other prominent NBA voices, Gilgeous-Alexander can relate to Westbrook in sitting on the Thunder throne. They know the ins and outs of the OKC organization. The two-time MVP understands why the triple-double machine is so beloved by the small-market fanbase nearly a decade after he initially left.

"Russ is Oklahoma's baby, so I don't think there'll ever be another. He was their first guy. You feel him in the streets. Russ is everywhere," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "He's a pioneer for what we stand on. It's hard to even compare. But yeah, hats off to Russ and his career. It was amazing. It was beautiful and hopefully, we all get to that level of inspiration with him."

Westbrook enjoyed his first 11 seasons on the Thunder. That's where he had his best years. Both individually and on a team level. The former MVP winner completely shattered the mythos surrounding the triple-double accolade in OKC. He was also a perennial All-NBA member and All-Star. Oh, and he co-starred in several deep playoff runs.

The Thunder are going to eventually retire Westbrook's No. 0 jersey. And don't be surprised if a statue is built by the time the Continental Coliseum is open for the 2028-29 season. Still the Thunder franchise record for most stats, Gilgeous-Alexander fully embraces Westbrook being as beloved as him.

There's beauty in that, for sure. Especially in such a compare-and-contrast, envious business that the NBA is. To have that mindset, you have to have an authentic love of the game and the special connections it nurtures from a franchise player to their respective fanbase.

SGA on Russell Westbrook: “Russ is like Oklahoma's baby, so I don't think there'll ever be another. He was their first guy. You feel him in the streets. Russ is everywhere. He’s a pioneer for what we stand on.” pic.twitter.com/N5UjEfSCvT

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 5, 2026

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander understands OKC's love for Westbrook: 'Russ is [their] baby'